undefined
Intellectual Property Ontario - ON - Canada

Intellectual Property Ontario

Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Funding support for Ontario-based SMEs in tech and innovation sectors

Intellectual Property Ontario at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
  • Continuous Intakes
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
Grant Providers
  • Government of Ontario
Status
Open

Overview of the Intellectual Property Ontario program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

  • 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 criteria of the Intellectual Property Ontario program

  • 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

Eligibility criteria of the Intellectual Property Ontario program

  • 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 to the Intellectual Property Ontario program

1
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.
2
Visit Application Page
Go to the IPON apply page online for the latest application details.
3
Prepare Required Information
Gather necessary documentation and information demonstrating your eligibility and project scope.
4
Complete Application Form
  • Fill out the application form available on the IPON website.
  • Provide all required information, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.
5
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.
6
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

More grants like this

Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters
Expert AdviceOpen
Ontario, Canada
Food and beverage industry export help in Ontario
Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Financial support for regional Indigenous projects in Ontario
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario
Grant and FundingOpen
Ontario, Canada
Funding AI commercialization and adoption in Northern Ontario businesses
Food Safety and Growth Initiative
Grant and FundingOpen
Ontario, Canada
Enhance food safety systems, adopt new technologies, and drive sector growth
Customized Export Development Training Program
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Funding for export expertise, training and planning
Northern Ontario Development Program — Community Economic Development
Grant and FundingOpen
Ontario, Canada
Funding for Northern Ontario community economic development
Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 – Agri-Tech Innovation
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Supports agri-food growth through innovation and energy efficiency
Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects
Grant and FundingOpen
Ontario, Canada
Supports Aboriginal communities in mineral regulatory participation
Ontario tax credit for manufacturing and processing
Tax CreditsOpen
Ontario, Canada
Supports corporations with eligible manufacturing and processing income
Ontario Junior Exploration Program
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Funding for junior mining exploration in Ontario