- A stage for global visibility and exclusive support for IP-driven SMEs and startups -
- Consecutive wins by Korean enterprises, Opportunity for innovative enterprises to apply (Jan. 15–Mar. 31) -

The Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), led by Minister KIM Yong-sun, announced on January 15 that applications have opened for the “2026 WIPO Global Awards”, hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).*
* World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): The United Nations agency focused on promoting, protecting, and managing intellectual property (IP) rights worldwide.

The WIPO Global Awards is an international awards program that recognizes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups from around the world and all economic sectors that have strategically leveraged their intellectual property (IP) to achieve business goals while also creating social and environmental value. The program has been held annually since its introduction in 2022 and has attracted significant global interest from enterprises worldwide.

Rather than focusing on the scale of technology or the length of a company’s history, the Global Awards place particular emphasis on stories of growth driven by IP utilization and potential for global expansion. Any enterprise with innovative ideas and a robust IP strategy is eligible to apply.

In 2024, AETECH, an AI robotics startup specializing in waste recycling, became the first Korean company to receive the award. In the following year (2025), CodeGream, a three-year-old startup providing a platform for creating 3D content-based web pages, also received the award. These achievements further highlight the technological excellence and IP capabilities of Korean companies on the global stage.

Eligible applicants include SMEs and startups with fewer than 300 employees and annual revenue of no more than USD 15 million (approximately KRW 22.13 billion). There are no restrictions on industry sector or technological field sector. Applications are accepted from January 15 to March 31, 2026.

Evaluation criteria include performance in IP-based commercialization; strategies for acquiring and utilizing IP rights; economic, social, and environmental impact; and potential for future global growth. Further details are available on the WIPO website (https://www.wipo.int/en/web/awards/global).

Award recipients will be invited to the Global Awards Ceremony to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, in July 2026. They will also receive personalized mentorship for IP commercialization, as well as exclusive networking opportunities for global investors and business partners.

Director General Shin Sang-gon of the Intellectual Property Protection & International Cooperation Bureau at MOIP, stated, “The WIPO Global Awards present a highly meaningful opportunity for Korean SMEs and startups to demonstrate their global competitiveness through IP. We look forward seeing many enterprises with innovative ideas and strong IP strategies to the actively participate on this global stage.”

Source: https://www.kipo.go.kr/en/engBultnDetail.do?board_id=kiponews&cp=1&pg=1&npp=10&catmenu=ek06_01_01&seq=1822