Frequently Asked Questions: WIPO GREEN

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Basics

WIPO GREEN is a public-private partnership established in 2013 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It is a platform for technology exchange that supports global efforts to address climate change by connecting providers and seekers of environmentally friendly technologies. Through its database, network, projects, publications and events, WIPO GREEN brings together key players to catalyze green technology innovation and diffusion.

What sets WIPO GREEN apart is its ability to assemble, in a single platform, green technologies at all stages of development, from prototypes to marketable products. These technologies are available for license, collaboration, joint ventures, and sale. By including eco-friendly technologies as well as technology “needs” in its database, WIPO GREEN is a go-to platform for green technology innovation and for promoting the transfer and dissemination of technology worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

“Green technologies” are environmentally sound technologies as defined in Chapter 34 of Agenda 21 (The United Nations Program of Action from Rio, 1992). Green technologies “protect the environment, are less polluting, use all resources in a more sustainable manner, recycle more of their wastes and products, and handle residual waste in a more acceptable manner than the technologies for which they were substitutes”. These “include know-how, procedures, goods and services, and equipment as well as organizational and managerial procedures.” In the WIPO GREEN Database of Needs and Green Technologies (referred to as WIPO GREEN Database), providers are asked to describe the environmental benefits of their technology when uploading it.

WIPO GREEN is one of WIPO’s contributions to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. One of WIPO’s nine strategic goals, as set out in the Medium Term Strategic Plan and biennial Program and Budget, is to bring “the international community together to proactively address emerging issues and policy challenges at the global level.”

To this end, WIPO GREEN contributes its innovation and intellectual property (IP) expertise to the global policy debates related to climate change and food security.

It also works with partners to provide practical solutions. In the Program and Budget for 2012/2013, Member States gave WIPO the mandate to establish and maintain a functioning platform for open innovation and diffusion of green technologies, i.e. the WIPO GREEN Database. Today, this is reflected in strategic pillar 3 of WIPO’s Medium-Term Strategic Plan: “Knowledge transfer and technology adaptation are facilitated through WIPO’s IP-based platforms and tools to address global challenges.”

WIPO GREEN is funded from the regular budget of WIPO; however, WIPO has long-term relationships with several key donor countries. These donor countries provide Funds-In-Trust (FIT) and WIPO GREEN has received such contributions for specific projects and events from the Japan Intellectual Property Association and the governments of Australia, Brazil, France and Japan.

WIPO GREEN itself does not provide financial support for technologies, solutions or projects. Technology providers are encouraged to upload technology solutions to the WIPO GREEN Database and connect with other users through it or at our events to explore collaboration opportunities. WIPO GREEN webinars and in-person events can help users identify and engage with potential partners, including investors. Users may also consult the list of funding opportunities available through WIPO GREEN.

WIPO’s Development Agenda (DA) includes a number of relevant recommendations (numbers 25, 26, 28, 30 and 40) that encourage WIPO to explore IP-related initiatives that promote the transfer and dissemination of technology, to the benefit of developing countries.

Many SDGs rely on technological solutions, particularly in areas such as climate action, clean energy, sustainable cities and industry. WIPO GREEN contributes to these goals by facilitating the development, diffusion and deployment of environmentally sound technologies. Through its database, network and activities, it connects technology providers with those seeking solutions, thereby accelerating the dissemination and uptake of green innovations worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

Member States collectively oversee WIPO's work, including WIPO GREEN, through WIPO's governing bodies (such as the WIPO Assemblies). To support WIPO GREEN, member states can promote the initiative at national, regional and international levels, engage in its activities and/or finance projects via funds-in-trust.

The WIPO GREEN Core Committee, comprising selected partners and the WIPO Secretariat, guides the activities of WIPO GREEN. The Committee advises on strategy, priority areas and topics and strategic partnerships. The Core Committee is an important consultative and advisory body but does not exercise any influence over the Program of Work and Budget.

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Partnering with WIPO GREEN

Organizations interested in becoming WIPO GREEN partners are asked to share information on their activities, including a link to their website, examples of relevant work in climate and environmental fields and their intended contribution to WIPO GREEN. We review these elements to assess alignment with the WIPO GREEN mandate.

IP Offices can get involved through the IPO GREEN initiative, which helps them share knowledge required to develop green policies and programs and support the growth and deployment of green technologies.

Since its launch in 2022, IPO GREEN has brought IP Offices together to exchange practical experiences and insights. It has published thirteen concept notes on green innovation activities for IP Offices and hosted eighteen webinars. In these events, IP Offices from around the world have shared approaches to initiatives such as accelerated patent prosecution, green data and analysis, green technology classification and IP awareness raising.

Database

In order to register with WIPO GREEN, you first need a WIPO account. Once you have created a WIPO account, you can submit a request to become a WIPO GREEN user.

