Key points:
- The WIPO Global Awards as a business acceleration program, not just a prize
- How startups use IP strategically to enter new markets and attract investment
- Tailored mentorship focused on growth, partnerships, and commercialization
- Why WIPO is evolving from an award into a global support ecosystem
What is the WIPO Global Awards about?
Victoria Smaniotto-Piatti: The WIPO Global Awards is a global business acceleration program for innovative startups and SMEs that use intellectual property strategically. At its core, the program reflects WIPO’s broader mission to make intellectual property a practical lever for economic development and competitiveness. Of course, there is recognition and visibility – and that matters. But the Awards are not just about celebrating innovation. They are about helping companies grow. The ambition is to move beyond symbolic recognition and focus on tangible business outcomes. Each year, we select high-potential companies from around the world across different sectors (health, environment, agrifood, creative industries, ICT). What distinguishes them is not only the quality of their innovation, but how they use IP - patents, trademarks, designs, etc. - as a strategic business tool. This strategic use of IP is what enables companies to scale, compete internationally, and attract partners or investors. And once they are selected, the real work begins.
What do you actually offer?
Victoria Smaniotto-Piatti: There are two main pillars. The first is tailored mentorship for the winners. This is where the acceleration dimension of the program is most visible. Each winner receives around 20 hours of customized strategic support. We define two or three concrete objectives with them: entering a new market, refining their IP commercialization model, preparing for investment, structuring partnerships, or strengthening their positioning internationally. The support is highly targeted and adapted to each company’s specific growth stage and ambitions. It’s important to stress: this is not about filing more patents. It’s about leveraging IP to scale : to access capital, negotiate better partnerships, and expand internationally. IP is treated as a business asset, not a legal end in itself. Is 20 hours enough to transform a company? Of course not. But it can be catalytic. It can unlock the next strategic step. The second pillar is ecosystem access, and this extends beyond winners to all finalists. This reflects the program’s inclusive approach and its focus on long-term impact. We connect them to a curated global network of sector-specific partners: accelerators, investor networks, innovation hubs, and technical platforms. Throughout the year, we circulate targeted business opportunities, facilitate introductions, and create visibility moments. Many of these connections continue well beyond the Awards cycle. So the Awards become an operational platform for international growth, not just a ceremony.
How long has the program been running?
Victoria Smaniotto-Piatti: This is our fifth year, and every edition has strengthened the acceleration dimension. The program has evolved significantly based on participant feedback and lessons learned. We started as an award program. The long-term goal is to accompany innovative, IP-driven companies at critical moments in their growth journey. We are increasingly becoming a global support ecosystem.
R2GConnect: Thank you for this insights, Victoria.
If you’re a digital health startup using IP to drive real-world impact, you can apply to WIPO Global Awards 2026 through WIPO’s open call by March 31, 2026. More information here