Introduction
ElevateIP Canada is designed to help Canadian startups better understand, develop, and use intellectual property as part of their business strategy. For many startups, developing an IP strategy and securing patents, trademarks, or other IP rights can require specialized expertise and significant resources.
The program is a Government of Canada initiative designed to provide Canadian startups with access to IP education, strategy development, and support for implementing IP strategies. It is delivered through selected business accelerators and incubators (BAIs) across Canada.
For eligible startups, this support may help reduce some of the barriers associated with developing an IP portfolio and making informed decisions about protecting innovations in Canada and internationally.
In this guide, we explain how ElevateIP works, what types of IP support may be available, and how startups can prepare to use the program effectively.
What Is ElevateIP Canada?
ElevateIP is a Government of Canada program designed to help Canadian startups understand, develop, and use intellectual property as part of their business strategy.
Launched in 2022 as part of Canada’s broader Intellectual Property Strategy, ElevateIP delivers support through selected business accelerators and incubators (BAIs) across the country. These organizations connect eligible startups with IP education, professional advice, and resources for developing and implementing an IP strategy.
The program focuses on three main areas:
- IP education and awareness: Helping startups understand patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and other forms of intellectual property.
- IP strategy development: Helping businesses identify their IP assets and develop a strategy aligned with their commercial objectives.
- IP strategy implementation: Supporting eligible startups as they take steps to protect and manage their intellectual property.
The Government of Canada originally committed $90 million over four years beginning in 2022–2023 to establish ElevateIP. In Budget 2025, the government proposed an additional $84.4 million over four years starting in 2026–2027 to renew the program, reflecting its continued role in supporting Canadian startups.
What Support Does ElevateIP Canada Provide?
ElevateIP is designed to help startups move beyond simply learning about intellectual property and begin incorporating IP into their broader business strategy. The specific support available can vary depending on the organization delivering the program and the startup’s eligibility, needs, and stage of development.
IP Education and Awareness
Startups can access educational resources and activities designed to improve their understanding of intellectual property. This may include workshops, seminars, training programs, and other learning opportunities covering topics such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and IP strategy.
Developing an IP Strategy
For some startups, the next step is determining what intellectual property they have, what should be protected, and how that protection supports their commercial objectives. ElevateIP can provide access to expertise that helps eligible businesses develop an IP strategy tailored to their circumstances.
Implementing an IP Strategy
Eligible startups may also receive support for putting their IP strategy into action. Depending on the applicable program stream and delivery organization, this can include access to professional IP services related to protecting and managing intellectual property.
Because eligibility requirements, available services, funding levels, and application procedures can differ among ElevateIP delivery organizations, startups should confirm the current terms of the program available in their region before incurring IP-related expenses.
Who Can Access ElevateIP Support?
ElevateIP is primarily designed to support Canadian startups through participating business accelerators and incubators (BAIs). However, accessing support is not necessarily as simple as applying directly to the federal government.
ElevateIP is delivered through selected organizations across Canada, and each delivery organization may have its own application process, eligibility requirements, available services, funding limits, and intake periods.
Depending on the program available in your region, factors such as your company’s location, stage of development, participation in an accelerator or incubator, IP needs, and proposed activities may affect eligibility.
Before beginning an IP project with the expectation of receiving ElevateIP support, startups should confirm:
- whether they meet the current eligibility requirements;
- which ElevateIP delivery organization serves their region;
- what types of IP activities are eligible for support;
- whether pre-approval is required before engaging an IP professional; and
- what portion of the eligible costs, if any, must be paid by the startup.
Program requirements can change, so businesses should review the current terms provided by the relevant ElevateIP delivery organization before proceeding.
How to Apply for ElevateIP Canada Funding and Support
Startups generally access ElevateIP support through one of the organizations selected to deliver the program rather than by submitting an application directly to the Government of Canada.
The exact process varies by delivery organization, but it generally involves identifying the appropriate ElevateIP provider, reviewing its eligibility requirements, and applying for the relevant level of IP support.
1. Find the ElevateIP Provider for Your Region
Start by identifying the organization delivering ElevateIP services to startups in your province or region. The Government of Canada maintains information about the organizations participating in the program.
2. Review Current Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility criteria can vary between delivery organizations and may change between funding periods. Review the current requirements carefully before applying.
3. Identify Your IP Needs
Consider what your business is trying to protect and what assistance you need. Depending on your circumstances, this could involve developing an IP strategy, evaluating an invention, pursuing patent protection, protecting a brand through trademarks, or addressing other intellectual property issues.
4. Apply Through the Appropriate Delivery Organization
Follow the application or intake process established by the relevant ElevateIP provider. You may be asked to provide information about your company, technology, business activities, existing IP, and proposed IP project.
5. Confirm Approval Before Starting Eligible Work
If you intend to use ElevateIP support toward professional IP services, confirm the applicable requirements before starting the work or incurring costs. Approval procedures, eligible expenses, funding limits, and startup contributions may vary by program and delivery organization.
