The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) informs creators, entrepreneurs, and especially the academic community that the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), dedicated to innovation and creativity, has opened applications for the 5th edition of the WIPO Global Prizes 2026, a competition celebrating startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that use intellectual property to develop their business and generate a positive impact.

These prizes recognize companies that use intellectual property rights as a strategic asset to develop their activities and have a tangible impact.

In 2026, 11 companies will be recognized :

• 10 Awards across all sectors of the economy (including health, agri-food, the environment, creative industries, and ICT)

• 1 Thematic Award:

SMEs in Sport, in line with the theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2026

• 2 Special Mentions:

- Best Female Entrepreneur

- Best Young Entrepreneur

The evaluation focuses on :

• The robustness of the business model and intellectual property protection strategy;

• The clarity of the intellectual property commercialization plan;

• The company's internal intellectual property culture;

• The company's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The winners benefit from global visibility through the WIPO-UN system, a personalized six-month mentorship program on intellectual property asset commercialization and business strategy, networking opportunities with investors, companies, institutions, and service providers offering exclusive benefits to winners, and an invitation to Geneva for the awards ceremony during the WIPO Assemblies.

Last year, this ten-day event brought together more than 1,600 delegates, including ministers, heads of intellectual property offices, and senior government representatives who negotiate the international treaties governing the global intellectual property ecosystem.

Building on this visibility and support, several past winners have reported concrete developments such as fundraising efforts, expansion into new markets, new patent filings, and the strengthening of their intellectual property strategies.

In 2025, the competition received over 780 applications from 95 countries, a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

Entrepreneurs from all sectors and regions of the world, representing the 194 UN member states, can submit their applications until March 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time.

The application form is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian at : https://www.wipo.int/en/web/awards/w/news/2026/apply-now-wipo-global-awards-2026?lang-gt=fr

For more information : global.awards@wipo.int

WIPO website : https://www.wipo.int/portal/en/index.html

HL/ HaitiLibre