Applications are currently open for the 2026 WIPO Scale Up Your IP Program for Women Innovators. This is a complimentary online capacity-building initiative tailored for women-led university spin-offs, research ventures, and deep-tech startups. The program is designed to assist participants in leveraging intellectual property (IP) to enhance commercialization, facilitate growth, and improve investment readiness. This special edition focuses on supporting women innovators who are developing technologies through university and research-based activities, aiming to help them navigate technology transfer challenges and solidify the role of IP in their commercialization strategies. The program utilizes practical training, expert guidance, and peer learning to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to introduce innovative technologies to the market and develop sustainable growth plans.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants should be women-led deep-tech ventures that are developing innovative technologies across any sector.
• The program is open to women founders and co-founders of university spin-offs and research-based ventures.
• Women inventors and researchers from universities and research institutions who are looking to commercialize technologies and establish spin-offs are encouraged to apply.
• Participants must be a woman founder, co-founder, inventor, or lead innovator.
• The venture must be developing a deep-tech product, such as one that is digital, science-based, or technology-based.
• The technology should have a readiness level (TRL) between 4 and 8.
• The venture should be prepared to commercialize and scale its operations.
Program Benefits
• An introductory session covering IP rights and their relevance to the participant's venture.
• Five interactive training sessions conducted by experts in IP and business.
• Access to actionable factsheets and handouts to assist in building an IP commercialization strategy.
• Practical templates and tools designed to support the growth of spin-offs.
• Opportunities for networking with peers, partners, and investors.
• A chance to present a pitch to investors during the final event.
• A certificate of participation, which is available to individuals who complete all program sessions.
Program Timeline
• Application Deadline: August 30, 2026
• Introductory Session: To be completed online on demand by September 8, 2026.
• Modules 2-6: Sessions will be held on September 9, 19, 23, 30, and October 7, 2026.
• Final Event: October 28, 2026
For additional details and to access the application, interested parties are directed to visit the official webpage of the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Program.