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Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

IP for Growth Awards 2026

A regional awards platform recognising enterprises and individuals that use intangible assets and intellectual property (IA/IP) strategically to create value, strengthen competitiveness and drive growth.

Last updated 8 July 2026
IP for Growth Awards Logo

Recognising IA/IP-led growth across Asia

The IP for Growth Awards (IPGA) celebrate enterprises and young innovators that use intangible assets (IA) and intellectual property (IP) strategically - not only to protect ideas, but to create value, enter new markets, build trusted brands, secure partnerships and strengthen competitive advantage.

From early-stage startups to scaling enterprises, IPGA spotlight a diverse range of IA/IP-led growth stories across the region. These may include technology, brand, design, data, copyright, trade secrets, licensing, platform or partnership-led models.

Submissions are assessed across three core dimensions:

  • IA/IP Assets and Strategy

  • IA/IP-enabled Growth

  • Impact

Whether your edge comes from patents, trade marks, designs, copyright, data, know-how, trade secrets or licensed rights, the Awards are looking for clear evidence of how you use IA/IP to grow.

Nominations for IP for Growth Awards 2026 are now closed.

For further enquiries, please contact our team at ipgaenquiry@iposinternational.com.

WHY NOMINATE

Why nominate?

The IP for Growth Awards is designed for enterprises and innovators with a strong story of how their strategic use of IA/IP to support growth, differentiation and impact.

  • Gain regional recognition for IA/IP-led growth
    Be recognised for using IA/IP not just for protection, but for commercial growth, market expansion and real-world outcomes.

  • Build credibility with customers, partners and investors
    Award recognition can strengthen your story with stakeholders who value innovation, trust and strategic use of IA/IP.

  • Be part of Singapore's regional IA/IP ecosystem
    Finalists and winners will be connected to a platform that brings together enterprises, partners and IA/IP ecosystem leaders across the region.

  • Amplify your growth story
    Winners may be profiled through IPGA communications, media features and IP Week Singapore platforms.


Prizes include:

  • Official IPGA winner title, trophy and certificate

  • 3-day Singapore IP Week 2026 experience package (includes access to the IPGA Awards Ceremony and 2D Global Forum on IP), with overseas winners additionally receiving airfare and accommodation support (economy return air tickets and three nights’ stay at selected partner hotels).

  • Regional profiling through IPGA channels, partner amplification and storytelling opportunities

  • Networking access with IPGA judges, government, investors, IA/IP experts and ecosystem partners

  • Complimentary tailored Connect @ IP Grow consultations at Singapore IP Week 2026

  • Showcase opportunities at Singapore IP Week 2026, including an exhibit feature, subject to final event planning

AWARD CATEGORIES

Multiple categories. One common ambition. 

Each category is calibrated to the applicant's stage, so a first-time founder and a scaling enterprise are assessed on evidence that is relevant to where they are on the growth journey. Judges will look for clear, credible and evidence-based submissions that connect IA/IP strategy to growth, competitiveness and impact.


Emerging Champions
Early-stage enterprises and startups incorporated for 10 years or less as at 6 May 2026, building strong brands and/or technology portfolios through IP, with clear evidence of IP-backed innovation.

Best suited for: Pre-revenue or early-revenue enterprises with early commercial traction and a credible IA/IP strategy.

Assessment: IA/IP Assets and Strategy - 50%; IA/IP-enabled Growth - 30%; Impact - 20%.


Growth Champions
SMEs and scaling enterprises leveraging IA/IP to expand across markets and strengthen competitive advantage.

Best suited for: Enterprises with an established revenue base, growing teams, and regional or international expansion ambitions.

Assessment: IA/IP Assets and Strategy - 40%; IA/IP-enabled Growth - 35%; Impact - 25%.


Young Innovator
Individuals aged 35 and below as at 6 May 2026 who harness IA and/or IP to turn innovative ideas into ventures or real-world solutions with meaningful economic, environmental and/or social impact.

Best suited for: Early-stage innovators with credible IA/IP thinking, evidence of progress, and a compelling case for economic, environmental or social impact.

Assessment: IA/IP Assets and Strategy - 7 points; IA/IP-enabled Growth - 7 points; Impact - 7 points. Total = 21 points

ELIGIBILITY

Who should apply?