No, anyone can create a WIPO account and register as a WIPO GREEN user for free. As a registered user, you can:

  • Upload technology solutions, needs or your expert profile in the database,
  • Update your profile,
  • Track your submissions,
  • Contact potential partners.

We will review your user registration request using the information provided in the online form. As part of this request, you are asked to provide information on your organization and intended use of the platform. If you wish to upload a technology, you must also provide initial information about it.

If approved, we will send you a confirmation email notifying you that your account is active. Please note that only institutions can register to upload needs and technologies; individuals may only contact other users.

To upload a technology or information about a green technology need in the WIPO GREEN Database, first log in to the WIPO GREEN portal using your WIPO account credentials. You will then have the option to submit a technology or need.

The more detailed and precise that you can be with your database submission, the easier it is for a user to find your technology and understand its relevance and impact. We recommend selecting the appropriate technology category, including links to relevant websites and adding photos or diagrams. Additionally, the environmental benefits of your technology should be indicated (e.g., water, land, air, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity and ecosystems).

Technology providers are asked to describe the environmental benefits of their technologies when uploading them to the WIPO GREEN Database. These descriptions may include information on emissions reductions, resource efficiency, pollution prevention, circularity or other sustainability benefits. Supporting evidence such as case studies, technical data, publications or certifications may also be provided. WIPO GREEN does not independently assess or verify climate impact claims, and users seeking further information are encouraged to contact the technology provider directly.

No. Any licensing of trade secrets will be governed by individually negotiated agreements. Before submitting your technology solution for inclusion in the WIPO GREEN database, please make sure that you have not disclosed any confidential information. Once information is published on our database, we may be unable to prevent its use by third parties.

To upload a technology, you must first create a WIPO account and submit a request to become a WIPO GREEN user. If you wish to upload a technology, you must also provide initial information about it.

Once approved, you can complete and submit your technology to the database. This includes providing key details such as its environmental benefits, stage of development and, where possible, links to relevant websites or supporting materials.

Each submission is reviewed by the WIPO GREEN team to ensure that it is complete, clearly presented and relevant to environmentally sound technologies.

Users may submit additional technologies over time, which are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Users remain responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of the information they provide.

As of June 2026, the WIPO GREEN Database includes over 4,500 registered users worldwide. The platform provides access to more than 145,000 innovation-related records, including patents, technologies, needs and expert profiles.

Users can update their submissions at any time and are encouraged to do so. In addition, they can flag content to be removed. We do occasional reviews as well.

Users are solely responsible for the content and accuracy of the information uploaded onto the database. Please refer to section 7 of the Terms and Conditions for the Use of the WIPO GREEN Database for more information.

We encourage you to review your database submission at least on a yearly basis to ensure it contains up-to-date information. For a technology listing, for example, this may include new applications or technology updates. By updating your submission, you also let other users know that the technology or need is still active – and available.

All users that are logged in to the WIPO GREEN portal can click on the “email owner” button that appears on each database entry to message another user directly.

All technologies uploaded to the WIPO GREEN Database remain the property of the right holder. It is up to the right holder and the collaborating parties to structure agreements in the manner they feel is most appropriate and effective.

WIPO shall not be held liable for any or all of the foregoing uses of the data on the WIPO GREEN Database or any part thereof, that may affect or violate any patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or other IP right of any third party.

The WIPO GREEN Database connects its users with experts at all stages of the technology transfer pipeline. If you have expertise in the field of assurance and advisory services related to IP, law, finance and engineering and are willing to participate in the WIPO GREEN network, please register and complete the expert profile.

Not necessarily. The service providers listed in the database can decide whether they want to charge for their services, and how much. Those who provide pro bono services to WIPO GREEN users can indicate that in their profile.

Patents

WIPO GREEN does not require that technologies or innovations uploaded to its database be patented, or in the process of being patented. Therefore, technology providers can upload their technology while related patent applications are pending.

WIPO GREEN users decide the extent to which they wish to disclose information and details about their technology on the WIPO GREEN Database. Careful consideration should be given to the information that is uploaded in the database to avoid disclosing confidential or sensitive information that could jeopardize a current or future patent application. WIPO GREEN encourages users to thoroughly review each submission before it is published.

WIPO GREEN cannot provide an opinion on patentability. Patents are territorial rights that are only applicable in the country or region in which a patent has been filed or granted, in accordance with the law of that country or region.

There are several national or regional IP authorities that can prioritize the examination of patent applications if they relate to climate change and the environment. WIPO GREEN users should consult with their relevant IP office to find out if, and how, they can benefit from these initiatives.

Licensing a patent simply means that the patent owner grants permission to another individual or organization to make, use, sell his/her patented invention. This takes place according to agreed terms and conditions (for example, defining the amount and type of payment to be made by the licensee to the licensor), for a defined purpose, territory, and period of time.

