Welcome to OCIP
How OCIP Works
- Register your business
- Submit an Innovation Challenge
- Get matched with a research expert
- Get matched with one of our funding partners
- Start the project
Here’s an example:
H.G Electric is an Ontario business specializing in the manufacture of modular electric vehicle chassis, drivetrains and components. They are looking to retool their lithium battery production line to use a superior chemical technology. H.G Electric has in-house capacity to manufacture at scale, but requires expertise in battery chemistry, electrical engineering and environmental testing.
H.G Electric creates a business profile and submits an Innovation Challenge (i.e. a project proposal) to OCIP. OCIP matches the Innovation Challenge to researchers and facility leads at Grey University, who have expertise in battery chemistry and electrical engineering. These researchers scope the Innovation Challenge, and provide their perspective on the work required, including feasibility, budget, timeline and resources. The Innovation Challenge is then matched with the Electric Vehicle Research Grant, a funding program that can provide financial support for the proposed work. Now that the Innovation Challenge has funding and the support of Grey University’s research experts, the Innovation Challenge becomes a Project, and research and development (R&D) can begin.
OCIP tracks the Project’s progress through regular reports, which will populate a SR&ED claim at the Project’s completion. H.G Electric retains all IP for the new manufacturing process, which produces higher performance batteries at a lower cost, significantly increasing their global competitiveness.
*All organizational or institutional names are fictitious. No identification with actual businesses or academic institutions is intended or should be inferred.
OCIP Platform Features

One application, multiple services
Get access to post-secondary research expertise, funding programs, specialized equipment, students and more through a single application

Business-friendly agreements
Standardized engagement agreements to simplify the partnership process and ensure intellectual property benefits accrue to the business

Workforce Training
Tap into accessible courses and micro-credentials to access verified, relevant industry skills and training
Helping Businesses Innovate and Grow
OCIP is open to all Ontario businesses. The platform guides you through the process of creating an Innovation Challenge (i.e. a project proposal), helps match you with research experts and facilities in Ontario’s colleges, universities, Indigenous Institutes, and streamlines access to multiple funders and programs for non-repayable grants to support student hiring, research, and project expenses.


Why OCIP?
Making R&D accessible to businesses
A bridge between higher education institutions and businesses
Support every step of the way
OCIP provides support at every step of the process
- defining a project
- finding a research expert and funding
- managing the project to completion
We offer business-friendly processes and standard agreements that work with all of Ontario’s higher education institutions.
OCIP is here to help
