Collaborate 2 Commercialize (C2C)
otherSupports collaboration between Academia and Industry to solve industry-based problems and drive the commercialization of Intellectual Property
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OC
Ontario Centre of Innovation
Helping Ontario innovators get connected with the researchers, industry partners and funding needed to commercialize the next generation of made-in-Ontario IP and solutions
Overview
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), formerly the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), maximizes the commercial impact of research developed in Ontario’s colleges, universities, and research hospitals, and accelerates the commercialization of Made-in-Ontario technologies. A pan-provincial collaboration platform, with a broad and deep network across industry, academia and government, 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.
Type
Not-for-Profit
Founded
1987
Regions
Ontario (ON)
Funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Home to support from 46 publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in Ontario. Recently announced $104 million in AI-driven critical technology investments focused on mining innovation. Hosts DiscoveryX Conference (April 29-30 annually).
Classification
Industries
Advanced materials & advanced manufacturingAgricultureClean technologiesLife sciences & advanced healthMining, oil, & gasTransportation
Focus Areas
Academic-industry collaborationIntellectual property commercializationDigital transformationPre-seed fundingAutomotive innovationAI and critical industrial technologies
Sourced from website
Stages supported
IdeaValidationDiscoveryEfficiencyScale
Services offered
- Access to specialized equipment, lab facilities, and/or services
- Discounted and/or free professional services (legal, accounting, bookkeeping, etc.)
- Financing opportunities and connections with investor groups
- Free educational events or programming (ie. lunch and learns)
- Intellectual property education and assistance (Includes: patent, trademark and copyright evaluation, intellectual property strategy, protection and licensing)
- Mentorship and access to advisors
- Networking opportunities and community events
- Office space, co-working environment
- Trade and export support (Includes: Business development missions, internationalization, and any other activities linked to international market development)
BAI Positioning
Finessemedium confidence
Refining and expanding venture growth and entrepreneurial competencies and create the connections across innovation ecosystem
Sector-agnostic (broad industry focus). Higher accountability signals (equity/paid programs, later-stage focus).
Learn more about the four BAI types →Programs
Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC)
otherSupports Ontario SMEs in digital transformation, enabling them to release products to market faster and adapt to digital evolution
Ready 4 Market (R4M)
acceleratorOntario's leading pre-seed investment fund
Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
otherBuilds upon Ontario's position as a world-leading automotive manufacturing and supply jurisdiction
Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF)
acceleratorEarly-stage co-investment fund that supports companies in Life Sciences and Healthcare Technologies sectors related to human health
Sourced from website
Leadership
Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Sourced from website
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