Introduction
Government Resources
Non-Government Collaborative Resources
Associations
Next Steps
There are many types of support and assistance available for businesses in Ontario. This guide provides an overview of some of the non-financial support programs and services available to the technology and innovation sector.
To learn about financing options for your business, please refer to the following guides:
Several federal departments and provincial ministries work directly with technology and innovation entrepreneurs. You may be able to access resources and information from either level of government, based on your industry or business project.
Contact your local municipal office for information on financing and support that may be available for your area. You can find the number for your municipality on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website.
Read online:
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Common sources of technology and innovation business support offered by the Government of Canada include:
Advice, support, and market intelligence are available through AT-Links if your company develops assistive devices and technology.
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Assistive Technology Links
Partner with federal research laboratories to foster technology exchange, further your research, and develop your scientific innovation.
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Business Opportunities - Partnering Mechanisms
Visit the Industry Canada website to find information on commercialization, technology transfers and research programs for the following industries:
Read online:
Innovation, Research, Science and Technology
If you are looking for assistance with communications research and development, you may be able to take advantage of CRC’s Innovation Centre services and facilities.
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Technology Transfer Office
You can find clean energy technology research and development information through NRCan. Explore resources offered through their CANMET laboratories and take advantage of partnership opportunities in a variety of sectors, including:
You can also download tools, calculators and benchmarking guides to help you make more informed decisions about your resources and technology:
The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) may be able to support your business innovation.
Common sources of technology and innovation business support offered by the Government of Ontario include:
As a technology and innovation entrepreneur, you can find government support and programs through MEDI, including:
Visit MEDI’s website for more information and resources to help you move forward with your technology and innovation idea.
Contact MEDI:
1-866-446-5216
Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation
If your business involves renewable energy projects, talk to the Ministry’s Renewable Energy Facilitation Office for detailed information on industry regulations and standards.
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Renewable Energy Facilitation Office (REFO)
You may be able to access information and support for agricultural or agri-food research and technology through OMAFRA's Laboratory Program.
Contact OMAFRA:
1-877-424-1300
Research, Education, Laboratories & Risk Management
Findings and Outcomes from OMAFRA-Funded Research
Find regional support ranging from skills training and technical problem solving to licensing opportunities in the development and commercialization of your new technologies. Make use of their expertise in:
Contact OCE:
1-866-759-6014
Ontario Centres of Excellence
Connect with an entire network of innovation centres. Take advantage of sector-based expertise and business acceleration services from anywhere in the network by contacting your local regional organization.
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Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE)
There are many non-governmental organizations that collaborate with the government to provide support to technology and innovation entrepreneurs, including:
Develop and commercialize your invention or technology with help from CIC’s Learning Centre, Education and Training Programs or their online Tools for Entrepreneurs.
Contact the CIC:
519-885-5870
Canadian Innovation Centre
Find out how your company could make use of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure. You can learn about the advantages of using international standards for data sets, how to share, access and use Canadian geospatial information, and connect with other stakeholders in the sector.
Read online:
GeoConnections
Through the SDTC Knowledge Centre, you can find information resources on sustainable technology issues for different industries in Canada, including:
Read online:
Knowledge Centre
There are many associations that may be of interest to you. It is not necessary to join an association, but some of the advantages include:
Examples of associations for the technology and innovation sectors include:
If your business is involved in the biotechnology sector, you may consider becoming a member of BIOTECanada, a national organization dedicated to promoting a better understanding of biotechnology and the many ways it contributes to improving the quality of life of all Canadians.
Read online:
BIOTECanada
Tap into key industry and international business networks through CATA. CATA connects technology entrepreneurs with investors and broader markets.
Read online:
CATA
If you’re interested in the promotion of sustainable living and technologies on both local and global levels, you may be interested in the activities of the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
Read online:
IISD
If your business is in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, you may decide to become a member of ITAC, which aims to promote the interests, development, and competitiveness of Canadian ICT businesses.
Read online:
ITAC
You may also want to search Industry Canada’s online listings of industry associations and reports on the technology sector.
Read online:
Information by Industrial Sector
As an innovation entrepreneur, you may need to protect your business’s intellectual property, inventions, or designs. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is responsible for the administration and processing of the greater part of intellectual property in Canada.
Contact CIPO:
1-866-997-1936
CIPO
You can find more information about registering or patenting new inventions or technologies on Canada Business.
Read online:
Copyright and Intellectual Property
For more information that relates to your technology and innovation business, you can read the following guides:
You can also find books, magazines and other relevant print material at business service organizations in your community. To locate a Canada Business Ontario (CBO) community partner, contact us through the Business Info Line at 1-888-745-8888.
Click: Canada Business
Call: The Business Info Line, a collaboration between ServiceOntario and Industry Canada, at 1-888-745-8888
Visit: Find a Community Partner Location near you
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.
Some of the organizations listed above are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages.