IP Funding

IP Funding for Start-Ups in Canada

Canadian Intellectual Property Funding Options

Canada offers a range of intellectual property (IP) funding programs designed to help start-ups, scale-ups, and innovative businesses identify, protect, and commercialize their IP in Canada and abroad.

Leveraging these programs can significantly reduce the cost of building and managing a resilient IP portfolio.

Our team members are registered service providers under these programs, and are experienced in assisting clients with identifying, securing, and effectively using IP funding, developing IP strategies that align with business objectives, and implementing those IP strategies in accordance with an allocated IP budget.

Here is a summary of a few key programs: 

  • The National Research Council’s IRAP supports innovative small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada through funding and advisory services. While IRAP focuses on R&D, eligible projects often include IP-related activities, such as patent strategy development, freedom-to-operate analysis, and early-stage protection. The IP Assist program also provides access to IRAP funds.

    Click here for more information on NRC IRAP.

  • AccelerateIP supports high-growth startups in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut, by funding activities that help them identify, protect, and leverage intellectual property. This may include IP audits, competitive landscape analysis, and early patent, trademark and design filings.

    Click here for more information on AccelerateIP.

  • Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) provides Ontario-based innovators with access to IP education, tools, and funding pathways. Through referrals and supported initiatives, IPON helps businesses make informed IP and commercialization decisions.

    Click here for more information on IPON.

  • ElevateIP provides eligible start-ups in Ontario, Manitoba or Saskatchewan with expert support to development and implement IP strategies. This includes landscape analysis, prior-art searches and advisory services, as well as filing patent and trademark applications.

    Click here for more information on ElevateIP.

  • The Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) helps Canadian clean technology companies access and manage patent assets to support commercialization and reduce IP risk. IAC programs focus on building shared patent portfolios and strengthening freedom to operate in key technology areas.

    Click here for more information on IAC.

We work closely with clients to navigate IP funding applications, align IP activities with program criteria, and implement funded IP work efficiently.

Our goal is to ensure funding is used strategically to create strong, enforceable, and commercially valuable IP assets.

With the right guidance, Canadian IP funding can accelerate innovation and strengthen long-term success.

How We Support Canadian IP Funding Applications