GENEVA - The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Awards 2025 competition opened with a call for applications from startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and university spinouts that use intellectual property (IP) to drive economic growth and improve societies, a press release stated by WIPO. 

Launched in 2022, the Global Awards celebrate enterprises using IP not only for business success, but also as a catalyst for economic and social impact. Winners benefit from exclusive mentoring to enhance their use of IP as a strategic asset—encompassing IP commercialization, fundraising, partnership building, publicity support, and more.

From January 15, 2025, the WIPO Global Awards 2025 are seeking applications from startups, SMEs, university spinouts and other smaller enterprises from across business sectors, including health, environment, creativity, agrifood, and information and communication technology (ICT). The application period ends March 31, 2025.

An independent jury of experts will select ten winning enterprises, which will be announced during an awards ceremony during the WIPO Assemblies in July 2025 at WIPO’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. New this year, special recognition will be given to award winners that are led by women and youth entrepreneurs.

“The WIPO Global Awards showcase how intellectual property empowers companies to bring to the market great products, while tackling local and global challenges and improving lives. In 2025, we’re proud to deepen our commitment to inclusivity and innovation by recognizing outstanding women and youth entrepreneurs among the winners as part of the competition. These new special mentions reflect WIPO’s vision for a future where everyone, everywhere, benefits from IP-driven solutions. Please apply and join the global movement of WIPO Global Award change-makers.” WIPO Director General Daren Tang said. 

The Awards aim to encourage the commercialization of IP assets by showcasing winning inventors, creators and entrepreneurs using IP to achieve their business goals, generate income, create jobs, and tackle local and global challenges, and support community and national development.