Launched for the first time in 2026 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), this award is bestowed on visionary cities – not for what they have already accomplished – but for the bold pledges they make to foster innovation and creativity over the coming year.
The award is open to cities across all 194 WIPO Member States. Its aim is to acknowledge the efforts of mayors and other city leaders striving to ignite change in their cities. Change designed to drive innovation, unlock citizens’ creative potential, foster active participation in shaping their communities’ future and inspiring other municipalities to do the same.
The award provides an opportunity to spotlight cities that are beacons of innovation and creativity. It also serves to acknowledge all involved, whether you are a mayor championing your city’s creative future, or an innovator, startup, artist or community organization ready to work with city leaders and inspire participation.
Applications are open from April 1 to June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (CEST).
How to apply to the WIPO City of Innovation awards?
The WIPO City of Innovation award program is open to all cities in WIPO Member States with a limit of three cities per Member State. We encourage cities of all sizes to apply.
To apply, cities must follow these steps:
Complete the online application form in one of the six UN languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) with a pledge to champion innovation and creativity during a 12-month period, providing a clear vision on how your pledge will create nurturing environments for local innovation and creativity with a lasting impact.
Get the application form signed off by a duly authorized city representative (e.g. the mayor, governor, head of the city).
Submit a PDF copy of the online application form to WIPO by June 30, 2026 via your country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva or, where no such Permanent Mission exists, via your Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Why should your city apply to become a WIPO City of Innovation?
Selected cities receive a comprehensive recognition package designed to maximize the impact of their pledges and provide lasting recognition of their commitment to innovation excellence.
- Trophy: Winners receive a symbolic, specially crafted trophy.
- International spotlight: Cities gain exposure at the award ceremony and city representatives have the opportunity to network with innovation policymakers and the international intellectual property (IP) community. Travel expenses are covered for one city representative.
- Professional content creation: WIPO’s expert media team will work with you to document your city’s innovation initiatives in action and how pledges are being realized. The resulting content, if suitable, will be featured on select WIPO platforms and made available for your own use.
- Permanent city recognition: Winners receive the exclusive right to produce and display the official commemorative WIPO City of Innovation plaque in their cities. WIPO provides complete design specifications, while cities retain full discretion over placement and installation to maximize local impact and visibility.