ElevateIP
- ElevateIP is a government initiative launched as part of Canada’s National Intellectual Property Strategy, aimed at helping Canadian startups and small businesses strategically manage and leverage their Intellectual Property (IP).
- Announced in Budget 2021 with a $90 million investment over four years, the program commenced in 2022-2023.
- The program is delivered through Business Accelerators and Incubators (BAIs) across Canada, supporting the development and implementation of IP strategies for startups and SMEs.
Key Objectives
- Increase IP awareness and education among Canadian startups and SMEs.
- Develop IP strategies tailored to the specific needs of startups.
- Enable startups to implement and protect their IP strategies, fostering growth and innovation
Benefits and Support
- Non-dilutive funding for the development and implementation of IP strategies.
- Support from BAIs to increase IP capacity through education, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning. Also, founders can have assistance in protecting patent, trademark, and copyright.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a Canadian Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) with headquarters in Canada and with fewer than 500 employees.
- The business should be young, approximately 10 years or younger.
- The organization must have the potential to scale and grow.
- IP assets must be owned by the business, not by individuals.
Application Process
- The application process involves working with designated BAIs that provide tailored IP support to startups.
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Companies interested in the ElevateIP program need to find a BAI based on their location. Currently, these are the designated institutions across Canada:
- Springboard Atlantic Inc. – Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
- Mouvement des accélérateurs d’innovation du Québec (MAIN) – Québec.
- Communitech Corporation – Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan
- Innovate Calgary, Lethbridge Economic Development and University of Calgary – Alberta
- New Ventures BC Society – British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories
Resources & Support
To read more about the ElevateIP program, please check our blog post.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I apply for ElevateIP?
You will need to connect with one of the designated organizations based on your location/province. You can also directly apply on the ElevateIP portal of the designated organization.
2. I already have a service provider. Can I use them for ElevateIP funding?
Yes, but ElevateIP must approve your service provider first. You can also choose from ElevateIP list of providers.
3. How much do I need to contribute as a client?
The amount you need to contribute depends on your province. Each designated organization has different contribution percentages at various stages of the program.
4. How long will the ElevateIP funding program be available?
The funding program is currently active until March 2026. However, it is uncertain whether the program will be renewed after that date. For more information, visit official website.
5. Does this program support IP protection or filing for patents and trademarks outside Canada?
Yes, the program supports Canadian businesses looking to expand internationally, including IP protection and filing for patents and trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. If your business has the potential to grow beyond Canada, this program can help.
