San Francisco, United States | 30 May 2026

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is pleased to announce its membership in the Bayh-Dole Coalition.

This coalition is a leading U.S.-based organization dedicated to advancing innovation and technology transfer. Moreover, it focuses on intellectual property protection, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of research outcomes.

This strategic membership strengthens IFIA’s engagement with key stakeholders in the global innovation ecosystem.

In addition, the Bayh-Dole Coalition brings together more than 300 leading universities, research institutions, technology transfer offices, innovation organizations, industry associations, and policy advocates.

Through this extensive network, members collaborate to strengthen innovation ecosystems, support technology transfer, advance research commercialization, promote intellectual property protection, and accelerate the transformation of scientific discoveries into real-world products and societal benefits.

Furthermore, it connects IFIA with universities, research institutions, technology transfer organizations, policymakers, innovation networks, and intellectual property professionals.

The Bayh-Dole Coalition is widely recognized for promoting policies that support the transformation of scientific discoveries into real-world technologies, products, and societal benefits. Through its advocacy and educational initiatives, the Coalition contributes to strengthening innovation-driven economic development. Furthermore, it advances collaboration between academia, industry, inventors, and government institutions.

Moreover, the Coalition is known for organizing high-level programs and policy discussions. These include the Faces of American Innovation initiative and the American Innovator Awards. In addition, it holds Capitol Hill innovation briefings and technology transfer forums. These involve members of the United States Congress, leading universities, innovation leaders, and senior officials from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

As a result, IFIA expands its international network and further reinforces its commitment to supporting inventors. It promotes intellectual property awareness, encourages technology commercialization, and strengthens global innovation partnerships.

The Bayh-Dole Coalition includes more than 300 organizational and individual members representing the full innovation lifecycle, including research institutions, universities, technology transfer offices, venture capital advocates, small business organizations, economic development entities, and innovation leaders. 

In addition, through its membership, IFIA joins this extensive network of organizations working to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of research and inventions.

“Innovation flourishes when inventors, universities, industries, and policymakers work together. Joining the Bayh-Dole Coalition represents an important step toward expanding IFIA’s international engagement and creating new opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and stronger support for inventors worldwide.”

Alireza Rastegar
President of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA)

 

The Bayh-Dole Coalition is dedicated to protecting and advancing the principles of the Bayh-Dole Act, landmark U.S. legislation enacted in 1980 that enables universities, small businesses, and research institutions to retain ownership of inventions resulting from federally funded research.

Widely regarded as one of the most successful innovation policies in modern history, the Bayh-Dole framework has transformed scientific research into real-world technologies, products, companies, and societal benefits. The legislation has been credited with helping create a thriving innovation ecosystem that has:

• Contributed more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy

• Supported over 6.5 million jobs

• Catalyzed the creation of more than 19,000 startup companies

• Generated over 580,000 invention disclosures

• Accelerated the development and commercialization of life-saving innovations, including breakthrough medical treatments, vaccines, advanced manufacturing technologies, and clean energy solutions

By joining the Bayh-Dole Coalition, IFIA aligns itself with a network committed to strengthening innovation ecosystems, promoting technology transfer, encouraging research commercialization, and maximizing the societal impact of inventions and intellectual property.

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) will actively participate in the 2026 WIPO General Assembly, which will take place from July 7 to July 15 at the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing global innovation and strengthening international cooperation in the field of intellectual property, IFIA will engage in a series of official meetings and governmental discussions with representatives of WIPO member states throughout the Assembly.

A major highlight of IFIA’s participation will be the official high-level meeting on July 10 with Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, and Mr. Marco Aleman, Assistant Director General of WIPO. The meeting will focus on expanding strategic collaboration between IFIA and WIPO in innovation development, inventor empowerment, intellectual property promotion, and international cooperation initiatives.

IFIA has maintained a close and longstanding relationship with WIPO since the early years of the organization’s establishment. Over the decades, IFIA and WIPO have jointly organized numerous international congresses, innovation programs, conferences, and global events dedicated to supporting inventors and strengthening intellectual property ecosystems worldwide.

Since 2014, IFIA has significantly expanded its cooperation with WIPO and has become an active partner in several major international initiatives and innovation projects led by the organization. This growing collaboration reflects IFIA’s increasing role within the global intellectual property and innovation community.

Among the most important collaborative initiatives between IFIA and WIPO are:

• WIPO Green Innovation Projects
• Inventor Assistance Program (IAP)
• WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center
• World Intellectual Property Day Activities
• WIPO Global Awards and Innovation Recognition Programs

During the General Assembly, IFIA will also actively participate in governmental sessions and official meetings attended by WIPO member states. Through these engagements, IFIA aims to strengthen institutional partnerships and facilitate broader governmental support opportunities for its members and affiliated innovation organizations worldwide.

The organization’s continued presence within WIPO’s international framework reflects IFIA’s growing global influence as a leading voice for inventors, innovators, researchers, and scientific communities across the world.

By reinforcing its strategic partnership with WIPO leadership and participating in high-level international policymaking discussions, IFIA continues to expand opportunities for inventors, promote innovation-driven development, and support stronger international cooperation in intellectual property and technology advancement.

• Date: July 10, 2026
• Participants:
  • Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO
  • Mr. Marco Aleman, Assistant Director General of WIPO
  • IFIA Leadership Delegation

• Event: WIPO General Assembly 2026
• Date: July 7–15, 2026
• Venue: WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland