Kiri
| Dokumendiregister | Justiits- ja Digiministeerium |
| Viit | 7-2/319 |
| Registreeritud | 15.01.2026 |
| Sünkroonitud | 16.01.2026 |
| Liik | Sissetulev kiri |
| Funktsioon | 7 EL otsustusprotsessis osalemine ja rahvusvaheline koostöö |
| Sari | 7-2 Rahvusvahelise koostöö korraldamisega seotud kirjavahetus (Arhiiviväärtuslik) |
| Toimik | 7-2/2026 |
| Juurdepääsupiirang | Avalik |
| Juurdepääsupiirang | |
| Adressaat | WIPO |
| Saabumis/saatmisviis | WIPO |
| Vastutaja | Kärt Nemvalts (Justiits- ja Digiministeerium, Kantsleri vastutusvaldkond, Õiguspoliitika valdkond, Õiguspoliitika osakond, Intellektuaalse omandi ja konkurentsiõiguse talitus) |
| Originaal | Ava uues aknas |
Failid
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga. |
Dear Sir or Madam,
We are pleased to announce that the WIPO Global Awards 2026 are now open for applications.
From 15 January to 31 March, startups and SMEs from all around the world and all economic sectors are invited to apply and showcase how they use intellectual property (IP) to scale their business and create real-world impact.
In 2026, 11 companies will be recognized:
- 10 winners across all sectors of the economy (from health and agrifood, to environment, creative industries, and ICT)
- 1 Thematic Prize: SME in Sports, in line with the theme of World IP Day 2026
- 2 Special Mentions: Best Woman Entrepreneur and Best Youth Entrepreneur
What makes the WIPO Global Awards unique is that they reward companies who use IP rights as a strategic asset for growth, across any industry, anywhere in the world.
Winners receive (benefit):
- Global visibility through the WIPO-UN network system
- A tailored 6-month mentorship program on IP assets commercialization and business strategy
- Connections to investors, corporates, institutions, and business networks
- An invitation to the Awards Ceremony during the WIPO Assemblies in Geneva
To support you in sharing this opportunity with your network, you will find:
An e-mail (below) that you can share with the startups and SMEs in your network
A PDF brochure (attached)
A Social Media Kit with visuals, animations, videos and post suggestions
We remain at your disposal for any questions and look forward to receiving applications from your country.
Best regards,
Marcelo Di Pietro
Director WIPO Awards
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
---
Apply Now: WIPO Global Awards 2026 open for startups and SMEs worldwide
Optional subtitle: The UN Awards for innovative and creative businesses that turn IP into real-world value.
Whether you protect your brand with trademarks, copyright your creative works, or hold patents on inventions, this is your chance to be recognized on a global stage.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the UN agency for Innovation and Creativity, has opened applications for the WIPO Global Awards 2026, a competition celebrating startups and SMEs that use intellectual property (IP) to grow their business and generate positive impact.
Entrepreneurs from all industries and all regions of the world can apply between 15 January and 31 March 2026.
Applications are accepted in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Russian.
Why apply?
- Gain international recognition through the WIPO-UN network system
- Access a customized 6-month mentorship on IP strategy, commercialization, and business growth
- Connect with investors, corporates, institutions, and business hubs worldwide
- Attend the Awards Ceremony in Geneva during the WIPO Assemblies (194 countries represented)
In 2026, 11 companies will be selected: 10 winners across all economic sectors, 1 Thematic Prize in Sports, and 2 Special Mentions (Best Woman Entrepreneur and Best Youth Entrepreneur).
To learn more or apply, visit: wipo.int/en/web/awards/global
Contact us: [email protected]
THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE, PLEASE DO NOT REPLY DIRECTLY TO THIS EMAIL
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World Intellectual Property Organization Disclaimer: This electronic message may contain privileged, confidential and copyright protected information. If you have received this e-mail by mistake, please immediately notify the sender and delete this e-mail and all its attachments. Please ensure all e-mail attachments are scanned for viruses prior to opening or using.
Classification: WIPO FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
WIPO Global Awards 2026 The UN Awards for Innovative and Creative Businesses
Presented by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the UN agency for innovation and creativity From health and digital technologies to creative industries, environmental, and agrifood innovations, these Awards celebrate startups and SMEs that: – Transform ideas into successful commercial
ventures – Achieve business growth through smart IP
strategies – Contribute to economic, social, cultural and/or
environmental development Applications open January 15 – March 31, 2026
Scan the QR code for more information
Why the WIPO Global Awards matter Celebrating on the global stage innovation, creativity, smart IP strategies and impact 10 Company Awards (5 startups & 5 SMEs) 1 New Award: SMEs in Sport (World IP Day theme) 2 Special Mentions: Best Woman Entrepreneur, Best Youth Entrepreneur
By applying, you can:
– Be recognized at the Awards ceremony in Geneva with visibility across 194 countries; attend a two- day workshop, and other exclusive events.
