Building on the National Intellectual Property Strategy launched in 2018, Budget 2021 announced $90 million over four years starting in 2022 to create ElevateIP.
Powered by Innovation Canada, ElevateIP will now help Business Accelerators and Incubators provide the tools Canadian startups need to understand, manage, and leverage their IP.
“Canadian startups are some of the most innovative and inventive in the world,” stated the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “That’s why our government is committed to supporting them so they can better protect and manage their IP.”
Following a nation-wide competitive call for proposals and through assessment, the University of Calgary—alongside Innovate Calgary and Economic Development Lethbridge—has been selected to support startups throughout the province of Alberta.
“Through this investment, we are enabling startups to better develop IP strategies for long-term growth,” added Champagne. “We will continue to do everything we can to see Canadian businesses succeed both at home and around the world.”
ElevateIP will provide targeted IP supports to startups, including: increasing IP awareness and educational opportunities for startups through activities such as workshops, programs, conferences, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities; providing startups with the tools, talent and supports to manage and make the most of their IP assets; and developing and implementing IP strategies.
“Across the country, Canadian startups are making their mark: creating jobs, spurring innovation and growing local economies,” said Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Member of Parliament for Halifax. “Through our ElevateIP program, the federal government is providing Canadian startups with the professional IP supports they need to take their big ideas to the next level and keep growing.”
Innovate Calgary was founded in 1986 to support the Unversity’s innovation community, which remains strong to this day.
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