IPGA are open to eligible enterprises and individuals operating in, or meaningfully engaged with, ASEAN and Asian markets. Applicants should be able to show how their IA/IP supports their innovation, business model, growth or impact story.

IA/IP basis

Applicants should demonstrate at least one relevant IA/IP basis, such as:

  • registered IP rights, such as patents, trade marks or designs

  • copyright, data, know-how, trade secrets or other documented intangible assets

  • licensed, assigned or contractually controlled rights that support commercialisation

Category-specific guidance

Emerging Champions
Early-stage enterprises and startups incorporated for 10 years or less as at 6 May 2026, building strong brands and/or technology portfolios through IP, with clear evidence of IP-backed innovation.

  • Business registration document

Growth Champions
SMEs and scaling enterprises leveraging IA/IP to expand across markets and strengthen competitive advantage.

  • Business registration document

Young Innovators
Individuals aged 35 and below as at 6 May 2026 who harness IA and/or IP to turn innovative ideas into ventures or real-world solutions with meaningful economic, environmental and/or social impact.

  • Proof of age

Integrity and disclosure

Applicants must disclose any IA/IP ownership disputes, infringement or invalidity challenges, significant regulatory findings, or legal restrictions that could affect the claims in their submission. Non-disclosure may affect eligibility or final award determination.

Ready to tell your IP growth story?

Submit your nominations today and share your IA/IP growth story on a regional stage.

Nominations for IP for Growth Awards 2026 are now closed.

Judges quotes

The IPGA serves as an essential guide that highlights how intellectual property can be transformed into an active driver of business value. Many companies innovate, but the real challenge lies in commercialising that innovation across diverse markets. This platform recognises those who have successfully navigated the complexities of IA/IP to fuel regional expansion. By celebrating these success stories, the IPGA provides a necessary roadmap and inspiration for the wider SME community.
— Ang Yuit, President, Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME)
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Across our portfolio and the wider ecosystem, we see a new generation of Asian startups whose competitive edge is built on proprietary innovation. Yet many of these founders remain under-recognised for the IA/IP foundations underpinning their growth. The IPGA fills that gap. By spotlighting enterprises that deploy intangible assets strategically to scale regionally, the awards give investors, corporates, and policymakers a credible signal of where real innovation is happening, and they encourage the next cohort of founders to build IP-led businesses from day one. That is good for the entire venture ecosystem.
— Chua Kee Lock, CEO, Vertex Holdings
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IPGA is a great platform because it recognizes companies that treat IA/IP as a growth engine and shines a spotlight on businesses across Asia that are using innovation, brand value and intangible assets in smart, commercially meaningful ways. This initiative raises awareness among the business community of how strategic IA/IP management can make a significant impact to its value, and inspire many to continue to develop and harness these important growth drivers.
— Catherine Lee, Senior Partner, Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP
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As a former startup owner and now an angel investor, I am always interested in companies that have figured out a real edge. That edge could be technology, brand, data, know-how, customer trust or a business model that compounds over time. What excites me about IPGA 2026 is seeing companies that are not just innovative, but who are using intangible assets to grow revenue, expand markets and build durable value.
— Lim Der Shing, Co-founder and Partner, AngelCentral
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In a world where disruption can sometimes outpace regulation and competitive advantage can shift quickly, intangible assets and intellectual property are increasingly defining enterprise value, market leadership and long-term competitiveness. The organisations that will lead the future are not just innovating faster, but governing, protecting and scaling their ideas more effectively. What I find especially compelling about IPGA 2026 is the opportunity to recognise companies that are transforming innovation into intellectual property, business resilience and sustainable growth, while spotlighting the role governance plays in turning ideas into enduring advantage.
— Emily Poon, CEO, Singapore Institute of Directors (SID)
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Across the region, there is growing interest in innovation, technology, and brand building, yet the role of IA/IP in supporting business growth is not always fully understood. In many cases, it is still viewed through a legal or compliance lens. That is why platforms like IPGA are important. By spotlighting enterprises and innovators that are successfully leveraging IA/IP to grow, expand, and create impact, IPGA helps make these journeys more visible. When founders, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders can learn from real examples, it encourages a deeper appreciation of how IA can contribute to long-term growth and value creation.
— Mega Prawita, Managing Director, KUMPUL
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