ElevateIP Alberta Receives Federal Funding to Help Startups Harness Innovative Ideas

Many startups lack the sufficient resources, funds, or expertise to develop and implement an effective strategy around intellectual property.

It’s a problem that Alberta wants to address.

In partnership with the University of Calgary, Innovate Calgary, and Economic Development Lethbridge, ElevateIP Alberta helps business accelerators and incubators equip startups with toolkits to understand and leverage IP.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship are key elements driving the Canadian economy, and Canadian businesses that are able to leverage and use their Intellectual Property strategically are more likely to be innovative and experience high growth,” says François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry for Canada.

Part of Canada’s nationwide ElevateIP initiative, ElevateIP Alberta this week received $10 million in federal funding to pursue its mission.

“With our $9.9 million contribution to the University of Calgary through the ElevateIP program, our government is helping Alberta startups leverage their intellectual property, providing a strategic advantage that helps create the foundations for long-term success,” Champagne stated.

ElevateIP aims to support more than 2,500 startups in Alberta by offering comprehensive IP support.

“The impact of research lies in translating discoveries into tangible societal advantages,” believes William Ghali, Vice-President of Research at the University of Calgary. “Connecting with the diverse network of innovators and startups from across the province creates more opportunities for impact—together, Albertans do incredible things.”

ElevateIP Alberta is wrapping up a successful pilot program from 2023 that garnered over 175 applications from various sectors, including agriculture, digital media, and cleantech.

A full program is expected for 2024.

“This upcoming launch follows a successful pilot phase, crucial in conducting extensive research, identifying key gaps, and shaping the program accordingly,” said Kevin Dahl, director of ElevateIP Alberta. ““ElevateIP Alberta is gearing up to launch the full program in early 2024.”

Participating startups can now access funding of up to $15,000 for the development of their IP strategies, along with potential funding of up to $100,000 for implementing these strategies.

“Protecting intellectual property is pivotal to a startup’s success,” says Dahl. “It safeguards innovation, secures competitive advantage, attracts investment, and ensures the uniqueness vital for market recognition and growth.”

Canada’s National Intellectual Property Strategy, upon which ElevateIP is built, was established in 2018 to support Canadian innovators, startups, and technology-intensive businesses.