Understanding and protecting your intellectual property (IP) is a smart way to strengthen your business, and every Canadian province and territory offers programs to help. From tax credits to innovation funding and patent-support initiatives, these incentives make it easier to create, grow, and compete. Explore the resources below to see what support is available in your region.
Canada boosts innovation and IP development through the SR&ED tax incentive, which provides refundable and non-refundable credits for eligible R&D work. Programs like NRC IRAP – IP Assist help SMEs build IP strategies, while national initiatives such as the National Intellectual Property Strategy offer further guidance and funding.
British Columbia supports innovation through programs such as the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which funds large-scale, transformative, and collaborative projects to strengthen the province’s competitiveness. B.C. also offers the IP Smart initiative, which provides SMEs with free advisory services to develop IP strategies, identify opportunities, and protect their intellectual property. While the province does not have an IP Box or provincial R&D tax credit, businesses can combine provincial supports with the federal SR&ED tax incentive to fund eligible research and development activities. These combined resources help B.C. companies innovate, reduce commercialization risks, and compete globally.
B.C.'s Intellectual Property Strategy
Strategic Innovation Fund
Strategy details in the 2023 IP Smart report
Alberta helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) bring new technologies to market through its Voucher Program (up to CAD $100,000) and Micro Voucher Program (up to CAD $10,000). These programs can cover activities such as prototype development, product testing, engineering support, IP strategy, and patent-related professional fees, with funds paid directly to approved service providers. Businesses in Alberta can also combine these provincial supports with the federal SR&ED tax incentive, which provides refundable and non-refundable tax credits for eligible research and development carried out in Canada. Together, these programs make it easier for Alberta companies to innovate, protect their IP, and accelerate commercialization.
Alberta Voucher Program
Alberta Micro Voucher Program
CRA SR&ED Tax Incentive
Saskatchewan supports businesses commercializing intellectual property through the Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (SCII), one of Canada’s two “IP Box” programs. The SCII reduces the provincial corporate tax rate on income derived from qualifying IP to 6% for up to 10 years, or 15 years if at least half of the related R&D was conducted in Saskatchewan. The program is open to eligible companies worldwide, regardless of where the R&D occurred, making it a flexible option for attracting and retaining innovative projects in the province. In addition, businesses can combine SCII with the federal SR&ED tax incentive to further support research, development, and IP commercialization.
Manitoba supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing and commercializing innovative products through the Innovation Growth Program (IGP), which provides cost-shared funding of up to CAD $100,000 per project for eligible activities such as prototype development, engineering support, and IP-related work. Funding is typically provided on a 50/50 cost-share basis, and projects are reviewed competitively through quarterly intakes. In addition, Manitoba offers a 15% provincial R&D tax credit for in-house and contract research, which can be combined with the federal SR&ED tax incentive to further support technology development and IP commercialization. Together, these programs help Manitoba businesses reduce risk, accelerate growth, and protect their intellectual property.
Ontario helps businesses protect and commercialize intellectual property through the Intellectual Property Action Plan, which strengthens long-term competitiveness by supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups in generating, protecting, and leveraging IP. While Ontario does not have a provincial IP Box, the province offers the Ontario Research and Development Tax Credit (ORDTC) and other regional innovation programs. Ontario SMEs can also access IP advisory services through initiatives such as Ontario Centres of Excellence IP programs, which provide guidance on IP strategy and commercialization. In addition, Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) supports Ontario-based innovators through IP education, strategic tools, and programs focused on IP development and commercialization. Companies can combine provincial supports with the federal SR&ED tax incentive to fund eligible research and development activities.
Ontario Centres of Excellence IP Programs
Québec supports innovation and IP commercialization primarily through tax measures. The Incentive Deduction for the Commercialization of Innovations (IDCI) remains active and can reduce the effective tax rate on income from qualifying IP, including patents, software, and plant breeders’ rights, to as low as 2 percent. Québec innovation programs often operate through periodic intake windows or calls for proposals. Companies should verify the current program status before applying. Québec companies also benefit from the federal SR&ED program, which continues to play a central role in supporting R&D and the development of IP in the province.
New Brunswick supports innovation through a 15% refundable provincial R&D tax credit for eligible in-house and contract research. Companies in the province can also take advantage of the federal SR&ED tax incentive, which provides refundable and non-refundable tax credits for eligible research and development activities. These combined incentives help New Brunswick businesses invest in research, protect intellectual property, and accelerate commercialization.
Nova Scotia provides a 15% refundable provincial R&D tax credit for eligible in-house and contract research. Businesses in the province can also take advantage of the federal SR&ED tax incentive, which offers refundable and non-refundable tax credits for qualifying research and development. Together, these incentives help Nova Scotia companies invest in innovation, develop new technologies, and protect intellectual property.
Prince Edward Island supports businesses bringing new products, services, or processes to market through provincial programs such as the Innovation Fund and the Development and Commercialization Fund, which provide financial support for refining, commercializing, and protecting innovative products. While PEI does not have a provincial SR&ED-style R&D tax credit, businesses in the province are fully eligible for the federal SR&ED tax incentive, and innovators often combine federal credits with provincial grants and other business development supports to advance their projects and protect intellectual property.
PEI Innovation Fund & Development and Commercialization Fund
Newfoundland and Labrador offers a 15% refundable R&D tax credit on eligible research and innovation activities, helping local companies build IP and fund commercialization-focused development.
Yukon offers a territorial SR&ED tax credit of 15%, with an additional 5% credit bonus when eligible research is undertaken in partnership with Yukon University, making it an effective tool for building local IP.
The Northwest Territories does not have a territorial R&D tax credit; however, businesses active in the NWT can still fully access federal SR&ED and regional innovation supports.
Nunavut does not offer a territorial R&D tax credit but relies on federal SR&ED as the main incentive for companies pursuing innovative and IP-generating research.
Elevate IP is a federal initiative that funds regional partners to help startups build IP awareness, strategies, and implementation capacity.
Communitech Federal Delivery Organization through Elevate IP
Innovate Calgary Federal Delivery Organization through Elevate IP
MAIN (QC) Federal Delivery Organization through Elevate IP
New Ventures BC Federal Delivery Organization through Elevate IP
Springboard Atlantic Federal Delivery Organization through Elevate IP
