WIPO Global Awards 2026

The WIPO Global Awards 2026 is an international competition and acceleration program organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The Awards recognize innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs that strategically use intellectual property (IP) to grow their businesses and create meaningful economic, social, cultural, or environmental impact.

Open to companies from all economic sectors and from all WIPO Member States, the program highlights businesses that successfully transform ideas into commercial ventures through strong IP strategies, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, or trade secrets.

Selected winners benefit from global visibility within the UN–WIPO network, a tailored six-month mentorship program focused on IP commercialization and business development, access to investors and strategic partners, and an invitation to the Awards Ceremony held during the WIPO Assemblies in Geneva. While no direct financial funding is provided, the Awards offer high-value strategic support, international recognition, and long-term growth opportunities for innovative and creative enterprises worldwide.