WIPO has officially opened the call for applications for the WIPO Global Awards 2026, a high-profile program recognizing startups and SMEs that successfully transform intellectual property into competitive advantage, sustainable growth, and tangible economic value. This is far more than a symbolic award: selected companies gain access to tailored strategic mentorship, global visibility before investors, corporations, and public authorities from 194 countries, and an ecosystem designed to scale innovation-driven businesses.
The 2026 edition broadens its scope with the introduction of a new Sports category, while maintaining special recognitions for women entrepreneurs and young leaders, reinforcing a clear message: well-structured Intellectual Property is not a defensive regulatory requirement, but a strategic asset that accelerates expansion, facilitates access to capital, and strengthens positioning in global markets. For companies with regional or international ambitions, the WIPO Global Awards operate as an institutional quality seal, opening doors that rarely open on product or technology alone.
