CIPO: Know a Young Entrepreneur Using IP to Succeed? Help CIPO Share Their Story!
The following article was authored by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). The views and opinions expressed herein are those of CIPO and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC).
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Youth Innovation by the Numbers
Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurs is stepping up, with a focus on digital innovation, sustainability, and community impact. Youth aged 15 to 35 are launching ventures at an accelerating pace, supported by high digital fluency (over 99% of 15–24-year-olds use the internet) and a strong desire to solve real-world problems.[i]
Recent federal investments reinforce this momentum. Budget 2024 committed: [ii]
- $60 million over five years to Futurpreneur Canada to help launch over 6,000 youth-led businesses,[iii]
- An increase in Futurpreneur’s loan ceiling to $75,000 to ease access to funding,[iv]
- $200.5 million for Canada Summer Jobs (2025–26), supporting youth aged 15 to 30 in gaining job experience.[v]
Youth are active in building the future, but many still overlook a key ingredient for long-term success: intellectual property (IP). Fewer than 10% of Canadian SMEs use IP, and only 2% hold a patent.[vi] To help change this, programs like ElevateIP provide early-stage ventures with the tools, mentorship, and strategy to integrate IP into their growth.
Celebrating Youth Innovation in Canada
At the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), we believe in the power of youth-led innovation. As part of our IP Awareness and Education Program, we’re looking to highlight inspiring young entrepreneurs who have used IP to protect their ideas and grow their ventures.
Across the country, young people are turning ideas into real businesses, and IP often plays a key role in helping them scale, stand out, and succeed. To mark International Youth Day on August 12, we want to spotlight Canadian entrepreneurs aged 17 to 35 who are making smart use of IP in their journey.
How You Can Help
If you work with youth, support startups, or simply know a young entrepreneur who is building something great, we invite you to share this opportunity with them. Selected participants will have their stories featured on the CIPO website and promoted on our social media channels, helping them gain national visibility—at no cost.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking practical, authentic examples of how young Canadians are using IP to move their projects or businesses forward. Whether it’s protecting a brand, launching a new product, or developing creative content, their experience can help demystify IP and inspire others.
It’s Easy to Participate
There’s no need to contact us, young entrepreneurs can simply complete a short online questionnaire to be considered. The form asks about their business and how IP has supported their goals.
If selected, CIPO will craft and publish their story on our website and share it through our social media channels to help raise their profile and inspire others.
Support the Next Generation of IP Leaders
Your network could include the next great Canadian innovator. Help us spread the word by sharing this article or the participation link with youth entrepreneurs in your community.
Let’s celebrate the next generation of creators and show how IP can be a powerful tool for youth-led success.
- [i] A data snapshot of Canadian youth and technology - Statistics Canada
- [ii] Budget 2024: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs - Canada.ca
- [iii] Futurpreneur receives $60 million commitment from Government of Canada to increase access to business ownership among young adults
- [iv] Minister Valdez celebrates improvements to Futurpreneur Canada’s programming for young entrepreneurs - Canada.ca
- [v] Backgrounder: Canada Summer Jobs 2025 - Canada.ca
- [vi]2022−2023 Annual Report Message from the CEO
