Applications from LDCs Open for WTO Annual Workshop on Transfer of Technology

Government officials from WTO least-developed country (LDC) members and eligible observers are invited to apply for the 2026 WTO workshop on Article 66.2 (Incentives for Technology Transfer) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), to be held in Geneva from 21 to 23 April 2026. Applications close on 16 February 2026.

Key Points

· Event: WTO workshop on TRIPS Article 66.2 (technology transfer incentives).

· Dates & Venue: 21–23 April 2026, Geneva.

· Application Deadline: 16 February 2026.

Purpose

· Facilitate dialogue on technology transfer measures reported under Article 66.2.

· Strengthen LDCs’ technological base through incentives from developed country members.

· Promote coordination between reporting developed countries and beneficiary LDCs.

Structure

· Two-day interactive training on technology transfer and IP/trade management.

· Reporting & review segment within the TRIPS Council framework.

Eligibility

· Applicants: Government officials from LDC members and eligible observers.

· Requirements:

o Direct experience in technology transfer projects, IP, or trade matters.

o Advanced knowledge of English or French for active participation.

· Slots Available: 30 total, with each LDC government able to nominate up to 3 officials.

This workshop is a practical platform for LDC officials to engage directly with developed country members on reported incentives, aligning them with LDCs’ priority needs and broader WTO discussions.

[ABS News Service/11.02.2026]

The purpose of this workshop is to facilitate dialogue on reported technology transfer measures under Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement. In Article 66.2, the TRIPS Agreement specifically obliges developed country members to provide incentives to enterprises and institutions in their territories to promote and encourage technology transfer to LDC members. The aim is to enable LDCs to create a sound and viable technological base.

The workshop comprises two components: a two-day interactive training segment, followed by a reporting and review segment held within the framework of a formal meeting of the Council for TRIPS. Taken together, these components aim to promote dialogue and coordination between developed country members reporting incentives for technology transfer and their intended beneficiaries, namely LDC members.

The workshop is based on the Article 66.2 reports submitted by developed country members, LDCs' identified priority needs and broader discussions in the WTO on trade and technology transfer.

Who should apply?

Thirty places are available for allocation to applicants from beneficiary LDC members and observers.

Governments of members and observers of LDCs are invited to nominate up to three applicants.

To be considered, applicants must:

· be government officials responsible for, or with direct experience in, implementing technology transfer projects and managing intellectual property or trade matters; and

· have advanced knowledge of English or French, permitting them to deliver presentations and participate actively in discussions and presentations during the workshop.