– Receive a six-month tailored 1:1 mentorship on IP commercialization and business development.
– Connect with investors, corporates, and innovation hubs.
– Join a prestigious community of business pioneers.
No fees.
“This award highlights how innovation, persistence, and support from the right community can turn bold ideas into solutions that empower millions and create real impact.” Aishwarya Karnataki, CEO, Glovatrix (India), Winner 2025 and Best Youth Entrepreneur 2025
How to apply
Who can apply? – Registered startups and SMEs from all 194 WIPO
Member States – With a maximum of 300 employees and $15M
annual revenue – Offering an innovative or creative product or
service protected (or in the process of being protected) through IP rights (patent, trademark, copyright, industrial design, trade secrets, etc.)
– With proven commercial traction (secured partner, business sale, or investor)
Evaluation Criteria
Roadmap to the Awards & Beyond
1. BUSINESS CASE & IP PORTFOLIO How your product/service fits in the market and how well your IP protects it.
3. IP CULTURE How much your team and company value and use IP in everyday work.
2. IP COMMERCIALIZATION STRATEGY How you use your IP rights to commercialize your work at the regional/international level.
4. IMPACT FOR A BETTER SOCIETY How your work contributes to economic, social, cultural and/or environmental development.
5. Acceleration & Strategic Business Support
6+ months
4. Announcement of Winners & Awards Ceremony
July
3. International Jury Deliberations
June
2. Announcement of Finalists
May
1. Application Period
January 15 – March 31
Success stories
Healinno Tech — Health (China) – Winner 2024
Surgical robot for minimally invasive treatment Mentorship Impact: Accelerated IP filings in the US, Europe, and Asia and saved 50% on IP budget; Secured USD 5M investment.
Flexxon — ICT (Singapore) – Winner 2023
AI-powered cybersecurity solutions Mentorship Impact: Obtained a single patent that protects their innovation across many EU countries at once; Expanded collaborations in Europe and the US.
Lactips — Environment (France) – Winner 2023
Bio-based, biodegradable plastic alternative Mentorship Impact: Strengthened IP and sustainability pitch; Raised €16M and accelerated global expansion.
Ready to apply?
Whether you protect your brand with trademarks, copyright your creative works, or hold patents on inventions, this is your chance to be recognized on a global stage.
wipo.int/en/web/awards/global Applications open January 15 – March 31, 2026 Contact: [email protected]
Photos: W IPO
/ E. Berrod
From: Merily Kask <[email protected]>
Sent: Thu, 15 Jan 2026 07:49:13 +0000
To: Kristi Kraavi-Käerdi <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: WIPO: Call for Applications – 2026 WIPO Global Awards Now Open
Tere
Edastan saabunud e-maili!
Parimate soovidega
Merily Kask
referent | välismajanduse ja arengukoostöö valdkond
+372 637 7200
Välisministeerium
Islandi väljak 1 | 15049 Tallinn
*** TÄHELEPANU *** See e-kiri (kaasa arvatud manused) on mõeldud ainult e-kirja adressaatidele ning võib sisaldada ametialaseks kasutamiseks ettenähtud teavet. Teavet ei tohi ilma saatja selgelt väljendatud loata edasi saata ega mistahes viisil kõrvalistele isikutele avaldada. Juhul, kui Te olete saanud käesoleva e-kirja eksituse tõttu, palun teavitage sellest kohe saatjat ning kustutage e-kiri oma arvutist.
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From: VMinfo <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2026 9:39 AM
To: Merily Kask <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: WIPO: Call for Applications – 2026 WIPO Global Awards Now Open
From: E-documents <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2026 8:52 AM
To: E-documents <[email protected]>
Subject: WIPO: Call for Applications – 2026 WIPO Global Awards Now Open
Dear Sir or Madam,
We are pleased to announce that the WIPO Global Awards 2026 are now open for applications.
From 15 January to 31 March, startups and SMEs from all around the world and all economic sectors are invited to apply and showcase how they use intellectual property (IP) to scale their business and create real-world impact.
In 2026, 11 companies will be recognized:
- * 10 winners across all sectors of the economy (from health and agrifood, to environment, creative industries, and ICT)
- * 1 Thematic Prize: SME in Sports, in line with the theme of World IP Day 2026
- * 2 Special Mentions: Best Woman Entrepreneur and Best Youth Entrepreneur
What makes the WIPO Global Awards unique is that they reward companies who use IP rights as a strategic asset for growth, across any industry, anywhere in the world.
