The WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026 is a prestigious global initiative that recognizes visionary cities committed to fostering innovation, creativity, and community-driven transformation, with a deadline of June 30, 2026. This award program is a unique opportunity for cities across the world to showcase their commitment to building environments where creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and citizen participation can thrive. By applying for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026, cities can demonstrate their dedication to shaping sustainable and inclusive urban development, and gain global recognition for their efforts.
About the Opportunity
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting innovation and creativity through intellectual property systems worldwide. The WIPO City of Innovation Awards were launched in 2026 to identify and recognize cities that are actively building innovative urban ecosystems, empowering local communities to contribute to social, economic, and cultural progress. For Africans, this opportunity is particularly significant, as it provides a platform for cities to showcase their unique approaches to innovation and creativity, and to learn from other cities around the world.
The WIPO City of Innovation Awards are designed to focus on future-oriented commitments and transformative ideas, rather than past achievements. This approach recognizes that innovation and creativity are essential for driving sustainable and inclusive urban development, and that cities have a critical role to play in shaping the future of their communities. By applying for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026, cities can demonstrate their commitment to building a better future for their citizens, and to contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The WIPO City of Innovation Awards are also an opportunity for cities to showcase their unique cultural and creative assets, and to demonstrate how these assets can be leveraged to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. For example, cities can highlight their vibrant arts and cultural scenes, their thriving startup ecosystems, or their innovative approaches to urban planning and design. By recognizing and celebrating these assets, the WIPO City of Innovation Awards can help to promote a more nuanced understanding of the role of culture and creativity in driving urban development.
Who Can Apply
The WIPO City of Innovation Awards are open to cities of all sizes, from small towns to large metropolises, and to a wide range of stakeholders, including municipal governments, urban innovation ecosystems, creative and technology-driven communities, and innovation-focused city administrations.
- Cities of all sizes: The WIPO City of Innovation Awards are open to cities of all sizes, from small towns to large metropolises, and to cities in all regions of the world.
- Municipal governments: Municipal governments are eligible to apply for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards, and are encouraged to submit bold pledges demonstrating their commitment to fostering innovation and creativity.
- Urban innovation ecosystems: Urban innovation ecosystems, including startups, incubators, and accelerators, are also eligible to apply for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards, and can showcase their innovative approaches to driving entrepreneurship and job creation.
- Creative and technology-driven communities: Creative and technology-driven communities, including arts and cultural organizations, are eligible to apply for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards, and can highlight their unique approaches to leveraging culture and creativity to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Innovation-focused city administrations: Innovation-focused city administrations, including city governments and municipal agencies, are eligible to apply for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards, and can demonstrate their commitment to building innovative urban ecosystems and empowering local communities.
What You Will Gain
By applying for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026, cities can gain a range of benefits, including global recognition for their innovative approaches to urban development, access to a network of like-minded cities and stakeholders, and the opportunity to learn from other cities and to share their own experiences and best practices.
- Global recognition: The WIPO City of Innovation Awards provide a unique opportunity for cities to gain global recognition for their innovative approaches to urban development, and to showcase their commitment to building sustainable and inclusive urban ecosystems.
- Access to a network of like-minded cities: The WIPO City of Innovation Awards provide access to a network of like-minded cities and stakeholders, and offer a platform for cities to learn from each other and to share their experiences and best practices.
- Opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration: The WIPO City of Innovation Awards provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration, and can help to facilitate the development of new partnerships and collaborations between cities and stakeholders.
- Enhanced credibility and reputation: The WIPO City of Innovation Awards can enhance the credibility and reputation of cities, and can help to attract investment, talent, and tourism to the city.
- Improved urban development outcomes: The WIPO City of Innovation Awards can help to improve urban development outcomes, by recognizing and celebrating innovative approaches to urban planning, design, and governance.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity to gain global recognition for your city’s innovative approaches to urban development. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you have enough time to prepare and submit your application.
How to Apply for WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026: Global Call for Cities Driving Innovation and Creativity
To apply for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026, cities should start by reviewing the eligibility criteria and the application guidelines, which are available on the WIPO website. Cities should then prepare a bold pledge demonstrating their commitment to fostering innovation and creativity, and outlining their plans for building a sustainable and inclusive urban ecosystem. The pledge should be submitted online, along with any supporting materials, such as videos, images, or documents.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026 are a unique opportunity for cities to gain global recognition for their innovative approaches to urban development, and to demonstrate their commitment to building sustainable and inclusive urban ecosystems. We encourage all eligible cities to apply for this prestigious award, and to take advantage of the opportunities it provides for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and growth. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your city’s innovative spirit and to contribute to the development of a more sustainable and equitable future for all – apply now and take the first step towards becoming a WIPO City of Innovation.
