Information about accepting applications for the WIPO Global Awards 2026

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - a specialized agency of the United Nations in the field of innovation and creativity, has announced the start of accepting applications for participation in the WIPO Global Awards 2026.

From January 15 to March 31, 2026, startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from all over the world, representing all sectors of the economy, are invited to submit applications and demonstrate how they use intellectual property (IP) objects to scale their businesses and create real socio-economic impact.

Awards of 2026 In 2026

11 companies will be awarded, including:

10 winners from various sectors of the economy (healthcare, agro-food sector, ecology, creative industries, information and communication technologies, etc.);

1 thematic award: «SMEs in the field of sports» in accordance with the theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2026;

2 special nominations: «The Best female Entrepreneur» and «The best Young Entrepreneur».

Features of the award

The WIPO Global Awards are unique because they celebrate companies that use intellectual property rights as a strategic growth asset, regardless of industry, business scale, or country of origin.

The winners of the competition receive:

• International recognition and promotion through the WIPO network and the UN system;
• An individual six-month mentoring program on commercialization of intellectual property assets and business strategy development;
• Establishing contacts with investors, corporations, government and international institutions, as well as business communities;
• Invitation to the award ceremony in Geneva within the framework of the WIPO Assemblies (with the participation of representatives of 194 States).

Applications are accepted in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Russian.

Detailed information and the application form are available at:
https://www.wipo.int/en/web/awards/global