Collaborate 2 Commercialize

Turning research breakthroughs into real-world products is a challenge many Ontario businesses face, especially when internal R&D capacity is limited. Collaborate 2 Commercialize (C2C) was designed to bridge that gap by helping companies work directly with Ontario’s post-secondary institutions to solve industry-driven problems and move innovations closer to market. Delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation on behalf of the Government of Ontario, the program focuses on projects that can realistically lead to commercialization within a few years of completion.

Through C2C, Ontario-based companies partner with universities, colleges, or research hospitals to tap into specialized expertise, facilities, and emerging talent that would otherwise be difficult or costly to access. The intent is not just academic research, but practical solutions that address current business challenges and generate measurable outcomes such as new revenue streams, productivity improvements, cost savings, or follow-on investment. Funding support, typically ranging from tens of thousands up to around one hundred thousand dollars, helps offset a portion of project costs, making collaborative innovation more feasible for growing companies across a wide range of industries.

While Collaborate 2 Commercialize is currently closed for applications, it remains a relevant opportunity for Ontario businesses planning future commercialization projects. Understanding how the program works, who it’s best suited for, and what types of projects have been supported can help you prepare when it reopens and decide whether this collaborative funding model aligns with your innovation strategy.