How to Access Applied Research Facilities in Ontario Without Giving Up Equity

If your Ontario business needs lab space, testing equipment, or technical expertise, you do not need to give up equity to get it. Public colleges like George Brown College offer applied research partnerships that let you use specialized facilities and researchers while keeping full ownership of your company. These partnerships are designed for small and mid-sized businesses that need practical R&D support, not venture capital.

Using George Brown College Applied Research Partnerships

One of the most direct ways to access applied research facilities in Ontario without giving up equity is through George Brown College’s industry partnership program. This is not an equity investment or accelerator. It is a way to work together with public funding.

What the Program Offers

Through a partnership with George Brown College, your business can access:

Specialized labs, kitchens, workshops, and testing facilities
Faculty researchers and technical staff
Student researchers working on real-world business problems
Support for proofs-of-concept, product validation, and process improvement

The focus is on solving defined technical or innovation challenges, not taking ownership in your business.

Funding and Cost Structure

This program does not provide direct cash grants to businesses. Instead:

Public funding helps cover much of the research cost
Your business typically contributes a cash and/or in-kind portion
No equity, shares, or ownership stakes are taken by the college

Because the support is delivered as services and infrastructure access, it avoids giving up ownership that comes with private investment.

Who Is Eligible

George Brown College partnerships are typically open to:

Ontario-based small and medium-sized businesses
Startups and incorporated companies with a clear technical challenge
Organizations looking to develop or validate products, processes, or technologies

There is no requirement to be venture-backed or revenue-positive. What matters is having a well-defined applied research need that matches the college’s expertise.

Intellectual Property (IP) Ownership

Equity-free access also means being clear about IP.

IP ownership is defined in the partnership agreement
In many cases, businesses keep ownership of the IP they bring in
New IP created during the project is negotiated upfront

This structure allows you to commercialize results without surrendering control, as long as expectations are set early.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Ontario applied research programs by industry and facility type in seconds.

How the Process Works in Practice

Accessing applied research facilities through George Brown College usually follows a clear sequence:

Define your problem
Outline the technical challenge, testing need, or product goal you cannot solve in-house.
Connect with the applied research office
You are matched with faculty and facilities that fit your project scope.
Scope the project
Timelines, deliverables, IP terms, and cost-sharing are agreed upon upfront.
Run the research project
Projects often last from a few months up to a year, depending on complexity.
Use the results commercially
You can apply the findings to product development, manufacturing, or market validation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming colleges take equity by default
Public colleges like George Brown do not operate like incubators or VCs. Equity is not a standard requirement.
Not clarifying IP terms early
Waiting until the project starts to discuss IP can slow things down or create disputes.
Approaching with a vague idea
Applied research works best with a defined problem, not general exploration.
Underestimating internal time commitment
Even with help from public funds, your team must stay engaged to get useful outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about accessing applied research facilities in Ontario.

Q: Can startups access applied research facilities in Ontario without giving up equity?
Yes. College-industry partnerships, including those at George Brown College, are designed to be equity-free and service-based.

Q: Is there cash funding included with George Brown College partnerships?
No. The program focuses on access to expertise, facilities, and applied research support rather than direct cash grants.

Q: How long do applied research projects usually take?
Timelines vary by scope. Many projects run for a few months, while more complex work can last up to a year.

Q: Who owns the intellectual property created?
IP ownership depends on the agreement. Terms are negotiated upfront so businesses know how results can be commercialized.

Q: Do I need to be located near the college?
While proximity helps for facility access, many Ontario businesses work with colleges outside their immediate region, depending on project needs.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and applied research programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile.

Next Steps

If you want access to applied research facilities in Ontario without giving up equity, start by mapping your technical challenge to the right college partner. Programs like George Brown College’s applied research partnerships are often faster and less risky than private investment. GrantHub helps you identify which equity-free programs, colleges, and applied research supports align with your business stage and industry.

See also:

Applied Research vs. Experimental Development: Choosing the Right Funding Path
Ontario Scale-Up Programs: Support Options for Growing Tech Companies

How to Access Applied Research Facilities in Ontario Without Giving Up Equity