The WIPO Global Awards 2024 celebrate exceptional small businesses, start-ups, and university spinouts that leverage Intellectual Property (IP) to achieve business goals and create meaningful societal impact. Organized annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), these awards honor innovative organizations from 193 WIPO Member States for transforming ideas into impactful solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For 2025, the fully funded awards program introduces special mentions for women entrepreneurs and youth entrepreneurs, recognizing their achievements in driving impactful innovation. Winners will benefit from tailored mentorship programs, global recognition, and exclusive networking opportunities, culminating in a fully funded trip to the awards ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland.
Quick Overview of WIPO Global Awards 2024
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host City: Geneva
- Eligibility: Small businesses, start-ups, and university spinouts from WIPO’s 193 Member States
- Value: Fully funded (mentorship, travel, accommodation, global recognition, and more)
- Application Period: January 15 – March 31, 2025
- Awards Ceremony: Second week of July 2025
Perks of Fully Funded Innovation Awards 2024
- Guidance to commercialize your IP-backed innovations and access new financial opportunities.
- Showcase your achievements on a prestigious international platform.
- Participate in exclusive events, including the awards ceremony in Geneva.
- Fully covered expenses for attending the awards ceremony.
- A handcrafted glass trophy symbolizing excellence and innovation, made by Murano artisans.
Benefits of Global Awards for Young Entrepreneurs 2024
- Strengthen your IP strategies to expand globally and achieve sustainable growth.
- Gain global visibility for your business and its innovations.
- Showcase how your work contributes to the United Nations SDGs and creates a better society.
- Receive tailored guidance to accelerate your commercialization journey.
Eligibility Criteria of the Start-Up Global Awards in Switzerland 2024
To apply, applicants must:
- Represent a small business, start-up, or university spinout.
- Operate within one of WIPO’s 193 Member States.
- Use Intellectual Property (IP) (e.g., patents, trademarks, copyrights) to support business goals.
- Demonstrate alignment with the United Nations SDGs or show impactful societal contributions.
Exclusions of the Small Business Innovation Prizes 2024
- Applications not compliant with the competition’s rules or submitted after the deadline will be disregarded.
- Fraudulent or abusive submissions are subject to rejection.
Important Dates of UN SDG Global Awards 2024
- Application Period: January 15 – March 31, 2025
- Finalists Announced: The second week of May 2025
- Awards Ceremony: Second week of July 2025
How to Apply for WIPO Global Awards 2024
- Highlight how your business uses IP to drive innovation and growth.
- Include details on societal impact and alignment with SDGs.
- Submit your application in one of six languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish).
- Ensure your application is complete by March 31, 2025.
- Check for announcements regarding finalists and winners.
Evaluation Criteria for WIPO Global Awards 2024
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Demonstrating innovative products/services and their integration with IP.
- Embedding IP practices within the organization, such as formal policies and employee training.
- Using IP strategies to expand internationally, including plans for registering and enforcing IP rights globally.
- Aligning innovations with the SDGs and contributing positively to society.
For more details, visit the Official WIPO Website.
