WIPO has opened the 2023 edition of its Global Awards program, seeking small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) candidates from around the world that use intellectual property (IP)-backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner to achieve business goals and improve society.

WIPO's Global Awards 2023 are open to SME applicants of the entire range of business activity - the creative industries, local and international brands, innovative technological providers and all others. 

Daren Tang, WIPO Director General, says “WIPO's Global Awards program recognizes enterprises and individuals that bring great new products and services to market, creating jobs that support communities, while improving our world through their work. Our hope is that in recognizing the IP-centered achievements of SMEs, we will encourage greater numbers of businesses and entrepreneurs to use IP strategically in taking their ideas to market.”

The Global Awards "are a way to amplify the importance of intellectual property as an asset. And the only concern I have for those in Africa or anywhere in the developing world, for that matter, is not to be afraid to thrive,” says Julius Akinyemi of Nigeria, awards juror and Entrepreneur In Residence at the MIT Media Lab.

“Young entrepreneurs ought to want to be competing for this. It's a great way to get recognized. But in addition to that, it's a mechanism that can help them grow whatever trade they have,” says jury member Dr. Amin Badr-El-Din, of Jordan, a strategist and investor.

“All inventors out there, I have a secret, you know, that the world is much smaller than you think and your idea is much bigger than you think. So bring your idea to our competition and see how your invention can go global,” says Karoli Hindriks, of Estonia, an awards juror and startup founder.

The competition – free of any charge – is now open for self-nomination to SMEs from around the world and from all industries.

The application period is from January 16 to March 31, 2023.

Please scan the following QR code to apply for the 2023 WIPO Global Awards.

An independent jury of renowned experts will select up to seven winners from a shortlist of 20 nominees based on a range of criteria, including the successful commercialization of IP and its positive contribution to society. Diversity of the contenders is also considered.

Winners will receive:

A tailored 1:1 mentoring package to support their IP strategies

Support to facilitate access to funding and business opportunities

Receiving their awards at a ceremony at WIPO's Geneva headquarters during WIPO's General Assembly in July 2023 

International promotion, recognition and visibility

About WIPO's Global Awards

WIPO Global Awards, which held its first competition in 2022 and awarded five firms from around the world, celebrates exceptional enterprises and individuals making smart use of intellectual property for commercialization while also bringing a positive contribution to society through their innovation and creativity.

The annual competition is open for self-nomination to applicants from around the world and from all industries. The inaugural phase has started with enterprises, but other award categories are planned in the future, including for women and youth.

Source: WIPO Office in China