Asia is setting a new benchmark for growth via intangible assets

Summary:

• The IP for Growth Awards (IPGA), a new regional awards program organized by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore and IPOS International with support from regional IP offices and ecosystem partners, aims to recognize Asian enterprises that successfully translate their intangible assets and intellectual property into tangible business outcomes.
• This initiative reflects a strategic regional shift from simply registering intellectual property to actively utilizing it to drive commercial value, cross-border expansion, and long-term competitiveness.
• Featuring three open nomination categories tailored to a company’s growth stage, the IPGA provides winners with regional visibility, valuable networking opportunities, and recognition.
• Apply for the awards by June 14.

Over the last few years, Asia has solidified its position as a major hub for innovation and enterprise growth. Companies are increasingly using intangible assets (IAs) and intellectual property (IP) to scale across markets, strengthen competitiveness, and unlock new business opportunities.

Representatives from Hegen, a previous winner of the WIPO-IPOS IP for Innovation Awards, which recognized innovation excellence in IA and IP / Photo credit: IPOS

As this shift accelerates, a new benchmark for IA- and IP-driven growth is beginning to take shape across the region. As enterprises expand across borders, credible recognition is increasingly seen as a signal of innovation strength, business maturity, and growth potential to investors, partners, and markets.

This is where the IP for Growth Awards (IPGA) come in. Organized by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and IPOS International with support from regional IP offices and ecosystem partners, it aims to spotlight enterprises that have translated their IA and IP into tangible business outcomes, all while contributing to a stronger regional benchmark for IA and IP excellence.

“IP is increasingly seen as part of the growth strategy, supporting expansion, differentiation, and long-term value creation,” says Tan Kong Hwee, chief executive of IPOS.

Protecting ideas and powering growth

The IPGA was originally known as the WIPO-IPOS IP for Innovation Awards, which was launched in 2013 to recognize IP-driven business success. Across 12 editions, the awards have recognized 53 industry leaders, including Razer, DBS Bank, and Creative Technology.

The winners of the 2024 edition of the awards / Photo credit: IPOS

The 2026 edition, rebranded as the IPGA, marks a new chapter. One of the key ideas behind the new awards is to highlight the shift in thinking and strategy towards IP. In the past, it was typically associated with what a company has built, such as patents, trademarks, and other rights.

But it’s become increasingly important for companies to use IA and IP to create commercial value and strengthen their competitive edge, not just sit on their registered rights.

“This reflects the current reality in which startups and SMEs grow today – with cross-border ambitions from the start and a need for stronger visibility, credibility, and connections as they scale,” Tan explains.

Tan Kong Hwee, chief executive of IPOS / Photo credit: IPOS

The IPGA also aims to become a recognized regional benchmark for IA and IP excellence, spotlighting companies and innovators that use these assets to drive growth, market expansion, and long-term competitive advantage. For participating enterprises, the awards also provide an opportunity to benchmark themselves against leading organizations that are successfully translating IA and IP into business growth.

To cast a spotlight on these stories, IPGA works with a network of IP offices and ecosystem contributors across the region, including ASEAN IP Offices, DailySocial.id, Kumpul, InnoLab Asia, TechShake, Techsauce, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing, and IPOS Society.

These partners help surface promising enterprises through trusted networks, bringing perspectives from startup communities, industry, innovation ecosystems, and IP institutions. It also means that the awards can connect innovators and enterprises to a wider network of investors, policymakers, experts and industry partners, reinforcing its position as a regional mark of IA and IP excellence.

A broader view on IA and IP excellence

Another key shift is IPGA’s broader category structure, which recognizes that companies use IA and IP differently depending on where they are in their growth journey.

There are three open nomination categories to reflect this wider lens:

• Young Innovator: This is for individuals 35 years old and below building ventures with meaningful economic, environmental, or social impact.
• Emerging Champions: The category is for early-stage enterprises and startups with strong brands and/or technology portfolios.
• Growth Champions: This is for SMEs and scaling enterprises using IA and IP to expand markets and strengthen their competitive advantage across Asia.

Together, these categories allow IPGA to recognize IA- and IP-led growth across the enterprise journey – from young founders turning ideas into ventures, to startups building IP-backed products or brands, to scaling SMEs expanding across markets.

Up to 12 winners will receive the IPGA 2026 Winner title, alongside a trophy and certificate.

Singapore IP Week 2025 / Photo credit: IPOS

They will also be profiled by IPGA and partner channels and receive storytelling opportunities and networking access with judges, government representatives, investors, IA and IP experts, and ecosystem partners. Winners will also gain a Singapore IP Week 2026 experience package.

The Awards Ceremony will take place on August 25, 2026 during Singapore IP Week.

Building stronger connections across Asia’s innovation ecosystem

As more enterprises in Asia look beyond their home markets, the right networks, expertise, and recognition can make a real difference.

The IPGA will help bring these stories into view, showing how enterprises can use IA and IP to gain commercial traction, enter new markets, build partnerships, and strengthen regional visibility.

“For enterprises ready to grow, the message is clear: what you build matters, but so does how you protect, manage, and scale the value behind it,” says Tan.

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.

Due to strong interest, applications for IPGA 2026 have been extended to June 14. Apply now through this link.

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This content was produced by Tech in Asia Studios, which connects brands with Asia’s tech community. Learn more about partnering with Tech in Asia Studios.