Singapore Unveils New Regional IA/IP Awards Platform to Champion Enterprise Growth Across Asia

• Building on more than a decade of recognising IP-driven business success, IPGA reflects a broader regional focus on IA/IP-led enterprise growth.

• Nominations for IPGA 2026 are now open until 8 June 2026, with winners to be recognised during Singapore IP Week 2026 in August.

1      SINGAPORE, 22 May 2026 - Singapore has launched the IP for Growth Awards (IPGA) 2026, a new regional intangible assets and intellectual property (IA/IP) Awards platform recognising enterprises and innovators that harness IA/IP to drive business growth across Asia.

2      Convened by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), Singapore’s national IP office, together with IPOS International, with support from regional IP offices and ecosystem partners, IPGA aims to establish a credible regional mark of IA/IP excellence. The Awards recognise enterprises and innovators that leverage IA/IP to create value, strengthen competitive advantage, and expand across markets.

3      Against a regional awards landscape often focused on broad innovation or industry excellence, IPGA is positioned as a distinctive authority-led platform dedicated to IA/IP-enabled enterprise growth.

4      Launched during IPOS’ 25th anniversary year, IPGA builds on a legacy that began in 2013, when the former WIPO-IPOS IP for Innovation Awards was established to recognise IP-driven business success in Singapore. Over 12 editions, the Awards have recognised 53 industry leaders, including Razer, DBS Bank, and Creative Technology.

5      The 2026 edition marks a new chapter. With a regional focus and a broader perspective on value creation, IPGA recognises that competitive advantage today extends beyond registered IP right to include a wider spectrum of intangible assets such as brands, data, trade secrets, copyright, technology and know-how. It also responds to growing regional interest in using IA/IP to support innovation, competitiveness and cross-border growth. The refreshed Awards aim to strengthen connections across Asia’s innovation and enterprise ecosystem.

6      “The Intellectual Property (IP) for Growth Awards spotlight enterprises differentiating their businesses through their IP. The Awards aim to provide a platform for outstanding enterprises to showcase themselves and be recognised, and strengthen connections within Asia’s IP community to catalyse cross-regional growth,” said Tan Kong Hwee, Chief Executive, IPOS.

Recognising IA/IP-Led Growth Across the Enterprise Lifecycle

7      Reflecting diverse enterprise growth journeys, IPGA recognises winners across various stages of development - from young innovators and early-stage enterprises to scaling businesses and globally established organisations.

The three open nomination categories are:

• Young Innovator – Recognises individuals aged 35 and below who harness IA/IP to build ventures with meaningful economic, environmental and/or social impact.

• Emerging Champions – Recognises early-stage enterprises and start-ups building strong brands and/or technology portfolios, with clear evidence of IP-backed innovation.

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

Participants may apply directly or be nominated through partner organisations, IP offices, and approved channels.

A New Standard for IA/IP-Led Enterprise Growth

8      The IPGA judging framework goes beyond a focus on registered IP rights, assessing how effectively applicants use IA/IP to support tangible business outcomes and market expansion. Finalists will be evaluated by an international judging panel comprising leaders from investment, enterprise, IA/IP and government sectors across the region. Applications will be assessed across three core dimensions:

• IA/IP Assets & Strategy – strength, alignment and governance of IA/IP portfolios.

• IA/IP-enabled Growth – contributions of IA/IP to commercial traction or market expansion.

• Impact - broader business, ecosystem, social or environmental outcomes.

Assessment will be calibrated to each category to reflect different stages of enterprise development.

Timeline

9      Nominations Open: 6 May 2026

Nomination Close: 8 June 2026.

Finalist Pitches: Late June or early July 2026.

Awards Ceremony: 25 August 2026 during Singapore IP Week

Strengthening Asia’s IA/IP Ecosystem

10      As a new regional IA/IP Awards platform convened by a national IP office, IPGA forms part of Singapore’s broader efforts to strengthen regional collaboration, enterprise growth and IA/IP capabilities across Asia. It reinforces Singapore’s role as a trusted Global IA/IP Hub, connecting innovators, enterprises, investors and policymakers across the region.

For more information on eligibility and nominations, please refer to the Annex or visit https://bit.ly/ipga2026.

For media queries, please contact:

IPOS

Ghislaine Lai
Weber Shandwick
Tel: +65 9783 7220
ghislaine.lai@omc.com

Jenny Kwok
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
Tel: +65 8333 7231
jenny_kwok@ipos.gov.sg

About the IPOS Group

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is Singapore’s national intellectual property (IP) office, overseeing the registration, examination, and administration of IP rights. Together with its capability building arm, IPOS International, the group empowers businesses to harness intangible assets and IP for growth through training, advisory, and resources. IPOS International is a subsidiary of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. It helps enterprises manage their IA and IP effectively for transformation and growth.