About Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)

IPON helps innovators protect and grow what’s made-in-Ontario.

Where innovation meets protection

IPON provides intellectual property (IP) education, IP funding and IP support to help Ontario businesses and researchers innovate and grow.

Why IP? Simply put: You can’t sell what you don’t own.

Established by the Government of Ontario, IPON is here to help you:

  • Learn about IP

  • Develop and protect your IP

  • Improve the commercialization outcomes of your research and inventions

  • Contribute to the province’s economic growth and competitiveness

Apply now to access IPON’s support and services.

Made-in-Ontario, for Ontario: Support for colleges and universities

The Ontario government believes that homegrown research and innovation should benefit all Ontarians. That’s why IPON works with colleges and universities—to protect IP that is generated at postsecondary institutions and to support research spinoffs that drive economic growth and generate lasting value. 

In 2022, Ontario launched its Commercialization Mandate Policy Framework to help colleges and universities advance their commercialization efforts. Since 2023, IPON has invested $6.6 million in eight colleges and 12 universities to boost research impact, support new ventures and foster a thriving innovation ecosystem across the province.

IPON collaborates with postsecondary leaders to develop clear metrics and reporting standards to guide future Annual Commercialization Plans. For insights into the progress made and practical recommendations to enhance innovation and commercialization at postsecondary institutions, see IPON’s Annual Commercialization Plans Report, prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

  • "Ontario has become a leader in Canada for raising awareness and building capacity for the IP and data driven economy. Expert-led public institutions that support key stakeholders in navigating both the challenges and opportunities of intangible assets are a critical pillar of smart digital policy."

    - Jim Balsillie, Chair of Expert Panel on Intellectual Property Ontario, and Chair and Co-founder of Council of Canadian Innovators

  • “This new initiative is taking a systematic approach to help ensure Ontario has the IP support it needs to grow and create jobs. Universities look forward to continuing to partner to foster the commercialization of IP for the benefit of all Ontarians.”

    - Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities

  • “We look forward to working with Intellectual Property Ontario to enhance the successful real-world research at Ontario’s colleges, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that often don’t have the resources to conduct their own research. Our research partnerships with businesses stimulate innovation, create new jobs and will be essential to Ontario’s economic recovery.”

    - Linda Franklin, President and CEO, Colleges Ontario