For early-stage startups, securing capital can make or break your growth journey. At US CAN STARTUP, we believe founders shouldn’t have to choose between innovation and affordability, which is why we help startups access the right funding programs, grants, and R&D tax incentives across Canada.Here’s a breakdown of key programs currently available for Canadian and North American startups in 2025:
🔹 AccelerateIP Program
Purpose: Helps startups learn, plan, and protect their intellectual property (IP) through education, mentorship, and funding support.Stream 1 – IP Awareness & Education Free online and in-person courses led by IP experts, plus a 24-hour certification program. Completing this step (or an equivalent) is required before moving to funding stages.Stream 2 – IP Strategy Development Turn learning into action. Startups can access:
- Mentorship (Tier 1): Up to 8 hours of one-on-one IP guidance.
- Legal Strategy Support (Tier 2): Up to $25,000 (75% covered) for audits, trademark searches, and IP strategy planning.
Stream 3 – IP Implementation Funding for execution: patent filings, trademarks, and copyright registration. Covers 75% of legal costs (up to $60,000) once an IP strategy is in place.
🔹 CanExport Innovation
Best for: Startups with a prototype (TRL 4+) seeking international R&D partnerships. Funding: Up to $75,000 per project (covering 75% of eligible costs). Focus areas: IP protection, product certification, and collaborations with foreign partners.
🔹 AI Compute Access Fund
Best for: AI companies needing cloud computing resources. Funding: Up to $5 million per project, covering 50–67% of computing costs over three years. Eligibility: Canadian-incorporated AI firms with <500 employees and clear commercialization plans.
🔹 NRC IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program)
Best for: Technology SMEs doing applied R&D. Funding: Up to 80% of internal labour and 50% of subcontractor costs (up to $500K–$10M). Bonus: Includes a Youth Employment Program; $30,000 to hire recent graduates.
🔹 SR&ED Tax Incentive
Best for: Any company conducting experimental development or scientific research. Funding type: Tax credits up to 69% on eligible R&D salaries and materials. Tip: Even small startups can apply; pre-claim consultations help verify eligibility.
🔹 Mitacs Accelerate & Elevate
Best for: Companies collaborating with universities and researchers. Funding: Supports paid research internships and postdoctoral fellowships to strengthen innovation pipelines.
💡 How US CAN STARTUP Can Help
Through our M.O.V.E. | B.U.I.L.D. | F.A.S.T. framework, we guide founders from ideation to acceleration. Our advisors help identify which grants best fit your business model, prepare application materials, and connect you with partners to strengthen your proposal.We’ve already supported founders through programs like CanExport, AccelerateIP, and Mitacs, helping them secure funding for product development, IP protection, and market expansion.If your company is ready to scale globally, our funding support services ensure you won’t miss out on opportunities that can power your next growth stage.
Ready to Apply?
Reach out to our Funding & Innovation Support Team at 📧 apply@uscanstartup.com or visit 🌐 www.uscanstartup.comto explore other ways US CAN STARTUP can support you and your business.