Symbol of the Government of Canada
Government of Ontario

Main Content

Technology and Innovation: Non-Financial Support

Table of Contents

Introduction
Government Resources
Non-Government Collaborative Resources
Associations
Next Steps

Introduction

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:

Government Resources

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

Federal Resources

Common sources of technology and innovation business support offered by the Government of Canada include:

Assistive Technology Links (AT-Links)

Advice, support, and market intelligence are available through AT-Links if your company develops assistive devices and technology.

Read online:
Assistive Technology Links

Federal Partners in Technology Transfer

Partner with federal research laboratories to foster technology exchange, further your research, and develop your scientific innovation.

Read online:
Business Opportunities - Partnering Mechanisms

Industry Canada

Visit the Industry Canada website to find information on commercialization, technology transfers and research programs for the following industries:

  • Biotechnology and life sciences
  • Information and communications technologies
  • Science and technology industries

Read online:
Innovation, Research, Science and Technology

Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC)

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.

Read online:
Technology Transfer Office

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

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:

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) may be able to support your business innovation.

  • Networking and Linkages
    Network with potential partners, individuals and organizations to find innovation resources and support for your business.
  • Research Facilities
    You may be able to access state-of-the-art equipment and training programs to help you with business innovation projects.

Provincial Resources

Common sources of technology and innovation business support offered by the Government of Ontario include:

Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation (MEDI)

As a technology and innovation entrepreneur, you can find government support and programs through MEDI, including:

  • Business Advisory Services
    Visit one of 12 MEDI Business Advisory Service offices in southern Ontario to access a variety of services, including market intelligence, support for innovation and new technologies, and networking and expert advice to help you make your business grow and succeed.
  • International Trade Branch
    If you want to export your innovative products and services, you may be able to access detailed market intelligence on countries and sectors, and information on Ontario's Global Presence. You can also talk with an international marketing consultant or trade specialist for more information on exporting.

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

Ministry of Energy

If your business involves renewable energy projects, talk to the Ministry’s Renewable Energy Facilitation Office for detailed information on industry regulations and standards.

Read online:
Renewable Energy Facilitation Office (REFO)

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' (OMAFRA)

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

Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE)

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

The Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE)

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.

Read online:
Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE)

Non-Government Collaborative Resources

There are many non-governmental organizations that collaborate with the government to provide support to technology and innovation entrepreneurs, including:

Canadian Innovation Centre (CIC)

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

GeoConnections Program

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

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

Through the SDTC Knowledge Centre, you can find information resources on sustainable technology issues for different industries in Canada, including:

Read online:
Knowledge Centre

Associations

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:

  • Promoting and exchanging marketing and promotional ideas among members
  • Establishing and encouraging high standards of quality and professionalism

Examples of associations for the technology and innovation sectors include:

BIOTECanada

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

Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA)

Tap into key industry and international business networks through CATA. CATA connects technology entrepreneurs with investors and broader markets.

Read online:
CATA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)

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

Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC)

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

Next Steps

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.

Need more information?

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

Disclaimers

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.