New Initiative Helps B.C. Companies Scale Faster with Stronger IP and Commercialization Strategies

Vancouver, BC  – Mitacs and Innovate BC announce a new initiative aimed at supporting high-potential scaling companies across British Columbia with a goal of strengthening intellectual property (IP) capacity and commercialization readiness.

The collaboration is designed not only to accelerate company growth, but also to ensure participating businesses are equipped to develop, protect, and strategically leverage their intellectual property, an increasingly critical factor in global competitiveness.

A Strategic Emphasis on Intellectual Property

A pillar of the initiative is advancing intellectual property awareness, strategy, and execution among participating companies including delivering IP education, tools, and advisory support to help companies strengthen their IP positions. The partnership will also aim to share insights into IP maturity and commercialization readiness to help ensure that scaling companies are not only growing rapidly, but doing so with defensible innovations and strong market positioning.

Mitacs will complement these efforts by promoting awareness and adoption of IP education resources within its network of researchers, industry partners, and participating companies, helping to embed IP considerations earlier in the innovation lifecycle. The collaboration will also explore co-hosting workshops, webinars, and in-person events, with particular attention to sessions that advance IP literacy and commercialization strategy.

Building on a Proven Working Relationship

This initiative builds on a longstanding and collaborative relationship between the two innovation organizations. Since 2018, Innovate BC and Mitacs have collaborated to support talent development initiatives delivered by Mitacs through flagship programming Accelerate and Business Strategy Internships, as well as funding to help underrepresented and Indigenous post-secondary students access internships in the technology sector.

Quotes

“Mitacs and Innovate BC are partnering to support British Columbia’s most promising scale-up companies by strengthening their intellectual property capabilities and commercialization readiness. By embedding IP strategy early, we’re helping businesses not only grow faster, but compete more effectively on a global stage. This initiative builds on our strong partnership and shared commitment to advancing innovation across the province”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“As our province’s innovation companies scale, intellectual property becomes increasingly important to securing competitive advantage, unlocking investment and bringing made-in-B.C. solutions to global markets. Innovate BC is proud to partner with Mitacs to ensure more high-potential companies can access specialized IP support required to grow with confidence. Mitacs brings deep experience in connecting industry with top research talent, making them an invaluable partner in helping B.C. businesses strengthen commercialization readiness and build for long-term success.”

Peter Cowan, President and CEO, Innovate BC

About Mitacs

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.    

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services.    

This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.    

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon. 

About Innovate BC

Innovate BC helps turn bold ideas into real-world impact. As a Crown agency, we serve as a trusted advisor and partner for British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem. Our diverse programs and initiatives advance opportunities for made-in-BC innovations, giving companies, industries, and communities the resources they need to grow and prosper.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Ziona Eyob
Senior Communications & Public Affairs Specialist
Mitacs
[email protected]