What IP Costs Can ElevateIP Help With?
Depending on the ElevateIP delivery organization, funding stream, and current program requirements, eligible startups may be able to receive support for certain professional services associated with developing and implementing an IP strategy.
These activities may include:
Patent-Related Services
For startups developing new technologies, products, processes, or other inventions, eligible activities may include professional services related to assessing and pursuing patent protection. This can include patent searches, patentability assessments, patent strategy, and the preparation and filing of patent applications.
Trademark Protection
Startups developing a brand may also need to consider trademark protection for names, logos, or other brand identifiers. Depending on the applicable ElevateIP program, certain professional trademark services may qualify as part of implementing an IP strategy.
IP Strategy
Before filing an IP application, a startup may benefit from identifying its existing and potential IP assets and determining which forms of protection align with its commercial objectives. An IP strategy can consider patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, ownership, licensing, and other IP-related considerations.
Other Professional IP Services
Depending on the startup’s circumstances and the rules of the applicable ElevateIP provider, other professional services related to the development, protection, or management of intellectual property may also be eligible.
Not every IP expense is automatically covered by ElevateIP. Eligible activities, funding limits, cost-sharing requirements, and approval procedures depend on the organization delivering the program. Startups should obtain confirmation from their ElevateIP provider before assuming that a particular service or expense will be funded.
How UIPatent Can Help with Your IP Strategy
ElevateIP can help eligible startups access resources for developing and implementing an intellectual property strategy. When professional IP services are required, UIPatent can assist startups with evaluating, protecting, and managing their intellectual property.
Depending on your business and technology, our services may include:
- Patentability assessments and patent searches to evaluate an invention and identify relevant prior art before filing.
- Patent application preparation and filing in Canada, the United States, and other jurisdictions based on your business and protection strategy.
- Trademark services for protecting names, logos, and other brand identifiers.
- IP strategy support to help identify potentially valuable IP assets and determine appropriate forms of protection.
- Technical support for inventions across a range of engineering and scientific fields.
If you are participating in an ElevateIP program, you should first confirm with your ElevateIP delivery organization whether the proposed professional services are eligible, whether prior approval is required, and what funding or cost-sharing conditions apply.
UIPatent can then work with you to define the appropriate scope of IP work based on your objectives and the requirements applicable to your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About ElevateIP Canada
Is ElevateIP Still Available in Canada?
Yes. ElevateIP was originally launched with $90 million in federal funding over four years beginning in 2022–2023. The Government of Canada subsequently announced additional funding to renew the program beginning in 2026–2027. Availability to individual startups, however, depends on the participating delivery organizations, their current intake periods, and applicable eligibility requirements.
Who Is Eligible for ElevateIP?
ElevateIP is designed primarily to support Canadian startups through participating business accelerators and incubators. Specific eligibility criteria are established by the organizations delivering the program and can vary by region, funding stream, and intake period.
Does ElevateIP Pay for Patent Applications?
ElevateIP may support eligible IP strategy implementation activities, which can include certain professional services associated with obtaining intellectual property protection. However, patent application costs are not automatically covered for every startup. The eligible expenses, funding limits, startup contribution, and approval requirements depend on the applicable ElevateIP program.
Can ElevateIP Help with Trademark Registration?
Trademark-related services may form part of an eligible startup’s broader IP strategy or implementation activities, depending on the rules of the relevant ElevateIP delivery organization. Startups should confirm eligibility before beginning trademark work or incurring expenses.
How Do I Apply for ElevateIP?
Startups generally access ElevateIP through participating organizations delivering the program across Canada. The appropriate organization should be identified first, followed by a review of its current eligibility criteria, application process, available funding, and intake status.
Do I Need an IP Professional Before Applying?
Not necessarily. The appropriate stage for engaging a patent agent, trademark agent, lawyer, or other IP professional depends on the startup’s needs and the requirements of its ElevateIP provider. If professional services are expected to receive program support, confirm whether approval is required before engaging the service provider or incurring costs.
Using ElevateIP to Build a Stronger IP Strategy
For Canadian startups, intellectual property decisions can affect product development, investment, commercialization, licensing, and expansion into new markets. ElevateIP provides eligible businesses with an opportunity to better understand their IP and, where applicable, obtain support for developing and implementing an IP strategy.
Before proceeding, confirm the current eligibility requirements, available funding, and approval process with the ElevateIP delivery organization serving your region. If your project involves patents, trademarks, patentability assessments, or other professional IP services, it is also important to determine what work should be completed and when.
UIPatent assists Canadian startups and businesses with patent and trademark matters, from evaluating potential IP rights to preparing and filing applications in Canada, the United States, and internationally.
Need help determining the appropriate IP protection for your startup? Contact UIPatent to discuss your invention, technology, brand, and IP objectives.
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