If your Alberta startup is building valuable technology, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is important for technology startups. Patent and trademark costs can be high, especially for new businesses. ElevateIP Alberta helps early-stage, high-growth businesses cover these costs with $15,000 to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding for IP strategy and protection.
ElevateIP Alberta is a federally funded program delivered in Alberta by Innovate Calgary and Economic Development Lethbridge. The program’s stated objectives are to help startups identify, develop, and protect their intellectual property so they can increase their competitiveness, attract investment, and expand internationally.
Funding details at a glance:
ElevateIP Alberta funding is limited to IP-related costs, including:
The funding is paid toward approved IP service providers. It does not cover general operating expenses.
To apply for ElevateIP Alberta, your business must meet all of the following criteria:
The requirement to be connected to an approved Alberta accelerator or incubator is essential. If you are not currently part of one, this is usually the first step before applying.
You cannot use ElevateIP Alberta funds to hire just any consultant or law firm. The program requires you to work with approved IP service providers.
These typically include:
Your accelerator or program administrator will help you select providers that meet ElevateIP requirements. Costs outside this approved list are not reimbursed.
The application process is structured but manageable if you prepare in advance.
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
Double-check your age, revenue, funding history, and accelerator affiliation before starting.
Step 2: Work with your accelerator or incubator
Applications are typically supported or submitted through your Alberta-based accelerator or incubator.
Step 3: Define your IP needs
You will outline what IP you plan to protect and why it matters to your growth strategy.
Step 4: Select approved service providers
Your budget must align with approved providers and eligible IP expenses.
Step 5: Submit your application
Applications are reviewed based on growth potential, IP risk, and alignment with program objectives.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether ElevateIP Alberta—and similar IP grants—fit your business profile before you invest time in an application.
This is a strict requirement. Applications without this connection are rejected.
Marketing, product development, and staffing costs are not eligible.
If your IP is already public or compromised, funding may not help.
Patent and trademark processes take months. Build this into your plan.
Q: How much funding can I get from ElevateIP Alberta?
You can receive between $15,000 and $100,000, depending on your IP strategy and approved costs.
Q: Is ElevateIP Alberta funding non-dilutive?
Yes. You do not give up equity or ownership in your business.
Q: Do I need to be part of an accelerator to apply?
Yes. You must be associated with an Alberta-based accelerator or incubator to qualify.
Q: What IP costs are covered?
Eligible costs include IP strategy, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and IP legal services through approved providers.
Q: Is ElevateIP Alberta funding taxable?
Grants are generally considered taxable income. Speak with your accountant to understand how it applies to your business.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including IP funding like ElevateIP Alberta. Checking which ones match your business profile can save weeks of research.
If IP protection is part of your growth plan, ElevateIP Alberta is one of the strongest non-dilutive options available to Alberta startups. The key is confirming eligibility early and working closely with your accelerator and approved IP experts. From there, tools like GrantHub can help you identify other funding programs that support your next stage of growth.
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