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Intellectual Property Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Funding support for Ontario-based SMEs in tech and innovation sectors
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Reduce the ecological footprint
Eligible Funding
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
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
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
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
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.
