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Source verified July 6, 2026
SFU VentureLabs
IP education, mentorship and funding for startups
Latest source updateLast Update: July 6, 2026Latest change: AccelerateIP now shows updated intake status and application timing, including open intakes and new reopen dates.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 6, 2026
Latest change: AccelerateIP now shows updated intake status and application timing, including open intakes and new reopen dates.
AccelerateIP intake dates updated
The AccelerateIP site content now shows updated intake status for the program streams, with Stream 2-2 and Stream 3 currently open for intakes and Stream 2-1 now closed until September 1, 2026. The application portal also now shows “Applications open” for Stream 2 Strategy and Stream 3, with intake windows still listed as May 14–June 15, 2026, and a new info session video link added for applicants. Program scope, funding amounts, and core eligibility remain the same, including up to $25,000 for Stream 2-2 and up to $60,000 for Stream 3.
Funding available
$ 60,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
Who can apply
Technology startups in BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and 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
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- IP education and awareness activities, including training and online learning.
- 1:1 mentorship to align IP strategy with business goals.
- IP strategy development with legal support.
- IP implementation work, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyright registration.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Technology startups in BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
- Innovative startups seeking IP education, mentorship, strategy, or implementation support.
- Registered non-profit organizations that meet the program conditions.
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
- IP readiness and knowledge are assessed through stream-specific questions.
- Stream 2-1 gives priority to companies from priority sectors, underrepresented groups, regional applicants, and IP Pathways or IP Certification graduates.
- Stream 2-2 and Stream 3 are reviewed by the programs team and a selection committee.
How to apply
- Step 1: Create an account
- Register on the application portal.
- Validate your email address.
- Step 2: Complete the application
- Answer the eligibility questions and IP assessment.
- Select the program stream and complete all required tasks.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Use the Submit button in the portal to send your application.
- Wait for an email with your application status.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the programs team, and some streams are also reviewed by a selection committee.
- Applicants receive an email with their status, such as approved, conditionally approved, waitlisted, incomplete, or rejected.
- If a company is not ready, it may be asked to complete more education or mentorship and reapply.
Additional information
- Program guidelines may change over time.
- Applications for Stream 2-1 are currently closed, pending a review.
Contacts
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.
Who is eligible for the SFU VentureLabs program?
To be eligible for the SFU VentureLabs program, you must:
Startup based in BC, Yukon, NWT or Nunavut.
Fewer than 500 employees.
Innovative tech or tech-sector business.
What expenses are eligible under SFU VentureLabs?
IP education and awareness activities, including training and online learning.
1:1 mentorship to align IP strategy with business goals.
IP strategy development with legal support.
IP implementation work, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyright registration.
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.
Who are the financial supporters of the SFU VentureLabs?
SFU VentureLabs is funded by Simon Fraser University VentureLabs