Our Partnership Resources
OCIP collaborates with various organizations within Ontario’s Innovation ecosystem. These partners offer support to researchers and businesses at all stages of development, from startup to commercialization. Explore our resources below to discover the program or service that meets your needs.
Innovation Ecosystem Support
If you’re a small-medium sized business looking to scale up, the following resources can help you find partners, increase knowledge, and grow your business.
MaRS Discovery District
Startup Canada
Offers:
- Flagship programs for entrepreneurs such as Startup Women, Startup Global, and Bussiness Owner’s Toolbox
- Networking opportunities, startup community building, and mentorship
- Advocacy for policies favorable to startup and business growth
RBCx
Offers:
- Access to capital, advisory services, and industry insights such as marketing, operations, design and CX, and more
- Customized banking solutions for technology and innovation companies
- Networking opportunities within the tech ecosystem
Research and Development Support
If you’re a small-medium sized business or researcher looking to find research and development support, the following resources can help you find partners, increase knowledge, and funding.
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Offers:
- Grants for research in natural sciences and engineering such as the Idea to Innovation grants and Synergy Awards for Innovation
- Funding opportunities for researchers and students in relevant fields
Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI)
Offers:
- Funding and support for collaborative R&D projects
- Market readiness and commercialization programs such as Collaborate 2 Commercialize, Ready 4 Market and more
- Networking opportunities with industry and academic partners
Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER)
Offers:
- Programs that bridge the gap between education and the workplace such as the Work-intergrated learning (WIL) hub
- Initiatives to develop talent and skills aligned with market needs
- Promotion of co-op placements and work-integrated learning opportunities
Government and Economic Development
Fostering business innovation, growth, and economic development through tools, funding, policies, and collaborative initiatives across Canada.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Offers:
- Helping businesses innovate and grow using lthe Bussiness Benefits Finder
- Funding and assistance for industrial and technological advancement
- Policies and programs that foster a competitive marketplace
FedNor
Offers:
- Support for Innovation and Business Expansion: Provides support to businesses and entrepreneurs engaging in innovative activities
- Community Economic Development Initiatives: Collaborates with communities to develop and implement strategies for sustainable economic development
Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)
Offers:
- Tailored support to foster economic growth in various regions of Canada
- Programs and initiatives to support business innovation and expansion
- Community economic development and business support services
Intellectual Property and Innovation Management
Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)
Offers:
- Training and educational resources on IP management and commercialization through their programs such as IP Bootcamp and Partner Program
- Guidance on IP Strategy development tailored to business needs
- Supports businesses in leveraging their IP for growth and competitiveness
ExploreIP
Offers:
- Businesses can discover potential licensing and collaboration opportunities with public sector patent owners through ExploreIP: Canada’s IP Marketplace free online tool
- Shares a visual overview of all data within Canada’s IP Marketplace