FAQs on the WIPO Global Awards

Who can apply to the WIPO Global Awards?

The competition is open to SMEs in WIPO's 193 Member States. Pursuant to the definition of the World Bank, SMEs are those “enterprises that encompass up to 300 employees and up to 15 US$ millions of total annual sales”.

The annual competition is open for self-nomination to applicants from around the world and from all industries. The inaugural phase has started with enterprises, but there are two other award categories planned for women and youth.

The nomination process seeks to identify inventors, creators and entrepreneurs using intellectual property (IP) rights to achieve their business goals and whose skills, technological developments, and creative content contribute to progress and improve other people’s lives.

Do you have to pay to enter the WIPO Global Awards?

The WIPO Global Awards is a free competition, participants will not be charged.

How many ways are there to apply to the WIPO Global Awards?

The only way to apply is to complete the online form.

What are the benefits of applying to the WIPO Global Awards?

International promotion, recognition, and visibility for all participants.
Winners are invited to attend the awards ceremony in Geneva Switzerland and other networking events.
Winners are accompanied in a personalized mentorship program to achieve new business goals and facilitate access to funding and partnership opportunities.

Are copyright and related rights holders invited to apply to the WIPO Global Awards?

Yes, and widely welcomed.

What is the evaluation criteria for the WIPO Global Awards?

Successful commercialization of IP

The SME demonstrate an understanding and ability to use IP rights (or a combination of such rights) to protect, manage, and commercialize innovative products, services, and/or creative content as well as other intangible assets such as data, to achieve business and/or corporate objectives beyond their home country.

Green farming, a positive impact on society and a winning criteria of the WIPO Global Awards

Positive contribution on society

The SME's existing/potential positive contribution at the economic, social, and cultural levels, including but not limited to issues of environment, inclusiveness, and gender.

Diversity of the WIPO Global Awards contenders

Diversity of the award contenders

In the selection process, the jury will follow an approach that upholds inclusiveness and diversity related to geographical representation and level of development of country of origin of the contenders.

Who selects the winners of the WIPO Global Awards?

Award winners are selected by a diverse, independent international jury with a unique expertise in IP, innovation, the creative industries, investment and business.

What is the application and selection process of the WIPO Global Awards?

The process includes four different stages:

1st step of a WIPO Global Awards entry: the application

1. Application period
(Opens in January of each year)

During the application period, an online form will be made available in the seven UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish).

Participants should explain in particular how they have used IP rights to leverage corporate success, including the economic/social/cultural contribution, and the efforts made to promote gender equality and development challenges.

Helpful tips:

Sharing of confidential information is not required.
Best if completed by the CEO and/or management head of the enterprise.

2nd step of a WIPO Global Awards entry: the shortlisting of nominees

2. Public announcement of finalists in the running to become winners
(May of each year)

The WIPO Secretariat will draw a shortlist of up to 25 finalists from all applications received on time.

The 25 finalists will be announced on the WIPO media outlets to provide recognition and visibility.

3rd step of a WIPO Global Awards entry: the winners selection

3. International jury selects winners
(June of each year)

WIPO assembles an international jury of high-level personalities renowned for their achievement on the global scene, with knowledge of IP, representing various fields from technology, business, creative industries, investment, and innovation.

Winners will be notified directly to make further arrangements.

4th step of a WIPO Global Awards entry: the awards ceremony attendance

4. Awards Ceremony in Geneva
(July of each year)

Public announcement of winners.

The winners, members of the jury, sponsors, mentors and other high level participants will be invited to join the Awards Ceremony in Geneva, to be held as a special event of the WIPO General Assembly.

When will winners of the WIPO Global Awards 2023 be notified?

Winners will be notified directly in private a few weeks before the awards ceremony, where winners will be announced to the general public.

Is the expense for the WIPO Global Awards winners to travel to Geneva covered by the program?

Yes, flight and a daily allowance will be provided for winners to attend the awards ceremony.

Disclaimer:
WIPO reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disregard any submission that does not comply with the present Rules or, in the opinion of the WIPO, has been entered fraudulently, abusively or that may be contrary to the good name or reputation of the WIPO.

Download the WIPO Global Awards rules for more information.