Welcome to OCIP for Businesses

Generating Value for Businesses

Any business and organization operating in Ontario with a current business number may apply to participate in OCIP.  Other organizations such as municipalities, non-profits or other entities that are not strictly businesses may also be eligible.  

The OCIP platform approach:  

• Reduces the risk of innovation for businesses and organizations. 
• Provides businesses and organizations with a low-cost feasibility and scope assessment of their proposed development. 
• Opens access to non-repayable grants. 
• Speeds time to market. 
• Protects intellectual property. 
• Helps open access to the research and development expertise in Ontario’s colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes. 

OCIP and SMEs: Leveling the R&D playing field

OCIP helps level the playing field, providing SMEs economic opportunities through a platform that links them to the expertise, resources and funding they need to evolve and grow. 

How OCIP Works

1. Register your business and create a business profile 
2. Submit an Innovation Challenge 
3. Get matched with a research expert  
4. Undergo a scoping assessment of your Innovation Challenge  
5. Get matched with one of our funding partners 
6. Start the project

Example: H.G. Electric’s OCIP Journey:  

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. They are also looking for funding to help underwrite the research investment needed. 

1. H.G Electric registers on the OCIP platform and creates a business profile. 
2. H.G submits an Innovation Challenge – think of it as a project proposal – that outlines their needs. 
3. OCIP matches the Innovation Challenge to researchers and facility leads at an Ontario university with expertise in battery chemistry and electrical engineering. 
4. The university’s researchers in battery chemistry and electrical engineering assess the Innovation Challenge submitted and provide their perspective on the feasibility and the work required, including budget, time and resources. The cost of this full scope and assessment to H.G Electric is $2500 (plus HST and admin fees).
5. Based on the scope outcomes, the H.G. Electric and the research team apply to the Electric Vehicle Research Grant, a funding program that can provide financial support for the proposed work. 
6. With a feasible plan and funding in place, the Innovation Challenge becomes a project, and research and development (R&D) can begin. 
7. When the project is complete, H.G Electric has the new manufacturing process that they require to produce 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.