startup

WIPO has announced the 33 finalists for the 2026 edition of the Global Awards, which recognize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups that combine innovation and creativity with strong IP strategies to grow their business. Finalists were selected from 1,300 applications submitted by companies from 126 countries, and are presented across five established sectors: Environment, Health, ICT, Food & Agriculture, and Creative Industries; plus a new Sports category introduced to mark the 2026 World IP Day theme, "IP and Sports". Selection was based on the strength of the business case, the IP strategy, and the potential for impact toward a better society.