Finalists of WIPO Global Awards 2026 Announced

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has recently announced the finalists for its 2026 edition of WIPO Global Awards, recognising 33 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups that successfully use intellectual property (IP) to drive business growth while generating positive economic and societal values.

The finalists, selected from 1,300 applications submitted by companies spanning 126 countries, were grouped into six categories: Environment, Health, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Food and Agriculture, Creative Industries, and Sports – a new category in response to the 2026 World Intellectual Property Day theme of "IP and Sports". The selection was based on strength of the business case, the IP strategy, and the potential for impact towards a better society.

Shortlisted companies will join the WIPO Global Awards Alumni Community, gaining access to investor and accelerator matchmaking, expert talks on IP strategy, and personalised recommendations for exclusive events and opportunities.

The winners of the Awards, to be selected by an international jury of global entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, will be announced on 10 July 2026 during the WIPO Assemblies in Geneva.