Partners

Innovation thrives when great minds come together. That’s why Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is committed to building a strong coalition of partners that fuel the success of Ontario’s innovation ecosystem. By uniting resources and expertise, IPON can deliver IP-related services that support every stage of the innovation journey—helping businesses protect, leverage and maximize the value of their intellectual property (IP).

For innovators and researchers

Are you an Ontario innovator or researcher ready to protect your work? IPON’s strategic partnerships are designed to help you:

  • Access streamlined essential IP tools, funding, expertise, events and networks

  • Navigate the IP landscape: know where to go, when to go there and who can help along the way

  • Keep doing what you do best (innovate!) while we help to remove barriers to innovation

Download Ontario’s IP Ecosystem Map and check out IPON’s partners below to discover the resources available to support your journey.

Apply now to access IP services and a growing support network.   

For innovation supporters

Do you work for an organization dedicated to nurturing innovation? By partnering with IPON, you can enhance your support programs by tapping into IPON’s IP expertise and services. Together, it's possible to:

  • Reduce market confusion and provide clear, accessible IP pathways for innovators

  • Strengthen programs by embedding IP considerations to support innovators

  • Leverage IP education, training, expertise and resources to strengthen your clients’ IP literacy and skills

  • Partner on events and initiatives that foster innovation and amplify your organization’s impact

  • Strengthen the innovation ecosystem by sharing resources and expertise for collective success

Whether you’re located in Ontario, another province or outside of Canada, IPON is interested in partnering with you to create a robust and interconnected IP ecosystem that opens doors to new opportunities.

  • “Vector’s partnership with IPON plays a significant role in advancing Ontario's AI ecosystem. Together, we’re equipping innovators to invest in and protect their AI intellectual property. We look forward to continuing this collaboration, driving safe AI adoption, economic growth, and benefits for Ontarians.”

    Cameron Schuler, Commercialization Officer and Vice President, Industry Innovation, Vector Institute

  • “IPON's support has been invaluable for the ventureLAB companies that are participating in IPON's Partner Program. ventureLAB serves a large number of deep tech and hardware-focused startups whose path to market is typically longer and more complex than many other types of technology. As a result they often need to develop IP strategies and file patents early in their commercialization journey, and before they have any revenue to allow them to do so. IPON's financial support and IP mentoring allows them to free up resources to focus on other aspects of commercialization knowing that their IP is well protected.”

    Josée Pharand, Director, IP Programs and Policies, ventureLAB

  • "Understanding the significance of intellectual property strategies in fueling the growth of Canada’s innovation economy is why we continue to work with dedicated entities like IPON to help ventures continue to innovate and grow.”

    Christina Fox, CEO, TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario

  • “The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) have developed a collaborative relationship with a focus on supporting Ontario start-ups and innovators through programs provided through both organizations. Support from both OCI and IPON ensures companies are set up for success as they move towards commercialization.”

    Greg Gordon, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Ontario Centre of Innovation

  • "Working with IPON has given Innovation Factory clients access to IP funding and support after they graduate from iF’s OwnershIP program.”

    David Carter, CEO, Innovation Factory

  • “Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) and Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) work together to strengthen the capacity of Ontario's SMEs in establishing effective IP strategies to commercialize their IP. The partnership enhances Ontarian's access to programs aimed at building IP ownership positions which increase the competitiveness of companies in global markets.”

    Mike McLean, CEO, Innovation Asset Collective