ElevateIP: Canada’s Latest Funding Initiative Directed at Innovative Startups
Authors: Allan Oziel, Yonida Koukio, & Karan Menon
Amidst the thriving landscape of Canada’s startup ecosystem, a pioneering initiative has arisen courtesy of the Government of Canada called ElevateIP. This federally funded program marks a significant stride in empowering Canadian startups to navigate, safeguard, and monetize their intellectual property assets.
About ElevateIP
The Government of Canada’s $90 million ElevateIP strategy offers eligible startups the opportunity to secure funding grants of up to $100,000 to access a variety of services aimed at empowering startups in their intellectual property (IP) endeavours. Through extensive IP education and access to a rich network of national, provincial, and regional resources, startups can identify and bridge strategy gaps effectively. The program’s tailored approach includes specialized training for underrepresented groups, expert coaching for strategy development and implementation, and invaluable support from leading advisors to execute IP strategies efficiently at reduced costs.
Acting as the national delivery partner for ElevateIP in Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, Communitech, headquartered in Waterloo Region, collaborates closely with Invest Ottawa and North Forge. This powerful partnership ensures a streamlined approach to program delivery, providing comprehensive support to eligible startups.
Is Your Startup Eligible?
To qualify for the ElevateIP program within Communitech’s delivery regions, your startup must meet the following criteria:
- Maintain a staff count of fewer than 500 employees;
- Qualify as a Canadian Controlled Private Corporation;
- Have the corporate headquarters located in Ontario, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan;
- Intend to retain intellectual property ownership under the organization’s name, not individuals.
Apply Today
The application period for ElevateIP services is now live, so be sure to act fast! Applications submitted before December 15th, 2023, will be prioritized. Apply now and secure your chance to elevate your startup with ElevateIP!
To apply, applicants are required to follow these three steps:
- Register on the portal and accept the terms of service.
- Complete your profile, providing information about you and your startup.
- Apply for a specific service within Tier 2 and/or Tier 3.
Services Offered in Tier 2 and Tier 3
| Tier 2: Developing IP Strategies (Available funding up to $25,000) | Tier 3: Implementing IP Strategies (Available funding up to $75,000 if also making use of tier two; otherwise, up to $100,000) |
| – Audit of IP Strategy – Competitive Analysis – Coaching: Advisory/IP Strategy Development – Patent Strategy – Patent Mining/IP Landscape – Prior Art Search/Patentability – Review/Novelty Search – Trademark and Branding Strategy – Out-Licensing Strategy – In-Licensing Strategy – IP Valuation – Commercialization Support – Trade Secret Strategy – Contract/Agreement Review (e.g. NDAs, MSA, partnership, data management plans) – Freedom to Operate Reviews – Trademark Clearance Searches – Freedom to Operate with Legal Opinion | – Patent Application Drafting/Filing – Patent Prosecution – Patent Application Preparation – US Provisional – Regular Patent Application (first filing, no provisional or PCT) – Regular Patent Application (converting provisional) – International Patent Application (first filing) – International Patent Application (converting provisional) – International Patent Application (converting regular application) – International Patent Application (converting international application to national filings) – Trademark Application Drafting/Filing/Prosecution – Contract/Agreement Template Creation (e.g. NDAs, MSA, partnership, data management plans) – Open Source Licensing Agreements/Conflicts – Open Source Audits – Copyright Registrations – Acquiring IP Rights – Translation Costs |
Oziel Law has been selected as an approved service provider of Communitech. We are committed to assisting startups in applying for and securing funding through the ElevateIP Program. We can assist startups with comprehensive IP audit strategies and IP protection. In particular, we can help with trademark and copyright searches and applications, as well as preparing technology-related contracts such as SaaS, MSAs, NDAs, and licensing agreements, up to implementing the startups’ acquisition strategies. You can find a comprehensive list of our services here.
If you are seeking assistance or have any questions regarding the ElevateIP application process, we are here to help! Reach out to info@oziellaw.ca and we can pinpoint the scope of work relevant to your startup and assist you in completing the necessary statement of work.
