ElevateIP Program – Supporting the Growth of Canadian SME’s Intellectual Property

ElevateIP is a federal initiative that helps Canadian technology startups and SMEs understand, protect, and commercialize their intellectual property. The program is designed for Canadian companies with fewer than 500 employees that own proprietary technology, software, or innovative products and are looking to strengthen their IP strategy.

Delivered through approved Business Accelerators and Incubators (“BAIs”) across Canada, ElevateIP provides a structured, three-tier approach to IP support:

• Tier 1 – IP Education (Free): Workshops and training covering patents, trademarks, copyright, industrial designs, and trade secrets. 

• Tier 2 – IP Strategy (Funded): Work with IP advisors to develop an IP strategy, conduct patent and trademark searches, and assess IP risks. Funding typically covers 75–80% of eligible costs. 

• Tier 3 – IP Implementation (Funded): Support for implementing your IP strategy, including patent and trademark filings, licensing agreements, and other legal IP services. 

The BAIS, which deliver ElevateIP, vary depending on industry, type of product/service and geographic location.  As such, eligibility can vary. Below is an overview of the different BAIs.  Froese Law is listed as an accredited service provider with respect to Communitech.   

Eligible companies may access up to $100,000 in combined Tier 2 and Tier 3 support, with businesses contributing approximately 25% of eligible costs. The next ElevateIP 2.0 intake is expected to open in mid-to-late summer 2026.

Region / Delivery Partner	Provinces Served	Funding Available	Program Highlights / Eligibility
Communitech (with Invest Ottawa & North Forge)	Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan	Up to $100,000 in Tier 2 & 3 IP services	Open to eligible startups registered through the ElevateIP portal. Tier 1 (education) is free. Successful applicants work with an IP Advisor to develop and implement an IP strategy. Strong focus on AI, enterprise tech, fintech, health tech, cleantech, govtech and agtech.
New Ventures BC (AccelerateIP)	British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut	Up to $25,000 for IP Strategy + Up to $60,000 for IP Implementation	Supports startups across all sectors, with particular strength in BC's technology, cleantech and digital media industries. Includes education, mentorship, IP strategy development and implementation funding.
University of Calgary / Innovate Calgary / Economic Development Lethbridge	Alberta	Up to $15,000 for IP Strategy Development + Up to $100,000 (65–90% cost coverage) for IP Implementation	Focuses on Alberta innovators in agriculture, energy transition, life sciences and social innovation. Tier intakes reopen August 2026. Free IP education available.
MAIN (MomentumPI)	Québec	Funding varies depending on the project and approved services	Province-wide network supporting startups through Quebec incubators and accelerators. Provides IP education, strategy development, implementation support and access to approved IP professionals. Additional support may be available for innovation and prototype development through Quebec's ecosystem partners.
Springboard Atlantic (Atlantic IP Advantage – AIPA)	Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island	Up to $50,000 for IP Strategy Development + Up to $25,000 for Strategy Implementation	Applicants must be working with an Atlantic Canadian accelerator or incubator. Strong focus on ocean technology, biosciences and information technology.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are exploring funding opportunities to support your intellectual property strategy, various government and institutional programs may be available to SMEs.

While eligibility varies, we at Froese Law can help guide you toward relevant funding avenues aligned with your IP objectives. Once funding is secured, we can support you with tailored legal and strategic IP services to help you structure, protect, and leverage your intellectual property.