Applications Now Open for WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators 2026

Application Deadline: August 30, 2026

About the Program

The WIPO Scale Up Your IP Program for Women Innovators is a free online capacity-building program designed for women-led university spin-offs, research ventures, and deep-tech startups seeking to leverage intellectual property (IP) to support commercialization, growth, and investment readiness. This special edition supports women innovators developing technologies through university and research-based activities, helping them address technology transfer challenges and strengthen the role of IP in their commercialization journey. Through practical training, expert guidance, and peer learning, participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to bring innovative technologies to market and build sustainable growth strategies.

Who Should Apply

• Women-led deep-tech ventures developing innovative technologies across all sectors
• Women founders and co-founders of university spin-offs and research-based ventures
• Women inventors and researchers from universities and research institutions looking to commercialize technologies and create spin-offs

Program Requirements

Participants should:

• Be a woman founder, co-founder, inventor, or lead innovator
• Be developing a deep-tech product (e.g., digital, science- or technology-based)
• Have a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4-8
• Have a venture ready to commercialize and scale

Program Timeline and Structure

• Application Deadline: August 30, 2026
• Introductory Session: Online on demand, to be completed by September 8, 2026
• Modules 2-6: September 9, 19, 23, 30, 2026 – October 7, 2026
• Final Event: October 28, 2026

What You’ll Gain

• 1 introductory session on IP rights and the relevance for your venture
• 5 interactive training sessions led by IP and business experts
• Actionable factsheets and handouts to build your IP commercialization strategy
• Practical templates and tools to support spin-off growth
• Networking opportunities with peers, partners, and investors
• A chance to pitch in front of investors at the final event
• Certificate of participation (available to those who complete all sessions)

Program Objectives

Scale Up Your IP helps participants:

• Integrate IP into go-to-market strategies
• Identify unique selling points and define 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 unlock funding opportunities

Application Deadline: August 30, 2026

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here to apply

Why This Program Matters

For women-led deep-tech ventures, understanding and leveraging intellectual property is critical to commercialization, growth, and investment readiness. However, many women innovators face barriers in accessing IP knowledge and integrating IP into their go-to-market strategies. This program addresses these challenges by providing practical training, expert guidance, and peer learning opportunities.

For women founders, inventors, and researchers developing deep-tech products, this free online program offers:

• Practical IP training and actionable tools
• Expert guidance from IP and business professionals
• Networking opportunities with peers, partners, and investors
• A pitch opportunity in front of investors
• A certificate of participation upon completion

For More Information: Visit the Official WIPO Scale Up Your IP Program Page