Apply: WIPO Intellectual Property Labs 2.0 Acceleration Program for Early Stage Nigerian Startups
Applications are currently being accepted for the WIPO Intellectual Property Labs 2.0 Acceleration Program for Early Stage Nigerian Startups. This initiative serves as a capacity-building program centered on intellectual property for startups in Nigeria. The IP Labs program emulates WIPO’s IP management clinics (IPMCs) to empower innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups in leveraging intellectual property as a strategy for business development and financing. It was established to meet the recognized need for enhanced capacity within the technology, innovation, and entrepreneurial sectors, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property.
The project will unfold in two phases over a period of seven months:
The first phase, scheduled from October to December 2024, will include acceleration training modules and will introduce intellectual property concepts to 300 early-stage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The second phase, taking place from January to April 2025, will concentrate on IPMC training and mentorship, facilitated by experts in intellectual property and business development.
Eligibility Criteria – WIPO Intellectual Property Labs 2.0 Acceleration Program for Early Stage Nigerian Startups
The WIPO IP Labs Project invites individuals or teams with innovative, technology-driven ideas that tackle real-world issues within their communities and on a global scale, encompassing areas such as finance, job creation, climate change, agriculture, health, and education. To be eligible, these solutions must incorporate an intellectual property element.
The primary selection criteria consist of the following requirements:
– The startup must be in its early stages and address a specific local issue.
– The startup concept must involve intellectual property that has potential for industrial application.
– Green technologies are highly encouraged.
– Startups owned by women are strongly encouraged to apply.
– Founders must be available to participate in a virtual curriculum lasting seven months.
Program Overview – WIPO Intellectual Property Labs 2.0 Acceleration Program for Early Stage Nigerian Startups
The main goal of IP Labs 2.0 is to enhance the capacity of the technology sector in Nigeria by assisting early-stage startups in recognizing and leveraging the intellectual property system for business development and commercialization. The program aims to achieve the following specific objectives:
– Educate innovators and entrepreneurs on the significance of intellectual property in safeguarding their ideas and establishing a successful startup.
– Foster an environment conducive to the formation of startup-investor relationships and provide mentorship through the initial mentorship sessions of the project.
– Showcase success stories of startups that have effectively utilized intellectual property for business growth during the concluding public ‘Demo Day’ event.
– Promote intellectual property registrations in Nigeria by facilitating IP registration through the IP Management Centers (IPMCs).
– Test the adaptation of entrepreneurial ideas that were initiated in the previous edition of IP Labs.
Advantages – WIPO Intellectual Property Labs 2.0 Acceleration Program for Early Stage Nigerian Startups
Participants will benefit from personalized mentorship with esteemed intellectual property and business experts selected by WIPO, focusing on optimizing the use of intellectual property for growth. Additional benefits include training opportunities, access to practical tools and services, and networking opportunities with peers.
How can IPMC benefit my business?
Every innovative company has unique business challenges that require a tailored IP strategy – an action plan to identify, develop, protect and leverage a company’s portfolio of IP assets. Successfully implemented, an IP strategy allows businesses to gain competitive advantage and drives profitability.
All IP Management Clinics share a common methodology, format and duration, though some offer different degrees of specialization in certain areas of IP. Participants benefit from various activities spread over a period, including:
- One-on-one mentorship with renowned IP and business expert(s) selected by WIPO on how to better use IP for growth.
- Training opportunities and access to practical tools and services
- Networking opportunities amongst peers.
Application – WIPO Intellectual Property Labs 2.0 Acceleration Program for Early Stage Nigerian Startups
- For details visit the official website.
- Deadline is September 20, 2024
