Intellectual Property (IP) Labs – Incubation and Acceleration Program
Leveraging IP for Business; from IP to Marketable Products

What is IP Labs?

The IP Labs is a WIPO project designed to help idea-stage startups in Nigeria to develop their ideas, build them into scalable products, and leverage IP for prosperity. IP Labs will enhance IP awareness for startups in Nigeria on leveraging IP for business, assist startups to create minimum viable products (MVPs), develop pitch decks and secure relevant IP rights for their inventions, as well as connect startups with mentors, investors, and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. This Pilot, implemented by The Orbra Company, is designed to run from August to December 2023.

Through WIPO’s IP Management Clinics, beneficiaries will learn to use IP as a business development and financing strategy. The project will be implemented in two stages.

Stage one (1) is a general mentoring program on startup development, design-thinking, pitching, introduction to intellectual property for entry-stage startups.
Stage two (2) is for incubation, acceleration and IP Management Clinics (IPMC).

IP Labs will help startups leverage IP protection to grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria.

otayemi-ololade-orbra-company-845-1 — Mr. Ololade Otayemi (Photo: The Orbra Company)

Many great ideas with the potential to transform lives and shape our communities do not see the light of day because the founders and innovators do not have the requisite knowledge and necessary support to turn their ideas into viable and scalable solutions/products. WIPO IP Labs Incubation and Acceleration program is designed to help bridge this gap by supporting innovators to transform their ideas into marketable products, thereby creating economic prosperity for all. We are excited about this as we believe it is the beginning of a massive economic transformation of Nigeria as a whole.
Mr. Ololade Otayemi, Founder, Orbra Company

Who can apply?

IP Labs Project welcomes all individuals or teams with innovative ideas for technology driven solutions-products that address real world challenges in their communities and globally, ranging from finance, job-creation, climate change, agriculture etc. To qualify, these ideas must have some form of intellectual property component to them.

Successful applicants will undergo the general mentoring program on startup development, design thinking, pitching and introduction to IP. Upon completion of stage one (1), there will be a further screening process of participants with scalable minimum viable product (MVP) possible of industrial application and subject matter of IP protection into stage two of the project – incubation, acceleration and IP Management Clinics (IPMC).

Video: WIPO Nigeria Intellectual Property (IP) Labs – Call for Application

Target Location

IP Labs is a nationwide project open to idea stage startups from across Nigeria.

What to Expect:

Learn about the importance of intellectual property in protecting ideas and fostering successful startups.
Create a compelling Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and pitch deck to attract investors.
Connect with investors and mentors for guidance and support.
Celebrate success stories of startups that have leveraged IP for growth and prosperity.

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: