On 11 July 2023, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced the winners of WIPO Global Awards 2023. The awards programme was launched in 2022 with a view to encouraging the commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) assets by rewarding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that make smart use of IP rights to achieve their business goals while also exploiting their innovation and creativity for the good of society.

 

This year, seven enterprises won the awards. Among the winning enterprises which come from China, France, Kenya, Mexico, Singapore, and Slovenia, two are Chinese enterprises, namely, Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd., which offers multi-scenario intelligent and green solutions for the bulk logistics field, and Xi’an KissFuture Network Technology Co., Ltd., which provides comprehensive solutions for virtual reality (VR) cinemas and cultural institutions. The winners are entitled to a customised mentoring programme to achieve new business goals, in areas such as accessing finance, establishing business partnerships, and strengthening their IP strategies.

 

The 2023 WIPO Global Awards attracted 548 applications from 58 countries to take part in the competition, which is open to SMEs in WIPO's 193 member states. According to the definition of the World Bank, "SMEs" refers to enterprises that encompass up to 300 employees and up to US$15 millions of total annual sales.