A patent owner may grant a license to a third party for many reasons. The patent owner, for example, may not have the necessary manufacturing facilities, and may therefore allow others to make and sell his/her patented invention in return for “royalty” payments.

WIPO GREEN users involved in negotiating patent licensing agreements may find the WIPO GREEN Licensing Checklist PDF, WIPO GREEN Licensing Checklist helpful.

Acceleration Projects

WIPO GREEN Acceleration Projects are targeted initiatives that connect providers of environmentally friendly technologies with organizations that need solutions to address climate change, food security and related environmental challenges. These projects are implemented in specific countries or regions. The objective is to accelerate the adoption of green technologies by identifying real needs, matching them with suitable solutions and supporting the deployment of green technologies on the ground.

While the WIPO GREEN Database provides a global, online platform for technology exchange, Acceleration Projects offer hands-on, country-level support. They actively identify needs, facilitate matchmaking and engage stakeholders to drive concrete outcomes.

Acceleration Projects typically follow a structured approach that includes:

  • Identification of local environmental and technological needs,
  • Scouting of relevant green technologies to deal with specific local environmental needs
  • Matchmaking between solution seekers and providers,
  • Facilitation of partnerships and, where relevant, support in identifying financing opportunities.

Projects focus on a wide range of issues, including climate-smart agriculture, urban issues, food production, palm oil mill effluents, water and fisheries and other challenges, depending on the local context.

Projects are implemented in collaboration with local partners, including IP offices, government agencies, industry associations and consultants. WIPO GREEN provides methodological guidance and participates in project oversight.

GREEN Technology Book

The WIPO GREEN Technology Book is a flagship publication that showcases innovative green technologies and highlights solutions that can help address environmental and climate-related challenges. The publication is designed as a practical resource for anyone seeking sustainable technology solutions, including policymakers, practitioners, investors, researchers, technology developers and the wider public.

Technologies are selected based on their relevance to the book's theme, innovation potential and contribution to addressing environmental challenges. WIPO GREEN is primarily interested in a technology's potential to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, ranging from simple methodologies and practices to advanced technological solutions.

No. Inclusion in the book does not mean that WIPO or WIPO GREEN recommends, endorses, certifies or validates a technology. The technologies presented in the book have not been tested or independently assessed by WIPO. The information is based on publicly available sources, and inclusion in the book should not be considered a recommendation of any particular technology.

The book may feature a range of technologies, including patented and non-patented innovative solutions as well as trademarks or other IP rights. Readers should verify the status of specific technologies independently.

All solutions featured in the Green Technology Book can be found in the dedicated Green Technology Book Collection in the WIPO GREEN Database. There, you can access additional information about each solution, including the technology provider, technical details and related resources.

Technologies are identified through research, the WIPO GREEN Database and engagement with stakeholders. Organizations are encouraged to upload their relevant green technologies to the WIPO GREEN Database to increase visibility and potential consideration for future Technology Books. Inclusion is also based on the relevance of the technology to the theme and objectives of the publication.

Results

Since its establishment, WIPO GREEN has helped accelerate the dissemination and uptake of green technologies by connecting technology providers, technology seekers, experts, investors and other stakeholders worldwide.

By mid-2026, WIPO GREEN had facilitated around 2,000 connections between stakeholders. Of those connections, close to 90 became matches, meaning collaboration opportunities that resulted in a documented intent to cooperate or a formal agreement between a technology seeker and a technology provider. Matches may include commercial agreements, licensing arrangements, collaborations, joint ventures, memoranda of understanding (MoUs), letters of intent or other documented exchanges showing a clear commitment to work together. Of those matches, 29 further progressed into deployments, where the technology provider and need owner successfully implemented the technology in practice.

Beyond matchmaking, WIPO GREEN has built a global network of more than 160 partner organizations and supports the transfer and adoption of environmentally friendly technologies through practical resources, events and publications.

More questions?

If you couldn't find an answer to your question on this page or through the WIPO GREEN homepage, then feel free to contact us and we'll do our best to provide you with an answer.

Disclaimer: The questions and answers provided on this page serve a purely informative purpose and are not a legal point of reference. They do not necessarily represent the official position of WIPO or its Member States.

Warning: Uploading information about an invention to the WIPO GREEN database does not grant users IP protection. Users should carefully assess any risks associated with the disclosure of technical information prior to publishing it in the Database.

Warning: Patents are imported from the Patentscope database through a detailed filtering of PCT patents classified as relevant for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the EPO Y02 classification. As such, we strive to import only patent applications which are of relevance for the green transition and WIPO GREEN. All patents imported from Patentscope are clearly marked as such and have certain legally required limitations in how we display them in the Database.

Warning: Users can also upload patents if their technology has been patented. However, we encourage users to upload solution descriptions rather than patent descriptions as the latter may not always be easily understandable for the general public.

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