Open
Source verified July 9, 2026
ElevateIP
Supports startups with IP strategy and protection
Funding available
$ 100,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
ElevateIP is a federal program for Canadian not-for-profit business accelerators, incubators, and BAI networks that supports startups and SMEs with intellectual property development, protection, and strategy. Eligible activities include IP awareness, IP strategy development, and IP implementation costs such as professional fees, IP filing, and related project support.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- IP awareness activities such as workshops, programs, conferences, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities
- Developing IP strategies for startups
- Implementing IP strategies, including IP landscape analysis and costs related to the formal protection of IP
Documents Needed
- Proof of not-for-profit status
- Project plan
- Financial statements for the lead Applicant and any Partners
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian not-for-profit BAIs
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations that represent networks of BAIs
- When multiple eligible Applicants collaborate, one eligible Applicant must act as the lead Applicant
Who is not eligible
- Late submissions will not be considered for funding
Eligible expenses
- Cost of labour, including salaries and benefits, for eligible activities
- Travel costs for Recipient staff in accordance with the National Joint Council Travel Directive
- Professional fees, including consultants, technical expertise, legal, and translation
- Direct materials and supplies, fees for filing and/or registering IP, and costs paid to project Collaborators undertaking eligible activities
- Costs for space or equipment needed for eligible activities, as well as evaluation and audit fees
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs related to litigation
- Ongoing licensing fees
- Costs associated with the repayment or refinancing of an existing debt
- Costs related to lobbying
- Entertainment expenses, including alcohol and non-travel expenses
Selection criteria
- Preference is given to proposals with significant collaboration, broad geographic coverage or diverse representation, and a plan for long-term IP capacity.
- Assessment considers experience in providing IP supports, supporting startups, administering capacity-building events, and managing similar projects.
- Assessment considers whether activities are relevant to the program objectives, the clarity of the project plan, and the capacity to report on project activities.
- Assessment considers the ability to reach underrepresented groups, build sustainability beyond the program, and demonstrate adequate financial controls and funding sources.
- Government priorities, geographic coverage and diversity may be considered in the decision.
How to apply
- Complete the ElevateIP Proposal Form.
- Attach the required supporting documents.
- Submit the proposal electronically by clicking the Submit button at the bottom of the form.
Processing and Agreement
- Once the competitive assessment process is completed, Applicants will be informed of the status of their submission.
- Successful Applicants will negotiate and enter into a Contribution Agreement with the Government of Canada.
Additional information
- The proposal may be submitted in either official language.
- Late submissions will not be considered for funding.
- Recipients are required to collect, manage and share data with ISED on a regular basis, including quarterly reports.
- Recipients must ensure that no single startup receives more than $100,000 in ElevateIP funding.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the ElevateIP Program
What is the ElevateIP?
ElevateIP is a federal program for Canadian not-for-profit business accelerators, incubators, and BAI networks that supports startups and SMEs with intellectual property development, protection, and strategy. Eligible activities include IP awareness, IP strategy development, and IP implementation costs such as professional fees, IP filing, and related project support.
How much funding can be received?
ElevateIP Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the ElevateIP program?
To be eligible for the ElevateIP program, you must:
The Applicant must be a Canadian not-for-profit BAI or a Canadian not-for-profit organization representing networks of BAIs.
If multiple eligible Applicants collaborate, one eligible Applicant must act as the lead Applicant.
Recipients must be able to deliver programs and services in both official languages.
What expenses are eligible under ElevateIP?
IP awareness activities such as workshops, programs, conferences, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities
Developing IP strategies for startups
Implementing IP strategies, including IP landscape analysis and costs related to the formal protection of IP
Who can I contact for more information about the ElevateIP?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at ic.icspnpelevateip-icspepeleverpi.ic@ised-isde.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-328-6189.
Where is the ElevateIP available?
The ElevateIP program is available across Canada.
Who are the financial supporters of the ElevateIP?
ElevateIP is funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Innovation Canada