SFU VentureLabs

The SFU VentureLabs AccelerateIP program offers structured financial support aimed at assisting startups in managing and safeguarding their intellectual property effectively. Financial assistance varies based on specific needs related to education, strategic planning, and implementation of IP protection measures.

• Education and Awareness: Foundational IP training support.
• Strategy development: 1:1 mentorship and coverage of up to $25,000 for eligible legal strategy costs.
• Implementation: Financial support to cover up to $60,000 for eligible legal implementation costs.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the company and its geographic location.

• The company must be a startup based in British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, or Northwest Territories.
• The startup must be involved in innovative science and technology endeavors.
• The company should be looking to protect, manage, and leverage intellectual property.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant:

• Non-technology-based companies
• Companies not located in the specified regions (BC, Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories)

Eligible expenses

This grant supports startups and companies in British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories in key areas of intellectual property management and protection. It offers targeted financial support and training to empower businesses to effectively leverage their intellectual assets.

• Gain foundational intellectual property (IP) training and education.
• Receive 1:1 mentorship for developing legal IP strategies, with funding covering up to $25,000 of eligible costs.
• Access financial support to cover up to $60,000 of eligible costs for IP legal implementation.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is targeted at science and technology-based startups located in certain regions of Canada. The eligible geographical areas include territories primarily in the north and west of the country.

• British Columbia
• Yukon
• Nunavut
• Northwest Territories

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The program provides financial support for protecting, managing, and leveraging intellectual property of startups.

• Education and Awareness: Gain foundational IP training
• Strategy: Get 1:1 mentorship and up to $25,000 of eligible costs covered for legal strategy development
• Implementation: Access financial support to cover up to $60,000 of eligible legal implementation costs

Additional information worth knowing for applicants to the AccelerateIP program:

• The program offers three tailored streams focusing on different aspects of intellectual property protection and management, providing comprehensive support for startups at various stages.
• Education and Awareness: foundational IP training is available to support the initial knowledge base of participants regarding intellectual property.
• Strategy stream provides personalized mentorship, ideal for tailoring IP strategies to the specific needs of the company.
• Implementation stream allows startups to access significant financial support, specifically covering up to $60,000, easing the financial burden of legal implementation costs.