How to Apply to the WIPO Global Awards 2027

The WIPO Global Awards recognize exceptional startups and SMEs from all sectors who use Intellectual Property (IP) to drive business growth and societal impact. If your company leverages patents, trademarks, designs, copyright, or other IP assets, you may be eligible for this United Nations–based distinction.

This page explains how to apply, the eligibility criteria, how finalists and winners are selected, who the jury is, and what the jury looks for in strong applications.

Applicants are invited to review the official Rules of the Competition  for full details on eligibility, evaluation and award procedures.

Who can apply?

The WIPO Global Awards are open to Startups and SMEs from all WIPO Member States (194 countries).

Eligibility criteria

  • It is a registered business entity. Proof of registration is required
  • It has a maximum of 300 staff.
  • It has a maximum annual revenue of USD 15 million.
  • It offers an innovative product or service associated with IP assets.
  • It holds at least one registered (for SMEs) or pending (for startups) IP right.
  • It demonstrates commercial traction (e.g., a secured partner, client or investor).
No application fees. Open to all sectors.

Awards structure

The WIPO Global Awards grant 10 awards and 2 special mentions. You submit one application, and it is considered for every category you are eligible for.

6 Awards by sector

  • Health
  • Environment
  • Agrifood
  • Creative Industries
  • ICT and Automation
  • World IP Day theme: Fashion (2027)

4 Awards by economy

Starting a company in an economy with limited access to funding, IP support or large markets is not the same as starting one in an established innovation hub. These awards take this into account, with one award per World Bank income level, so companies compete with peers in similar contexts.

2 Special Mentions

  • Best Woman Entrepreneur
  • Best Youth Entrepreneur (under 35)

Both are selected among the founders of winning companies.

Roadmap to the Awards

The process includes four different stages:

1. Application Period

JANUARY 15 – MARCH 15

  • Online form with evaluation questions
  • Available in 6 languages
  • Possibility to upload supporting documents

2. Announcement of Finalists

SECOND WEEK OF MAY
  • Pre-screening by WIPO Secretariat
  • Expert review to select 30 finalists
  • Finalists receive a Seal of Finalist and a certificate
  • Finalists become part of the WIPO Global Awards Alumni Community and gain access to selected benefits offered by Ecosystem Partners, including visibility, networking, and support opportunities.

3. International Jury Deliberations

END OF MAY
  • Jury selects 10 winners
  • Winners are informed at least one month before the ceremony

4. Awards Ceremony & Prizes

JULY (DURING THE WIPO GENERAL ASSEMBLIES)
  • Ceremony in Geneva
  • Workshops and mentoring onboarding

Evaluation criteria

The evaluation is based on three pillars:

Business case & IP portfolio

How your product / service fits in the market and how well your IP protects it.

IP commercialization strategy

How you use your IP rights to commercialize your work at the regional / international level.

Impact for a better society

How your work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and contributes to economic, social, cultural and environmental development.

International Jury

The winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation by an independent international jury composed of high-profile individuals recognized for their global achievements.
The panel reflects diversity across geography, gender, age, culture, language, and industry, ensuring a fair and inclusive assessment process.

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A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

Tips to apply

To help you prepare strong and competitive answers, keep in mind the following guidance:

Be factual and specific

  • Back claims with evidence: figures, names, results.
  • Give concrete examples.
  • Edit any AI-drafted text for precision.

Keep it focused

  • Show how IP drives growth, beyond protection.
  • Focus on one business line.
  • Avoid sensitive information, or mark it “confidential.”

Do you have a question about the WIPO Global Awards?

Do you need guidance, have a specific question, or want to explore how the WIPO Global Awards can support your business?