Intellectual Property Ontario

Q: How much funding can be received?

Intellectual Property Ontario Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Intellectual Property Ontario a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Intellectual Property Ontario is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Intellectual Property Ontario?

Intellectual Property Ontario is funded by Government of Ontario

Q: Who is eligible for the Intellectual Property Ontario program?

To be eligible for the Intellectual Property Ontario program, you must: • Ontario-based SME with fewer than 500 employees • Operates in eligible sectors such as AI, life sciences, health tech, vehicle tech, mining tech, agri-food tech, or cleantech • Owns or controls intellectual property rights and intends to commercialize in Canada

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Intellectual Property Ontario?

You can contact Government of Ontario.

Q: Where is the Intellectual Property Ontario available?

The Intellectual Property Ontario program is available the province of ON.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Intellectual Property Ontario program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Intellectual Property Ontario program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Funding support for Ontario-based SMEs in tech and innovation sectors

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 80% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The IPON program offers conditional funding to Ontario-based SMEs in sectors like health technology, AI, and cleantech, covering up to 80% of eligible costs for activities such as IP surveys and strategy development. The program aims to support the protection and commercialization of IP, leading to societal or economic benefits in Ontario.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding covers up to 80% of eligible project costs, conditional on an approved statement of work.
Funding is issued upon receipt of an invoice from the eligible Ontario-based IP service provider after completion of approved work.
Funding amounts are determined and customized based on the approved scope of work for each applicant.

Activities funded

Development and commercialization of innovative artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies.
Advancement of novel vehicle technologies, including autonomous and electric vehicle solutions.
Creation and implementation of new health technologies aimed at improving healthcare outcomes.
Research and innovation in life sciences, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical advancements.
Design and deployment of new mining, agriculture, and clean economy technologies supporting sustainable and efficient practices.

Eligibility

The applicant must be an Ontario-based small or medium-sized enterprise with fewer than 500 employees.
The company must operate in Ontario and intend to grow its business in the province long-term.
The business must operate in one of the following sectors: health technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, mining technology, agriculture and food technology, or cleantech. Advanced manufacturing is eligible if related to these sectors.
The applicant must own intellectual property or intellectual property rights and intend to commercialize or monetize these in Canada.
The project must demonstrate potential for societal or economic benefit to Ontario.

Who is eligible?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Ontario
Companies in artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies
Firms in vehicle technology (including autonomous and electric vehicle technologies)
Businesses in health technology and life sciences
Organizations in mining technology, agriculture and food technology, and clean economy sectors
Advanced manufacturing companies with technology related to the above sectors

Who is not eligible

Companies not based in Ontario or without substantive operations and a physical address in Ontario.
Businesses in sectors outside of artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, health technology, life sciences, mining technology, agriculture and food technology, cleantech, or advanced manufacturing related to these sectors.
Enterprises with 500 or more full-time equivalent employees or contractors globally.
Entities that do not own or intend to commercialize intellectual property within Canada.

Eligible expenses

Costs for conducting an intellectual property (IP) survey.
Expenses related to the development of an IP strategy.
Fees for competitive analysis in the context of IP.
IP registration costs.
Contractual support directly associated with IP.
IP-related initial disbursements as specified in an approved statement of work.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

Selection criteria

Project's ability to demonstrate a societal or economic benefit for Ontario.
Evidence of financial capacity to support the protection and commercialization of the supported intellectual property.

How to apply

Verify Eligibility

Ensure your enterprise meets the eligibility criteria including being based in Ontario and operating in the specified sectors.
Verify that you have the financial capacity and potential to benefit Ontario.

Visit Application Page

Go to the IPON apply page online for the latest application details.

Prepare Required Information

Gather necessary documentation and information demonstrating your eligibility and project scope.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the application form available on the IPON website.
Provide all required information, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.

Submit Application

Submit your completed application through the online form on the IPON website.
Receive confirmation of submission from IPON once the application is submitted.

Await Review Results

Wait for IPON to contact you with the results of your application review.

Additional information

Receipt of application is confirmed through the completion notification page in the online application form.
The review timeline for applications varies depending on the volume received and the details provided.
IPON does not provide direct legal counsel, but funds access to licensed IP professionals.
It is possible to apply even if you have previously received support from other Ontario IP programs.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Intellectual Property Ontario Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Intellectual Property Ontario. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.