Intellectual Property (IP) for Green Innovation Program

September 16, 2024

What is IP for Green?

As green technology innovation rapidly advances in Nigeria, many innovators encounter difficulties navigating the complexities of intellectual property (IP) protection, both locally and internationally. A lack of IP awareness among green innovators in Nigeria presents a major obstacle to the commercialization and scaling of their technologies.

To address this issue, the WIPO Nigeria Office (WNO), in collaboration with the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), has introduced the "IP for Green Innovation" program. This program, modeled after the WIPO IP Management Clinics (IPMC), aims to equip green technology innovators at all stages— from ideation to product development— with the knowledge, strategies, and IP support required for successful business development and financing.

The program will span six months and be rolled out in two phases:

  • Phase One (November 2024 - January 2025):  the project will provide incubation and acceleration training for 100 green hardware technology innovators in Nigeria.
  • Phase Two (February - April 2025): Participants will undergo one-on-one IP Management Clinics (IPMC) focused on IP protection, business strategies, and market readiness. They will receive personalized mentorship to help them navigate the IP landscape and prepare their innovations for commercialization.

The deadline for receipt of applications to the IP for Green Innovation Program is November 4, 2024.

Apply

Who can apply?

The IP for Green Innovation program invites applications from hardware green innovators in Nigeria, regardless of their development stage, from ideation to fully marketable products. The selection process will be based on the following key criteria:

  • Participants must be green innovators at any stage of product development.
  • The green innovation must be a solution to an identified local problem.
  • Green innovative products must be potential subject matter of an intellectual property possible of industrial application.
  • Women-owned green startups/Innovators are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Applicants must be available for the virtual 6-month curriculum.

Target Location

The IP for Green Innovation program is a nationwide project open to hardware green innovators from across Nigeria.

What to Expect

The overall objective of ‘IP for Green Innovation’ is to build IP capacity in the green technology industry in Nigeria by enabling green innovators to identify and utilize IP for business and commercialization. This joint project has the following specific objectives:

  • Increase IP knowledge and awareness within the green ecosystem and build capacity for leveraging IP in business among green innovators in Nigeria.
  • Create IP awareness among green hardware innovators in Nigeria.
  • Train innovators and entrepreneurs on the importance of IP in protecting their ideas and building successful businesses.
  • Identify success stories of green technology innovators who have leveraged IP for business by highlighting the impact of the IPMC for participants at the concluding Demo Day event. 
  • Encourage IP registrations in Nigeria by providing IP registration awareness through the IPMC.
  • Promote the WIPO Green platform by facilitating matches between providers and users of green technologies.

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 through the period, including:

  • One-on-one mentorship with renowned IP and business expert(s) selected by WIPO on how to better use IP for growth.
  • Training opportunities and access to practical tools and services
  • Networking opportunities amongst peers.