Postsecondary support 

Advancing access, capacity and commercialization outcomes in Ontario’s postsecondary sector.  

Mandate

Intellectual Property Ontario’s (IPON) mandate is rooted in Ontario’s commitment to ensuring that homegrown research and innovation create meaningful benefits for people across the province. Its postsecondary education (PSE) strategy strengthens the capacity of colleges, universities and research institutions to develop intellectual property (IP) and advance commercialization. Through targeted supports and investments, IPON helps translate academic research into real-world impact. 

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colleges and universities served

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IP assets protected to date: 404 patents, 249 trademarks, 104 IP-centric agreements, 19 industrial designs 

    
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invested

Strategy

Long-term vision

Act as a premier technology transfer and commercialization centre supporting all postsecondary and research institutions in Ontario.  

Mission

Serve Ontario researchers and innovators as an enabler, drawing on an array of experts to help move their discoveries to market for social and economic gain. 

Value proposition

Leverage an esteemed network of SME recipients, funding partners, IP experts and technology transfer professionals to collaborate,  catalyze and support the journey of Ontario-led innovations from discovery through to commercial success. 

Initiatives 

Direct IP funding for institutions (COMING SOON)

Eligible postsecondary and research institutions (such as a university, college, research hospital or institute) can now access direct IP funding from IPON. 

IPON funding may help institutions support their researchers and entrepreneurs with: 

IP agreements (non-disclosure, licenses, master service, partnership)

IP survey/audit

IP strategy

IP registration

Eligible institutions can apply for funding. IPON will cover up to 80% of eligible costs for work that has been completed. Institutions are required to pay at least 20% of eligible services / disbursements and all applicable taxes (HST).  

IPON-funded services must be provided by licensed Ontario IP lawyers or registered patent agents.  

Get IP support for your institution

Innovation Fellowship Program 

A key part of IPON’s mandate is to strengthen commercialization outcomes for research in Ontario by building IP and commercialization capacity within postsecondary and research institutions. IPON is partnering with ten (10) Ontario-based universities to deliver an immersive entrepreneurship and intellectual property education experience for qualifying students and faculty interested in commercializing a research-driven innovation, process or invention. 

If you are a student, recent graduate or faculty member in Ontario and would like to learn more, please contact your local participating institution:

McMaster University
Queen's University
Toronto Metropolitan University
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
University of Ottawa
University of Toronto
University of Waterloo
University of Windsor
Western University
York University

IPON’s Technology Transfer Service (COMING SOON)

IPON’s Commercialization Pilot Program, launched in 2023, has helped 20+ institutions build stronger commercialization capacity. Building on this success, IPON will use its network to create a regional hub-and-spoke model that supports institutions across the province. This model will lay the foundation for IPON’s future central Technology Transfer Service. 