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SFU VentureLabs - British Columbia - Canada
Open
Source verified August 11, 2026

SFU VentureLabs

IP education, mentorship and funding for startups
Offered by
Simon Fraser University VentureLabs
Official source: venturelabs.ca
Latest source update
Last Update: August 10, 2026
Latest change: The application page now shows updated intake dates: Stream 2 IP Mentorship reopens September 1, 2026, while Stream 2 IP Strategy and Stream 3 IP Implementation now point to a 2027 intake.
View change
Apply page intake dates updated
The application page for Apply for IP education, strategy & implementation support now shows updated intake timing. Stream 2 IP Mentorship will reopen on September 1, 2026, and Stream 2 IP Strategy plus Stream 3 IP Implementation now say the next intake will be in 2027. The section heading also changed from Applications open to Application dates, and the application start steps remain visible on the page.
Funding available
$ 60,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
Who can apply

Startups based in BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut.

See full eligibility

Overview

AccelerateIP supports innovative startups in BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut with education, mentorship, and financial support for protecting and implementing intellectual property. It offers up to $25,000 for IP strategy development and up to $60,000 for IP implementation costs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Optimize production processes
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Start a business
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 60,000 $
  • Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 500 employees maximum
Audience
  • Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Higher Education
  • Research
  • Law and Legal Services
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Employment and Training
  • Business Associations
Target groups
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Regional
  • Provincial

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Foundational IP content through self-guided online education modules, educational events and webinars, and the IP Certification Program.
  • 1:1 IP mentorship.
  • IP strategy support from legal service providers.
  • IP implementation support for formal IP protection and implementation.

Documents Needed

  • A quote from a legal service provider.

Official resources

Program guide

About Us

Accelerate IP

Accelerate IP

Application portal

Accelerate IP - Service Provider Registration Form

Apply for IP education, strategy & implementation support

Supporting document

IP Pathways

Service Providers

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Startups based in BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut.
  • Startups with fewer than 500 full-time employees.
  • Startups with innovative technology and/or operating in the tech sector.
  • Registered non-profit organizations that meet the above requirements.

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

  • Legal costs for IP strategy development, up to $25,000.
  • Legal costs for IP implementation, up to $60,000.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Litigation costs, including enforcement of IP rights against a third party.
  • In-house IP activities.
  • Quotes charged by legal service providers.

Eligible geographic areas

  • British Columbia
  • Yukon
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nunavut

Selection criteria

  • All factors of applications may be weighed, including age of startup, revenue, and maturity in relation to tech sector, when determining which companies may be awarded funding or will make the best use of funding.
  • Priority registration will be given to companies from priority sectors, underrepresented groups, regional applicants, and graduates of the IP Pathways Program or IP Certification Program.
  • The final approval for Stream 2-2 and Stream 3 will be based on the quote provided.

How to apply

  • Register on the application portal.
  • Validate your email address.
  • Answer the eligibility questions and IP assessment questions.
  • Click on programs, find the program you want to apply to, and start your application.
  • Complete all tasks in the application, including your basic info, an initial IP assessment, and the application form for the specific program you’re applying to.
  • Submit your application by clicking the Submit button.

Processing and Agreement

  • Stream 2 Strategy supports is reviewed by the programs team and a selection committee.
  • Stream 3 Implementation supports is reviewed by the programs team and a selection committee.
  • Applicants receive an email to notify them of their application’s status: rejected, incomplete, approved, conditionally approved, or waitlisted.
  • If the company is not ready, it may be asked to complete some education or mentorship and reapply.

Additional information

  • AccelerateIP is an ElevateIP Recipient, a national program of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
  • The program is being delivered by New Ventures BC (NVBC), with Innovate BC as its prime delivery collaborator.

Contacts

accelerateip@newventuresbc.com

Availability timeline

2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the SFU VentureLabs Program

What is the SFU VentureLabs?

AccelerateIP supports innovative startups in BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut with education, mentorship, and financial support for protecting and implementing intellectual property. It offers up to $25,000 for IP strategy development and up to $60,000 for IP implementation costs.

How much funding can be received?

SFU VentureLabs Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $60,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the SFU VentureLabs program?

To be eligible for the SFU VentureLabs program, you must: Be a startup based in BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut. Have fewer than 500 full-time employees and operate in innovative technology and/or the tech sector. Own or have the rights to use your IP in Canada; registered non-profit organizations that meet the above may also apply.

What expenses are eligible under SFU VentureLabs?

Foundational IP content through self-guided online education modules, educational events and webinars, and the IP Certification Program. 1:1 IP mentorship. IP strategy support from legal service providers. IP implementation support for formal IP protection and implementation.

Who can I contact for more information about the SFU VentureLabs?

You can contact Simon Fraser University VentureLabs by email at accelerateip@newventuresbc.com.

Where is the SFU VentureLabs available?

The SFU VentureLabs program is available the province of British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon.