WIPO Global Awards
Image Source: WIPO
The WIPO Global Awards are among the most prestigious industry awards in the global field of intellectual property and innovation. The award was launched in 2022 by the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Each year, the awards recognize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and university spin-offs that make outstanding use of intellectual property-supported innovation and creativity to achieve business objectives and improve society.
The awards are open to startups and SMEs from all WIPO member states (194 countries).
Applications may be submitted in Arabic, Russian, French, Spanish, English, or Chinese.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
1.Must be a registered commercial entity (registration certificate required)
2.Maximum 300 employees
3.Maximum annual revenue of USD 15 million
4.Must provide innovative products or services related to intellectual property
5.Must own at least one registered intellectual property right
6.Must be active in one or more domestic or international markets
Eligibility for Startups
1.Must be a registered commercial entity (registration certificate required)
2.Maximum 300 employees
3.Maximum annual revenue of USD 15 million
4.Must provide innovative products or services related to intellectual property
5.Must have submitted at least one intellectual property application
6.Must be preparing to enter the market or in an early market stage
(e.g., pilot projects, first customers, or first contracts)
Award Structure
The WIPO Global Awards program will present:
10 Awards
(awarded to companies and categorized by industry and business maturity)
·Health (SME / Startup)
·Environment (SME / Startup)
·Creative Industries (SME / Startup)
·Food & Agriculture (SME / Startup)
·Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (SME / Startup)
2 Special Awards
(for founders, highlighting leadership and ambassadorial impact)
·Best Woman Entrepreneur
·Best Young Entrepreneur (under 35 years old)
1 New Special Award
Based on the World Intellectual Property Day theme (Sports).
Image Source: WIPO
Application Process and Timeline
Applicants may only apply under one eligible category within the award program:
·SME
·Startup
Application Method
The 2026 WIPO Global Awards application deadline is March 31, 2026.
During this period, any eligible company may submit an application online.
Official WIPO application guide:
https://www.wipo.int/zh/web/awards/global/how-to-apply
Application Portal
https://global-awards.wipo.int/
Timeline
·January 15 – March 31, 2026: Application period
·Second week of May 2026: Announcement of shortlisted candidates
·End of May 2026: Evaluation by the international jury
·July 2026: Award ceremony held in Geneva, along with workshops and mentoring programs for winners
Alliance Recommendation
As a strategic partner of WIPO in the green technology sector, the Bluetech Clean Air Alliance (BCAA) plans to recommend a number of outstanding green technology companies to participate in the Global Awards selection.
If you are interested in applying for the WIPO Global Awards and would like to receive a recommendation from the Bluetech Clean Air Alliance, please scan the QR code below to contact our staff.
More Information in Chinese:https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/WdjLygB6aNSSvtL7r0Ahjg
