Apply now: Mentorship for Intangible Asset Transformation (“MINT”) program

February 13, 2023

WIPO is working towards improving the understanding of IP management throughout the innovation processes. The Mentorship for Intangible Asset Transformation (MINT) program brings together enterprises and IP and business experts to explore how enterprises can better utilize IP as part of their business strategies.

Organized in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), the MINT Program is focused on actively helping companies in Singapore use their IP in support of their entrepreneurial activities more strategically and effectively. MINT is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), and Singapore Business Federation (SBF).

businessmen discussing their business plan taking into account technology development around the world — Photo: iStock / Getty Images Plus / metamorworks

While the program is open to companies from all sectors, this first MINT pilot is limited to companies registered in Singapore only.

What will you gain from this fully complimentary program?

The selected company will benefit from various activities spread over four months, including:
- One-on-one mentorship with international IP expert(s) selected by WIPO
- Training/learning opportunities under WIPO’s hybrid/distance learning sessions, IPOS workshops, and access to practical tools and resources
- Opportunities for interactions amongst peers to strengthen networks
- Access to international events and networking opportunities.

How to participate?

To participate, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

Possess an innovative product or technology, with a clear business model
Have an entrepreneurial team (a minimum of 3 people)
Possess a portfolio of intangible assets (IA)/IP (a minimum of two registered IP, or a clear description of non-registered IA/IP)
Be assessed to have high potential for scalability and internationalisation
Be registered in Singapore

Deadline and schedule

To participate, please submit your application online by March 13, 2023.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. The program will launch in early April 2023.

Successful applicants will be expected to share their experience and what they learnt after the program.

Meet the mentors

All participants will be offered one-on-one mentorship with one of the IP experts selected by WIPO, including:

Mr Jonathan Agmon, Director, Soroker Agmon Nordman Pte. Ltd.
Mr Winston Chan, Group Managing Partner, FT Consulting Pte Ltd.
Mr Daniel Collopy, Principal, Spruson & Ferguson (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
Mr Jepat Feng (冯俊杰), IP & Tech Lawyer, Associate at Lusheng Law Firm
Mr Franck Fougere, Founder and Managing Partner, Ananda Intellectual Property
Mr Omer Hiziroglu, Principal, Azur Strateg
Mrs Natalie Raffoul, P.Eng. (Electrical), J.D. (Law), IP Lawyer, Patent Agent Managing Partner, Brion Raffoul LLP
Mr Dixon Soh, Director, Intangible Assets and Intellectual Property Practice, CHP Law LLC
Mr Andre Toh, CVA Partner, Strategy & Transactions, Ernst & Young Council Member, Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore
Ms Renee Xavier, Director, Alpha & Omega Law Corporation

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to participate in the MINT program?

The MINT program is complimentary for enterprises. That said, we expect companies to be committed throughout the program to ensure good outcomes from the MINT program.

What is the time commitment during the four months?

We expect companies to spend at least 6-10 hours for mentorship sessions with the expert(s). This can be flexibly arranged with the expert(s) depending on the needs and schedules of the company, and can be either in-person or virtual meetings. This excludes the time that should be set aside for training (see below).

What are the trainings available?

Curated training will be offered to companies as part of MINT. We are planning a half-day bespoke and interactive workshop (in-person). We will also curate a suite of learning modules that can be accessed digitally. These will include modules from the WIPO Academy (online distance-learning).

What safeguards are there to protect my company’s confidential information?

There will be a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) between the IP expert (s) and the company.

How are companies selected for the program?

Please refer to the criteria under “How to Participate?"

About IP for Business and WIPO Academy Hybrid Courses

The IP for Business Division (IPBD) is responsible for developing tools and services and implementing programs to support enterprises maximize their potential through intellectual property. The WIPO Academy Distance Learning Program is responsible for training and education through basic and advanced IP courses. Collaboratively the two areas work together with SME support institutions and other intermediaries to support the development of innovation ecosystems, including by helping inventors acquire knowledge that is fit for purpose, access the patent system and developing the patent drafting profession.