The 2026 Women and IP Symposium takes place May 11 to 13, 2026, at WIPO headquarters in Geneva and online. This fourth edition , builds on the success of the 2025 edition hosted by WIPO, and the 2023 and 2024 editions hosted by the USPTO.
This year’s Symposium reflects WIPO's commitment to working with IP and innovation offices and governments to strengthen and advance women’s participation in IP and innovation, as outlined in WIPO’s strategy on IP in support of women and girls, the IP and Gender Action Plan (IPGAP). The 2026 Symposium continues to provide a platform for IP and innovation offices to advance their knowledge, collaboration, and practical actions to support women innovators and creators around the world.
This year, interpretation is available in the six official UN languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).
Program highlights
Held over three days, the Symposium features a series of in-depth discussions on key themes such as:
- Using data and evidence to better measure and understand women’s participation in IP and innovation
- Designing inclusive policies and programs that support women innovators and entrepreneurs
- Career development, leadership, and inclusive workplace cultures within IP offices
- IP education and capacity-building for women and girls
- Foresight and strategic planning to build more inclusive IP systems for the future
- Youth engagement initiatives to inspire and equip young women and girls to learn about IP and understand its role in creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship
- Communication and outreach strategies to reach communities underrepresented in IP
- Public–private partnerships to strengthen inclusive innovation ecosystems
Additionally, the Symposium also explores how IP and innovation agencies can support women in emerging technologies, including AI and the digital economy, and opportunities to build IP awareness and foster inclusive growth in these rapidly evolving fields.
- Program [PDF]
May 11 to 13, 2026
Registration
All representatives from IPOs and governmental agencies who have received an invitation are requested to complete the online registration form, for both online and in-person participation. Registration is mandatory for participation, regardless of the chosen attendance format.
The Symposium takes place at WIPO headquarters in Geneva and features a hybrid format. Interpretation is available in the six official UN languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).