New MOU strengthens innovation support by combining commercialization pathways with intellectual property expertise

November 27, 2025 (Toronto, Ontario) – The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in supporting Ontario-based innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers in turning cutting-edge ideas into commercial opportunities while ensuring strong intellectual property (IP) strategies are in place.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that Ontario benefits first and foremost from the discoveries made in our own backyard,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This partnership will ensure that innovators across Ontario have the resources they need to protect their ideas and bring them to life through commercialization, driving our economy and critical industries forward.”

This strategic partnership brings together OCI’s proven expertise in accelerating innovation, commercialization, and scale-up with IPON’s leadership in advancing IP literacy, strategy, and protection. Together, the organizations will strengthen Ontario’s innovation ecosystem by helping companies build both the business and IP foundations needed to compete and grow globally.

Through this MOU, IPON and OCI will:

• Collaborate on joint initiatives to enhance innovation and IP awareness across Ontario’s key sectors.
• Support companies funded through OCI’s programs in accessing IPON’s services and expertise.
• Provide training, mentorship, and resources that help SMEs develop and execute effective IP strategies.
• Foster a stronger pipeline of Ontario-made technologies, ensuring IP value is captured and retained in the province.

“Ontario is home to world-class innovators, and ensuring they are supported with both commercialization pathways and intellectual property strategies is key to their long-term success,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of OCI. “This partnership with IPON strengthens Ontario’s innovation advantage and helps more homegrown companies compete on the global stage.”

This MOU reflects the Ontario government’s commitment to building a resilient, knowledge-driven economy that supports innovation, attracts investment, and creates high-quality jobs for Ontarians. By working together, IPON and OCI will ensure that Ontario’s innovators have the tools, resources, and strategies they need to lead with confidence.

“Intellectual property is one of the most valuable assets innovators have, and protecting it is essential to Ontario’s economic growth,” said Paul Paolatto, Interim CEO of IPON. “Working with OCI allows us to reach more innovators at critical stages of their growth journey, ensuring that Ontario companies not only create cutting-edge technologies but also own and benefit from their IP.”

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.
As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.
OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

About Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)
Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is a provincial agency that provides trusted IP support and services to enable Ontario businesses and researchers to innovate and grow. IPON works directly with innovators and postsecondary institutions to help them better understand how to protect and maximize the value of their IP, strengthen their capacity to grow and compete in the market, and advance the province’s economic growth. For more information: www.ip-ontario.ca

Media Contacts:
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca
Laura Bunn, laura.bunn@ip-ontario.ca