How to Apply: WIPO Global Awards 2026
The WIPO Global Awards recognize exceptional startups and SMEs from all sectors who use Intellectual Property (IP) to drive business growth and societal impact. If your company leverages patents, trademarks, designs, copyright, or other IP assets, you may be eligible for this United Nations–based distinction.
This page explains how to apply, the eligibility criteria, how finalists and winners are selected, who the jury is, and what the jury looks for in strong applications.
Applicants are invited to review the official Rules of the Competition for full details on eligibility, evaluation and award procedures.
Quick access
Who can apply?
The WIPO Global Awards are open to Startups and SMEs from all WIPO Member States (194 countries).
Eligibility — SMEs
An SME must:
- Be a registered business entity (proof of registration required)
- Have a maximum of 300 employees
- Have a maximum annual revenue of USD 15 million
- Offer an innovative product or service connected to IP
- It holds at least one registered IP right
- Be active in one or several markets, domestically or internationally
Eligibility — Startups
A startup must:
- Be a registered business entity (proof of registration required)
- Have a maximum of 300 employees
- Have a maximum annual revenue of USD 15 million
- Offer an innovative product or service connected to IP
- Have filed at least one application for IP rights
- Be at pre-market or early-market stage (pilots, first clients, first contracts)
No application fees. Open to all sectors.
What do you get?
- Tailored mentorship for commercialization of innovations and creations
- Exclusive access to WIPO resources
- Global visibility and recognition
- Access to the awards ceremony and other networking events in Geneva, Switzerland. Travel expenses covered
Application Period: January 15 - March 31.
Awards structure
The WIPO Global Awards Program grants:
10 Awards (company-based, by sector and commercial maturity)
- Health (SME / Startup)
- Environment (SME / Startup)
- Creative Industries (SME / Startup)
- Food & Agriculture (SME / Startup)
- ICT (SME / Startup)
2 Special Mentions (founder-based, leadership & ambassadorial role)
- Best Woman Entrepreneur
- Best Youth Entrepreneur
New this year: An additional Award based on the World IP Day theme: Sports.
Roadmap to the Award
The process includes four different stages:
1. Application Period
January 15 – March 31
- Online form with evaluation questions
- Available in 6 languages
- Possibility to upload supporting documents
2. Announcement of Finalists
Second week of May
- Pre-screening by WIPO Secretariat
- Expert review to select 30 finalists
- Finalists receive a Seal of Excellence and a certificate
- Finalists become part of the WIPO Global Awards Alumni Community and gain access to selected benefits offered by Ecosystem Partners, including visibility, networking, and support opportunities.
3. International Jury Deliberations
End of May
- Jury selects 10 winners
- Winners are informed at least one month before the ceremony
4. Awards Ceremony & Prizes
July (during the WIPO General Assemblies)
- Ceremony in Geneva
- Workshops and mentoring onboarding
Evaluation criteria
Evaluation is based on four pillars:
Business Case & IP Portfolio
How your product / service fits in the market and how well your IP protects it.
IP Commercialization Strategy
How you use your IP rights to commercialize your work at the regional / international level.
IP Culture within the Company
How much your team and company value and use IP in everyday work.
Impact for a Better Society
How your work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and contributes to economic, social, cultural and environmental development.
Inclusiveness and diversity are also taken into consideration.
International Jury
The winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation by an independent international jury composed of high-profile individuals recognized for their global achievements.
The panel reflects diversity across geography, gender, age, culture, language, and industry, ensuring a fair and inclusive assessment process.
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A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with
a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of
formal writing, used to organize longer prose.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with
a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of
formal writing, used to organize longer prose.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with
a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of
formal writing, used to organize longer prose.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with
a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of
formal writing, used to organize longer prose.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with
a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of
formal writing, used to organize longer prose.
Tips to apply and info session recording
To help you prepare strong and competitive answers, keep in mind the following guidance:
- Be factual, specific, and evidence-based. Avoid vague claims or overly promotional language.
- Support statements with proof such as figures, contracts, clients, certifications, partnerships, press coverage, or pilot results.
- Explain clearly how your IP supports your business, competitiveness, and growth.
- Use concrete examples wherever possible: jury members value clarity and real-world evidence.
- If using AI tools, review outputs carefully to ensure they are accurate, precise, and fully aligned with your actual business and IP assets.
Questions about the Global Awards?
Do you need guidance, have a specific question, or want to explore how the WIPO Global Awards can support your business?
About the WIPO Global Awards
The WIPO Global Awards, the UN Award for inventors and creators, were launched in 2022 and are rooted in WIPO’s mission.
The Awards aim to encourage the commercialization of IP assets by rewarding inventors, creators and entrepreneurs using IP rights to achieve their business goals, generate income, create jobs, tackle local and global challenges, and support community and national development.
The annual Awards contest is organized for applicants originating from WIPO's 193 Member States and diverse economic sectors.