Winners receive (benefit):
- * Global visibility through the WIPO-UN network system
- * A tailored 6-month mentorship program on IP assets commercialization and business strategy
- * Connections to investors, corporates, institutions, and business networks
- * An invitation to the Awards Ceremony during the WIPO Assemblies in Geneva
To support you in sharing this opportunity with your network, you will find:
An e-mail (below) that you can share with the startups and SMEs in your network
A PDF brochure (attached)
A Social Media Kit with visuals, animations, videos and post suggestions
We remain at your disposal for any questions and look forward to receiving applications from your country.
Best regards,
Marcelo Di Pietro
Director WIPO Awards
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
---
Apply Now: WIPO Global Awards 2026 open for startups and SMEs worldwide
Optional subtitle: The UN Awards for innovative and creative businesses that turn IP into real-world value.
Whether you protect your brand with trademarks, copyright your creative works, or hold patents on inventions, this is your chance to be recognized on a global stage.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the UN agency for Innovation and Creativity, has opened applications for the WIPO Global Awards 2026, a competition celebrating startups and SMEs that use intellectual property (IP) to grow their business and generate positive impact.
Entrepreneurs from all industries and all regions of the world can apply between 15 January and 31 March 2026.
Applications are accepted in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Russian.
Why apply?
- * Gain international recognition through the WIPO-UN network system
- * Access a customized 6-month mentorship on IP strategy, commercialization, and business growth
- * Connect with investors, corporates, institutions, and business hubs worldwide
- * Attend the Awards Ceremony in Geneva during the WIPO Assemblies (194 countries represented)
In 2026, 11 companies will be selected: 10 winners across all economic sectors, 1 Thematic Prize in Sports, and 2 Special Mentions (Best Woman Entrepreneur and Best Youth Entrepreneur).
To learn more or apply, visit: wipo.int/en/web/awards/global
Contact us: [email protected]
THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE, PLEASE DO NOT REPLY DIRECTLY TO THIS EMAIL
Ceci est un message automatique, veuillez ne pas y répondre
Este es un mensaje automático, por favor no responda a este aviso
World Intellectual Property Organization Disclaimer: This electronic message may contain privileged, confidential and copyright protected information. If you have received this e-mail by mistake, please immediately notify the sender and delete this e-mail and all its attachments. Please ensure all e-mail attachments are scanned for viruses prior to opening or using.
Classification: WIPO FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
WIPO Global Awards 2026 The UN Awards for Innovative and Creative Businesses
Presented by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the UN agency for innovation and creativity From health and digital technologies to creative industries, environmental, and agrifood innovations, these Awards celebrate startups and SMEs that: – Transform ideas into successful commercial
ventures – Achieve business growth through smart IP
strategies – Contribute to economic, social, cultural and/or
environmental development Applications open January 15 – March 31, 2026
Scan the QR code for more information
Why the WIPO Global Awards matter Celebrating on the global stage innovation, creativity, smart IP strategies and impact 10 Company Awards (5 startups & 5 SMEs) 1 New Award: SMEs in Sport (World IP Day theme) 2 Special Mentions: Best Woman Entrepreneur, Best Youth Entrepreneur
By applying, you can:
– Be recognized at the Awards ceremony in Geneva with visibility across 194 countries; attend a two- day workshop, and other exclusive events.
– Receive a six-month tailored 1:1 mentorship on IP commercialization and business development.
– Connect with investors, corporates, and innovation hubs.
– Join a prestigious community of business pioneers.
No fees.
“This award highlights how innovation, persistence, and support from the right community can turn bold ideas into solutions that empower millions and create real impact.” Aishwarya Karnataki, CEO, Glovatrix (India), Winner 2025 and Best Youth Entrepreneur 2025
How to apply
Who can apply? – Registered startups and SMEs from all 194 WIPO
Member States – With a maximum of 300 employees and $15M
annual revenue – Offering an innovative or creative product or
service protected (or in the process of being protected) through IP rights (patent, trademark, copyright, industrial design, trade secrets, etc.)
– With proven commercial traction (secured partner, business sale, or investor)
Evaluation Criteria
Roadmap to the Awards & Beyond
1. BUSINESS CASE & IP PORTFOLIO How your product/service fits in the market and how well your IP protects it.
3. IP CULTURE How much your team and company value and use IP in everyday work.
2. IP COMMERCIALIZATION STRATEGY How you use your IP rights to commercialize your work at the regional/international level.
