The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announced the Global Awards 2026

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has officially announced the Global Awards 2026. The competition aims to celebrate startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that use various intellectual property assets to achieve success. 

Participation in the competition is free of charge and is open to all types of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises from around the world: from the sectors of Health and Food & Agriculture – to Environment, Creative Industries and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The participants are given an opportunity to demonstrate how they use various forms of Intellectual Property – copyright, trademarks, patents and other IP assets to drive business growth and support innovations.

Electronic applications may be submitted by March 31, 2026. Applications are accepted in the WIPO working languages (English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese).

In 2026, within the WIPO Global Awards Program, awards will be granted to 11 companies. This includes 10 winners selected across all sectors of economy, and 1 thematic winner – a   small and medium-sized enterprise in the category of “Sports”, aligned with the World  IP Day theme: Sports. In addition, winners of two special mentions will be awarded for the “Best Woman Entrepreneur” and “Best Youth Entrepreneur”.

What makes the WIPO Global Awards unique is that they reward companies that use intellectual property rights not only as a legal tool, but also as a strategic foundation for growth, competitiveness and long-term development, regardless of industry or geographic location. 

The winners will gain global recognition and visibility through the WIPO and the UN network;  a customized 6-month mentorship on IP commercialization and business strategy; access to investors, corporates, international institutions and business networks; invitation to the Awards ceremony, which will be held in Geneva, within the WIPO Assemblies.

The Global Awards Program was first launched in 2022 and over the short period  has become one of the most prestigious international platforms which promotes effective use of intellectual property, commercialization of innovations and sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Additional information regarding the competition can be found on the official website of WIPO:https://www.wipo.int/en/web/awards/global/how-to-apply