The WIPO Global Awards (WIPO Global Awards) were launched by the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2022 for small and medium-sized enterprises. The WIPO Global Awards are one of the most prestigious industry awards in the field of IP and innovation worldwide.
Each year, the Awards recognize small businesses, start-ups and university spin-offs that have excelled in the use of IP-enabled innovation and creativity to achieve business goals and improve society. In particular, the focus is on companies that excel in three areas: transforming research and ideas into successful commercial enterprises; business growth through IP strategy; Develop innovations that contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fellows will receive a tailored mentorship program to facilitate further commercialization of IP-backed innovations and creations and to open up new sources of financing.
Applications for the 2025 WIPO Global Awards will close on March 31. The award is open to companies from all over the world. Representatives of the winning companies will be invited to attend the award ceremony at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in July 2025.
Eligibility of small and medium-sized enterprises
The Incentive Program is open to all SMEs located in at least one of WIPO's 193 Member States and who:
1. The business is a registered business entity. Proof of registration is required.
2. Employees of up to 300 and gross annual sales of $15 million or less.
3. Have at least one registered intellectual property right.
4. Export products or services to at least one country.
Eligibility for start-ups
The Incentive Program is open to all start-ups located in at least one of WIPO's 193 Member States that meet the following criteria:
1. The start-up is a registered business entity that has been in existence for no more than three years under the law. Proof of registration is required.
2. No more than 50 employees and no more than $15 million in gross annual sales.
3. The start-up has an innovative product or service related to IP.
4. The start-up has submitted at least one application for registration of intellectual property rights and/or is the holder of at least one registered intellectual property rights.
5. The start-up is affiliated with a business support organization, such as an incubator, accelerator, or similar entity. Proof of affiliation is required.
6. The start-up has secured a partnership with at least one business client, completed a commercial sale, or secured an investor.
Award-winning corporate benefits
1. Travel to Geneva to attend award ceremonies and special events (financed in accordance with WIPO rules).
2. Receive a trophy specially designed for the Programme.
3. Access to targeted IP guidance (taking into account the winner's business background and specific needs on a case-by-case basis).
4. In addition, the winners will be promoted, promoted and recognized through award ceremonies, dedicated webpages, WIPO media and other external media related to WIPO. In the 2025 awards program, a "Special Mention Award" will be established to recognize and reward the best women entrepreneurs and young entrepreneurs in 2025. Winners will be selected by the WIPO Global Awards jury from among the CEOs/founders of the winning companies, and the jury will select them on the basis of the same criteria established for the competition.
Filing route and timeline
Each candidate can only submit one application. Entrants can only submit their candidacy in one of the two categories eligible for the award scheme (i.e. SMEs or start-ups).
Applications for the 2025 WIPO Global Awards will close on March 31, 2025. During this period, any eligible business can file online.
Official channels of the World Intellectual Property Organization:
Declaration instructions: https://www.wipo.int/zh/web/awards/global/how-to-apply
Declaration page: https://global-awards.wipo.int/
Schedule:
January-March 2025: Application period
April-May 2025: Finalists will be selected
June 2025: Winners and Special Mentions will be selected
July 2025: Awards ceremony and special event in Geneva to publicly announce the winners
