The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is accepting applications for the Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators, a free capacity-building program designed to help women-led university spin-offs, research ventures, and deep-tech startups use intellectual property (IP) to support commercialization, growth, and investment readiness.
The program is open to women founders, inventors, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are developing research-based innovations and preparing to bring their technologies to market.
Applications close on August 30, 2026.
About the Program
This special edition of WIPO’s Scale Up Your IP program focuses on women innovators developing technologies through universities, research institutions, spin-offs, and research-based ventures.
Through practical training, expert guidance, and peer learning, participants will learn how to integrate intellectual property into their commercialization and go-to-market strategies.
The program will also address technology transfer, IP ownership, competitive positioning, branding, investment readiness, and other issues that can arise when transforming research and technology into commercial ventures.
Who Should Apply?
The program is designed for:
- Women leading deep-tech ventures developing innovative technologies across different sectors.
- Women founders and co-founders of university spin-offs and research-based ventures.
- Women inventors and researchers at universities and research institutions seeking to commercialize technologies or establish spin-offs.
Program Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be a woman founder, co-founder, inventor, or lead innovator.
- Be developing a deep-tech product, including digital, science-based, or technology-based innovations.
- Have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4–8.
- Have a venture that is ready for commercialization and scaling.
What Participants Will Receive
Selected participants will have access to:
- One introductory session covering IP rights and their relevance to the participant’s venture.
- Five interactive training sessions led by IP and business experts.
- Factsheets and handouts for developing an IP commercialization strategy.
- Practical templates and tools to support spin-off growth.
- Networking opportunities with peers, partners, and investors.
- An opportunity to pitch before investors during the final event.
- A certificate of participation for participants who complete all sessions.
Program Focus
The Scale Up Your IP program will help participants learn how to:
- Integrate IP into go-to-market strategies.
- Identify unique selling points and competitive advantages.
- Use IP databases for competitor and market analysis.
- Develop brand strategies for deep-tech innovations.
- Address IP ownership and spin-off structuring challenges.
- Prepare investor-ready data rooms to support funding opportunities.
Program Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | August 30, 2026 |
| Introductory Session | Online on demand; complete by September 8, 2026 |
| Training Modules | September 9, 19, 23 & 30 and October 7, 2026 |
| Final Event | October 28, 2026 |
How to Apply
Applications for the program close on August 30, 2026. Spaces are limited, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Apply: WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators
Applicants can also learn more about WIPO’s Scale Up Your IP initiative and its broader work supporting women in intellectual property through WIPO’s official website.
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