The 2026 WIPO Global Awards have named 11 winners from a record pool of over 1,300 applicants across 126 countries. Among them, three Chinese enterprises – Botree Recycling, ArteryFlow, and Regend Therapeutics – stood out in the categories of clean technology, medical imaging, and regenerative medicine, signaling a decisive shift in China's innovation landscape.
Botree Recycling (SME, environment) has developed a proprietary hydrometallurgical process that recovers nickel, cobalt, and lithium from retired EV batteries at a lower cost than virgin mining. Their technology is now deployed in over 60 projects across 14 countries, serving global giants such as CATL, BASF, Toyota Tsusho, and BMW. In Spain, Botree has moved beyond licensing to form a joint venture that shares long-term revenue – a model that turns IP into a recurring income stream.
ArteryFlow (SME, health) applies aerospace fluid‑dynamics algorithms to human blood‑flow analysis. Their AI‑powered platform delivers a complete vascular assessment from a standard scan in under five minutes, at one‑quarter the cost of invasive procedures. Already approved in China, the US, and Europe, it has served more than 100,000 patients across 400 institutions and established licensing partnerships with Siemens Healthineers and Philips.
Regend Therapeutics (startup, health) uses a patient's own lung cells to regenerate damaged alveoli. Backed by USD 48 million in funding and recognised by the FDA, the therapy is protected by patents across three continents and is rapidly scaling in the emerging field of cell‑based repair.
The award ceremony, held during the WIPO Assemblies, placed these SMEs and startups before delegates from 194 member states – a rare opportunity to present their business cases directly to global policymakers. Winners now enter an acceleration phase featuring 25 hours of one‑on‑one coaching, access to WIPO's partner network, and heightened visibility among international investors and industry leaders.
A new chapter for Chinese enterprises
These three winners embody a fundamental evolution. Rather than competing on scale or cost, they win on proprietary technology and cross‑continental IP protection. Each company has secured patents in multiple jurisdictions and uses licensing – not just product exports – as a primary route to global markets. Botree's Spanish joint venture, for instance, exemplifies how Chinese innovators are moving from one‑off technology sales to sophisticated IP monetisation.
Moreover, the diversity of fields – battery recycling, AI diagnostics, and regenerative medicine – reflects the breadth of China's deep‑tech ecosystem beyond consumer electronics and e‑commerce. These are capital‑intensive, highly regulated sectors where China historically lagged; their global recognition now signals that Chinese deep‑tech startups have reached world‑class standards in R&D, clinical validation, and commercial deployment.
Source: WIPO
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