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Intellectual Property Ontario

IP support and funding for Ontario applicants

Offered by
Government of Ontario
Official source: ip-ontario.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 125,000
Up to 80% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Ontario-based small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and researchers.
See full eligibility

Overview

Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) supports Ontario-based SMEs, entrepreneurs, and researchers with funding up to $25,000 per year through Tier 1 or up to $100,000 per year through Tier 2 to protect and commercialize intellectual property. Eligible clients can access IP education, insurance, and funding for IP strategy, registration, and surveys or audits.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$125,000
Maximum share of project costs
80%
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Optimize production processes
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
500 employees maximum
Audience
  • Startups
Legal structures
For-profit business

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

IPON scope and impact updated

IPON’s about page now describes a larger postsecondary focus, with reported investment rising to over $16 million and institutional reach expanding to more than 30 colleges, universities, and research institutions.

See more

The About IPON page now states that, since 2023, IPON has invested over $16 million in more than 30 colleges, universities, and research institutions, up from over $9 million in more than 20 colleges and universities. The page also adds vision and mission language that describes IP funding, awareness, and capacity-building support for Ontario’s postsecondary innovation ecosystem.

Official source: ip-ontario.ca
September 28, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Ontario-based small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and researchers.
  • Businesses in health technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, mining technology, agriculture and food technology, cleantech, or advanced manufacturing related to those sectors.

Who is not eligible

  • Organizations not based in Ontario.
  • Businesses with 500 or more employees.
  • Companies outside the eligible sectors.

Eligible expenses

  • IP agreements, including non-disclosure agreements, licenses, master service agreements, and partnership agreements.
  • IP surveys and audits.
  • IP strategy development.
  • IP registration.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Litigation costs.
  • Taxes, subscriptions, and administrative costs.
  • Past work.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Activities funded

  • IP education, benchmarking, coaching, events, and workshops.
  • IP funding for forward-looking IP work.
  • IP insurance for eligible clients.

How to apply

  • Apply through the IPON Portal to access IPON’s specialized services and support.
  • Complete and submit the application by an authorized employee of the organization applying to become a client of IPON.

Documents Needed

  • Completed online application form.

Selection criteria

  • IP readiness.
  • Business stage.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Review time varies depending on application volume and the information provided.
  • All applicants are contacted with the result once the review is complete.
  • IPON issues funding after receiving an invoice from the client’s service provider for completed work, and the invoice must correspond to a statement of work previously approved by IPON.
  • After the client has paid their contribution of at least 20% plus all applicable taxes, IPON issues its co-share directly to the service provider.

Additional information

  • The application is assessed solely on the information provided in the form; additional or supplemental information will not be considered.
  • If you are deemed ineligible and want to submit additional information, you must submit a new application.
  • Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee application approval.
  • The application form is confidential and takes no more than 30 minutes to complete.

Contacts

info@ip-ontario.ca

Official sources

Official program page
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Intellectual Property Ontario Program

What is the Intellectual Property Ontario?

Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) supports Ontario-based SMEs, entrepreneurs, and researchers with funding up to $25,000 per year through Tier 1 or up to $100,000 per year through Tier 2 to protect and commercialize intellectual property. Eligible clients can access IP education, insurance, and funding for IP strategy, registration, and surveys or audits.

How much funding can be received?

Intellectual Property Ontario Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $125,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Intellectual Property Ontario program?

To be eligible for the Intellectual Property Ontario program, you must: Ontario-based SMEs with fewer than 500 employees, entrepreneurs, or researchers in health technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, mining technology, agriculture and food technology, cleantech, or advanced manufacturing related to those sectors. Applicants must have their head office and registered business address in Ontario and operate there long term. Applicants must own IP or IP rights, intend to commercialize or monetize them in Canada, and demonstrate Ontario benefit and financial capacity.

What expenses are eligible under Intellectual Property Ontario?

IP agreements, including non-disclosure agreements, licenses, master service agreements, and partnership agreements. IP surveys and audits. IP strategy development. IP registration.

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

You can contact Government of Ontario by email at info@ip-ontario.ca.

Where is the Intellectual Property Ontario available?

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