Applications now open for IPON’s expanded IP programs

Kitchener, ON (October 23, 2023) - Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is thrilled to announce the launch and application opening for its expanded intellectual property (IP) programs as part of the agency’s scale-up initiatives beginning on October 23, 2023. “IPON’s new programs represent a pivotal step in fostering collaboration among ecosystem partners and delivering comprehensive IP services to bolster the protection and commercialization of Ontario's homegrown innovations,” said Peter Cowan, CEO at IPON. 

From a customized, hands-on program where technical experts help every step of the way, to a self-paced program, clients have the option to apply to programs that work for their business and resource capacity, while IPON is now able to accept more clients across the province.

 “We designed our expanded programs with entrepreneurs, researchers and small-and-medium sized businesses in mind. We applied feedback and learnings from our beta-phase and put flexibility, customization and impact front of mind when we were designing our new offerings,” said Denise Bagheri, Senior Manager, Programs and Strategy at IPON. 

Three new programs 

IP Bootcamp: This three-month program offers the full suite of IPON services and is designed for IP owners who want a tailored, intensive and time-limited support plus immediate access to funding. 
Partner Program: Available to IP owners who are affiliated with an Ontario Regional Innovation Centre or one of IPON’s key partner organizations. This six-month program also offers immediate funding and is designed to be collaborative by supplementing existing support programs available in the ecosystem. 
Self-guided: Designed for IP owners who want self-guided access to IP education, on-demand resources and the ability to apply for funding calls. This program will be available in the near future.

Full suite of IP services

  • IP Funding: Up to $35,000 in initial funding for IP protection and commercialization services, with the potential for future funding calls of up to $100,000.  

  • IP Benchmarking: A comprehensive assessment of clients' "IP health" to inform tailored IP strategies and actions. 

  • Foundational IP Education: An educational journey starting with a foundational course on leveraging IP for business objectives, followed by a live case-study workshop and micro-credentials upon completion. 

  • Advanced IP Education*: Module-based e-learning courses on IP topics, designed to advance clients' IP knowledge. 

  • Tiger Team*: In the case of urgent, IP-specific issues, clients have access to timely consultations with a group of highly specialized lawyers who provide legal information on next steps. 

  • IP Mentorship: Our highly sought-after mentors offer lived IP and commercialization expertise, tailored to clients’ businesses. 

  • IP Intelligence: Clients receive market intelligence based on IP patent landscapes and datasets that provide insights to accelerate innovation and focus resources on the right opportunities. 

  • Networking Events: Client are among the first to receive invitations to IPON's events designed to expand IP knowledge and facilitate collaboration and networking. 

The launch of IPON’s new programs represents a significant commitment to fostering innovation and safeguarding Ontario’s IP. For more information on eligibility or how to apply, visit www.ip-ontario.ca/apply 
 
*Advanced IP Education and Tiger Team are coming soon.

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About Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) 
Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is a provincial agency that provides trusted IP support and services to enable Ontario businesses and researchers to innovate and grow. IPON works directly with clients and postsecondary institutions to better understand how to protect and maximize the value of their IP, strengthen their capacity to grow, compete in the market, and advance the province’s economic growth. For more information visit www.ip-ontario.ca

Media Contact:  
Kristy Smith 
Communications and Policy Advisor 
Intellectual Property Ontario 
kristy.smith@ip-ontario.ca 

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