Many Canadian businesses believe government innovation support always means getting money. ExploreIP works differently. It helps you find existing intellectual property (IP) from universities, colleges, and federal research organizations. You do not get direct grant funding. Instead, you gain access to technology that can shorten your research and development timeline and lower costs.
ExploreIP is a federal platform managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). It is available across Canada. The platform’s main goal is to make publicly held IP easier for businesses to find and use.
ExploreIP is not a grant or funding program. It is a free online tool that connects businesses with IP assets owned by Canadian research institutions.
Here is how ExploreIP supports innovation:
Centralized IP discovery
ExploreIP lists thousands of IP assets from Canadian universities, colleges, federal labs, and research hospitals. These assets include patents, patent applications, and technologies that are ready for the market.
No eligibility screening
Anyone can browse ExploreIP. Startups, small businesses, large companies, and individual innovators are all welcome.
Direct contact with IP owners
If you find IP that interests you, ExploreIP lets you contact the institution that owns it. Licensing or collaboration talks happen between you and the organization, not the government.
Free access, private negotiations
Using ExploreIP is free. Licensing fees, royalties, or collaboration terms are discussed and agreed upon with the IP holder.
This approach helps businesses reduce search costs and move faster from idea to product. It does not rely on direct government funding.
ExploreIP offers benefits that traditional grants cannot.
Lower R&D risk
Developing new technology from scratch is expensive and risky. Licensing existing IP can lower those risks and reduce early-stage costs.
Faster time to market
Many IP assets on ExploreIP are already protected or tested through research. This can help your business develop products and reach customers more quickly.
Access to public research outcomes
Much of the IP was created with public funding. ExploreIP helps these research results reach the market and benefit the economy.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find grant programs by province and industry. ExploreIP helps you find non-financial supports that fill funding gaps. These tools work well together for Canadian businesses.
ExploreIP often works with grants, not instead of them.
For example:
ExploreIP does not provide funding or reimbursements, but it can make your innovation strategy stronger. If you use ExploreIP to find technology, consider searching GrantHub for grants that can help with development and commercialization costs.
Thinking ExploreIP provides cash funding
ExploreIP does not offer grants, loans, or wage subsidies. Its value is access to IP, not money.
Ignoring licensing terms
Every IP asset has its own licensing rules. Not understanding royalties or exclusivity can cause problems later.
Treating ExploreIP as a passive database
You get more value by reaching out to IP owners. Just browsing without follow-up limits your results.
Missing complementary programs
Some businesses stop after finding IP. Combining ExploreIP with grants or accelerator programs can boost your impact.
Q: Is ExploreIP a grant or funding program?
No. ExploreIP does not provide funding. It is a federal platform that helps businesses find and connect with licensable IP held by Canadian research institutions.
Q: Who can use ExploreIP?
Any business, startup, researcher, or innovator can use ExploreIP. There are no eligibility limits for browsing or expressing interest in IP assets.
Q: How much does it cost to use ExploreIP?
Access is free. Costs only come up if you make a licensing or collaboration agreement with the IP owner.
Q: What types of IP are available on ExploreIP?
ExploreIP lists patents, patent applications, technologies, and research outputs from academic and government institutions.
Q: How do I contact an IP owner through ExploreIP?
Each listing has a way to express interest or request contact. You talk directly with the institution that owns the IP.
ExploreIP shows that innovation support in Canada goes beyond grants. Access to existing IP can save time, reduce risk, and improve your funding strategy. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada. Use it to find funding options that can work with non-financial tools like ExploreIP for your business.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.