4. IMPACT FOR A BETTER SOCIETY How your work contributes to economic, social, cultural and/or environmental development.
5. Acceleration & Strategic Business Support
6+ months
4. Announcement of Winners & Awards Ceremony
July
3. International Jury Deliberations
June
2. Announcement of Finalists
May
1. Application Period
January 15 – March 31
Success stories
Healinno Tech — Health (China) – Winner 2024
Surgical robot for minimally invasive treatment Mentorship Impact: Accelerated IP filings in the US, Europe, and Asia and saved 50% on IP budget; Secured USD 5M investment.
Flexxon — ICT (Singapore) – Winner 2023
AI-powered cybersecurity solutions Mentorship Impact: Obtained a single patent that protects their innovation across many EU countries at once; Expanded collaborations in Europe and the US.
Lactips — Environment (France) – Winner 2023
Bio-based, biodegradable plastic alternative Mentorship Impact: Strengthened IP and sustainability pitch; Raised €16M and accelerated global expansion.
Ready to apply?
Whether you protect your brand with trademarks, copyright your creative works, or hold patents on inventions, this is your chance to be recognized on a global stage.
wipo.int/en/web/awards/global Applications open January 15 – March 31, 2026 Contact: [email protected]
Photos: W IPO
/ E. Berrod
WIPO Global Awards 2026 The UN Awards for Innovative and Creative Businesses
Presented by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the UN agency for innovation and creativity From health and digital technologies to creative industries, environmental, and agrifood innovations, these Awards celebrate startups and SMEs that: – Transform ideas into successful commercial
ventures – Achieve business growth through smart IP
strategies – Contribute to economic, social, cultural and/or
environmental development Applications open January 15 – March 31, 2026
Scan the QR code for more information
Why the WIPO Global Awards matter Celebrating on the global stage innovation, creativity, smart IP strategies and impact 10 Company Awards (5 startups & 5 SMEs) 1 New Award: SMEs in Sport (World IP Day theme) 2 Special Mentions: Best Woman Entrepreneur, Best Youth Entrepreneur
By applying, you can:
– Be recognized at the Awards ceremony in Geneva with visibility across 194 countries; attend a two- day workshop, and other exclusive events.
– Receive a six-month tailored 1:1 mentorship on IP commercialization and business development.
– Connect with investors, corporates, and innovation hubs.
– Join a prestigious community of business pioneers.
No fees.
“This award highlights how innovation, persistence, and support from the right community can turn bold ideas into solutions that empower millions and create real impact.” Aishwarya Karnataki, CEO, Glovatrix (India), Winner 2025 and Best Youth Entrepreneur 2025
How to apply
Who can apply? – Registered startups and SMEs from all 194 WIPO
Member States – With a maximum of 300 employees and $15M
annual revenue – Offering an innovative or creative product or
service protected (or in the process of being protected) through IP rights (patent, trademark, copyright, industrial design, trade secrets, etc.)
– With proven commercial traction (secured partner, business sale, or investor)
Evaluation Criteria
Roadmap to the Awards & Beyond
1. BUSINESS CASE & IP PORTFOLIO How your product/service fits in the market and how well your IP protects it.
3. IP CULTURE How much your team and company value and use IP in everyday work.
2. IP COMMERCIALIZATION STRATEGY How you use your IP rights to commercialize your work at the regional/international level.
4. IMPACT FOR A BETTER SOCIETY How your work contributes to economic, social, cultural and/or environmental development.
5. Acceleration & Strategic Business Support
6+ months
4. Announcement of Winners & Awards Ceremony
July
3. International Jury Deliberations
June
2. Announcement of Finalists
May
1. Application Period
January 15 – March 31
Success stories
Healinno Tech — Health (China) – Winner 2024
Surgical robot for minimally invasive treatment Mentorship Impact: Accelerated IP filings in the US, Europe, and Asia and saved 50% on IP budget; Secured USD 5M investment.
Flexxon — ICT (Singapore) – Winner 2023
AI-powered cybersecurity solutions Mentorship Impact: Obtained a single patent that protects their innovation across many EU countries at once; Expanded collaborations in Europe and the US.
Lactips — Environment (France) – Winner 2023
Bio-based, biodegradable plastic alternative Mentorship Impact: Strengthened IP and sustainability pitch; Raised €16M and accelerated global expansion.
Ready to apply?
Whether you protect your brand with trademarks, copyright your creative works, or hold patents on inventions, this is your chance to be recognized on a global stage.
wipo.int/en/web/awards/global Applications open January 15 – March 31, 2026 Contact: [email protected]
Photos: W IPO
/ E. Berrod