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IP financing - Associate members of CAI
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Canada
Funding support for IP strategy in data-driven cleantech SMEs
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
- Women
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:
$ 14,000
Comprehensive IP audit and patent landscape mapping for air sensors
$ 21,000
Securing trade secrets protection for a big data emissions platform
$ 13,500
International trademark registration for cleantech recycling technology
$ 28,000
Patent portfolio expansion for smart grid renewable optimization tools
$ 31,500
Filing a patent for a novel AI-driven water monitoring system
$ 22,500
Developing an IP licensing strategy for clean energy analytics software
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.
