
IP financing - Associate members of CAI
Last Update: July 31, 2025
Canada
Funding support for IP strategy in data-driven cleantech SMEs
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $15,000
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
The IP Financing grant for Associate Members of CAI provides financial support to assist eligible small and medium-sized enterprises in covering intellectual property (IP) expenses, focusing on strengthening IP strategies aligned with commercialization and growth objectives. The program is designed to help data-driven clean technology businesses remain competitive by advancing their patent portfolios; the maximum funding amount is not specified.
Activities funded
- Advancement of intellectual property (IP) strategies to support business growth.
- Projects focused on enhancing commercial potential through effective IP management.
- Initiatives that help strengthen and expand patent portfolios for data-driven clean technology SMEs.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 28,000
Patent portfolio expansion for smart grid renewable optimization tools
$ 22,500
Developing an IP licensing strategy for clean energy analytics software
$ 14,000
Comprehensive IP audit and patent landscape mapping for air sensors
$ 13,500
International trademark registration for cleantech recycling technology
$ 31,500
Filing a patent for a novel AI-driven water monitoring system
$ 21,000
Securing trade secrets protection for a big data emissions platform
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an associate member of CAI and in good standing.
- The project must demonstrate how intellectual property (IP) funding will help advance the business using IP.
- The funding request must align with the company's IP strategy.
- The project must take into account the commercial impacts on the business.
- The project should align with CAI's mandate to advance the data-driven clean technology sector's patent portfolios and competitiveness.
Who is eligible?
- Associate members of the CAI (Centre for AI and Innovation)
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the data-driven cleantech sector
Selection criteria
- Alignment of the requested funds with the organization's intellectual property (IP) strategy.
- Consideration of the commercial impact on the business.
- Alignment with CAI’s mandate to advance the patent portfolio of data-driven cleantech SMEs to support their competitiveness and growth.
How to apply
1
Verify eligibility and membership
- Review the eligibility criteria for associate members of CAI
- Ensure compliance with membership requirements
- Identify if your business fits within the clean technology sector focusing on data-driven solutions
2
Prepare the grant application
- Prepare your application highlighting your intellectual property (IP) strategy
- Demonstrate how the requested funds align with your IP plan
- Emphasize the potential commercial impacts of the grant on your business
3
Submit the application to CAI
- Submit your completed application to CAI as an associate member
- Include all required supporting documents and ensure accuracy
- Follow any specific submission guidelines provided by CAI
4
Await review and results
- Wait for the CAI to review your application
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested
- Monitor your application status through CAI communications
Additional information
- CAI provides distinct grants for associate members, full members, and a PI grant specifically for women, including cis and trans individuals, non-binary persons, and those who self-identify as women.
- Applicants must be current members in good standing with CAI to access funding opportunities.
- The CAI emphasizes developing a robust IP commercialization strategy as integral to its funding model.
Frequently Asked Questions about the IP financing - Associate members of CAI Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the IP financing - Associate members of CAI. 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.
What is the IP financing - Associate members of CAI?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the IP financing - Associate members of CAI a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the IP financing - Associate members of CAI?
Who is eligible for the IP financing - Associate members of CAI program?
Who can I contact for more information about the IP financing - Associate members of CAI?
Where is the IP financing - Associate members of CAI available?
Are startups eligible for the IP financing - Associate members of CAI program?
Are women eligible for the IP financing - Associate members of CAI program?

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