WIPO Intellectual Property (IP) Labs 2.0: Capacity-Building Program for Nigerian Startups

The WIPO Intellectual Property (IP) Labs is a capacity-building initiative designed to support startups in Nigeria by leveraging intellectual property as a business development tool. Modeled after WIPO’s IP Management Clinics (IPMCs), this program equips innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of intellectual property for business growth and financing.

The program is structured in two phases, running over a seven-month period:

1. Phase One (October – December 2024): Focuses on acceleration training modules and introduces IP concepts to 300 early-stage SMEs.
2. Phase Two (January – April 2025): Provides specialized IPMC training and mentorship by IP and Business Development experts.

Eligibility Criteria

The WIPO Intellectual Property Labs Project is open to individuals or teams with innovative, technology-driven solutions addressing real-world challenges such as finance, job creation, climate change, agriculture, health, and education. The following requirements apply:

• The startup must be in its early stages and provide a solution to a clearly identified local problem.
• The solution should have an intellectual property component with potential industrial application.
• Startups focusing on green technologies are highly encouraged to apply.
• Women-owned startups are strongly encouraged to participate.
• Founders must be available for the full seven-month virtual program.

Program Goals and Objectives

The key aim of IP Labs 2.0 is to strengthen the capacity of Nigeria’s technology sector by helping early-stage startups utilize the intellectual property system for business growth and commercialization. Specific objectives include:

• Educating entrepreneurs and innovators on the role of intellectual property in protecting their ideas and building sustainable businesses.
• Providing a platform for startups to establish relationships with investors and receive mentorship during the first phase of the project.
• Showcasing success stories of startups that have used intellectual property for business growth, particularly during the public ‘Demo Day’ at the program’s conclusion.
• Promoting IP registrations in Nigeria, facilitated by the IPMCs.
• Encouraging the practical application of entrepreneurial ideas, building on the success of previous IP Labs editions.

Program Benefits

Participants in the WIPO Intellectual Property Labs 2.0 program will receive:

• One-on-one mentorship from renowned IP and business experts selected by WIPO, offering insights on leveraging intellectual property for business success.
• Access to training resources, practical tools, and services tailored to support startup growth.
• Networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals.

Application Deadline: September 20, 2024

For additional details, visit the Official Webpage of the WIPO Intellectual Property (IP) Labs 2.0 – Acceleration Program.