The WIPO Global Awards recognize startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that combine strong IP strategies with genuine innovation and creativity to grow their business, and whose solutions actively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s edition achieved record participation, with over 1,300 applications from 126 countries.

Finalists were assessed on the strength of their business case and IP portfolio, their IP commercialization strategy, their internal IP culture, and their potential for impact toward a better society in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. SPACECOOL’s approach to climate technology and its IP strategy have enabled the company to accelerate the social implementation of zero-energy cooling technologies for both climate change mitigation and adaptation, contributing to energy savings, CO₂ emissions reduction, and urban heat mitigation.

“We are delighted to recognize these thirty-three finalists whose innovative approaches and thoughtful IP strategies stand out among over thirteen hundred applicants worldwide. They show how IP, when strategically considered, can be a genuine business asset for growth.” said Mr. Marcelo Di Pietro, Director, WIPO Awards Program. “We warmly congratulate SPACECOOL for reaching this stage.”

Eleven winners will be announced during the official WIPO Global Awards Ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026, held during the WIPO Assemblies in Geneva, Switzerland.

SPACECOOL INC. is a Japan-based climate-tech company founded in 2021, commercializing advanced passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) materials to deliver zero-energy cooling solutions for buildings and infrastructure worldwide.

Notable milestones include:

・Selected as SET100 (Start Up Energy Transition Award Top 100)

・International expansion into Europe

・Ongoing collaborations with global research institutions and industrial partners

The WIPO Global Awards honor startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that use intellectual property as a driver for innovation, business growth, and positive societal impact. Organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, the Awards are part of WIPO’s broader mission to foster innovation and creativity for the benefit of all. Winners receive a dedicated IP and business workshop, a six-month individual mentoring package, and recognition in Geneva in front of delegates from 194 countries.

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