The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) invites you to its 2024 Global Awards competition, inviting applications from small businesses and startups that use intellectual property (IP) to drive enterprise growth as well as positive societal impact.
Enterprises from all business sectors, based anywhere in the world, that meet application criteria may submit an application between January 15 and March 31, 2024. Winners will be announced in July 2024.
What awaits the finalists and winners?
Finalists and winners receive international promotion, recognition, and visibility through various platforms.
Winners are invited to attend the awards ceremony and other networking events in Geneva, Switzerland. Travel expenses covered.
Winners will be presented with a personalized mentorship program.
So how do you go about nominating your business?
SME participants must be established in one of the 193 WIPO member states and furthermore also meet these four requirements:
- Your business is a registered business entity. Proof of registration is required.
- Your business is a holder of at least one registered IP right.
- Your business has no more than 300 employees and up to 15 millions dollars of total annual sales.
- Your business is exporting its products or services to at least one country.
Start-ups can also be nominated. See the requirements on the website of WIPO.
There are three evaluation criteria: ‘IP Commercialization & Business Pitch of Startups’,‘Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ and ‘Diversity and inclusiveness’. For more information and to self-nominate up to and including 31 March 2024 visit the WIPO website.
Who is organising the awards?
The WIPO Global Awards is an annual competition in which businesses from all over the world can take part. WIPO – the World Intellectual Property Organisation – launched the Global Awards in 2022. The awards aim to shine the spotlight on and reward entrepreneurs who make smart use of their intellectual property rights to do business successfully. With these awards WIPO also aims to ensure that innovation is supported inclusively throughout the world.