Intellectual property (IP) is a valuable asset used to gain a competitive advantage and thrive in global marketplaces. Springboard Atlantic IP Advantage partners with business accelerators and incubators to deliver IP supports to start-ups in Atlantic Canada.

Partnering with business accelerators and incubators to give start-ups in Atlantic Canada access to vital IP supports

As a start-up, you need to protect your intellectual property (IP), the same way you would protect your physical assets – like buildings and equipment.

For start-ups, a strong IP strategy is a vital component for developing target markets. Understanding and strategically implementing IP gives entrepreneurs a pathway to growth and an important competitive advantage.

Elevate IP is a federally funded, national project to help business accelerators and incubators (BAIs) provide the tools Canadian startups need to understand, strategically manage and leverage their intellectual property.

Springboard Atlantic IP Advantage raises awareness around the importance of intellectual property

If you run a start-up business, Atlantic IP Advantage will help you understand the importance of IP and how to protect it.

Thanks to the ElevateIP support from ISED, Springboard Atlantic and other delivery partners across Canada are providing innovative start-ups with intellectual property (IP) training, funding and other services.

This support helps start-ups harness the potential of their ideas and continue to build their businesses.

Our initiative also educates, promotes awareness and increases capacity of the business accelerators and incubators (BAIs) that support these start-ups.

The Atlantic IP Advantage program provides education and awareness to start-ups and business accelerators and incubators.

Start-ups can work with the Atlantic IP Advantage team to connect with IP professionals and apply for funding to develop and implement an IP strategy.

Support is targeted to high-growth start-ups in need of IP search, assessment and strategy development and implementation.

IP Advantage showcase

Our Stories

  • Springboard to host 
Atlantic IP Forum May 27

    Springboard to host Atlantic IP Forum May 27

    Are you an Atlantic Canadian startup or small business interested in intellectual property? The Springboard Atlantic IP Forum will assemble experts to help you understand the importance of protecting your business ideas with IP. The forum takes place on May 27, 1 pm – 4:30 pm.

  • May 16 is deadline for IP support

    May 16 is deadline for IP support

    Attention startups in Atlantic Canada! May 16, 2025, is the deadline to apply for IP support to protect your business and ideas. Read more on Springboard IP Advantage support programs.

  • Springboard to host the Atlantic IP Forum May 27

    Springboard to host the Atlantic IP Forum May 27

    Springboard IP Advantage is pleased to announce that it will host the Intellectual Property (IP) Summit in May 27, 1 pm – 4 pm. IP experts and counsellors will make presentations on topics such as understanding IP, conducting IP searches and maximizing the value of IP in your business.

  • Learn about Intellectual Property with Springboard’s Shelley Hessian

    Learn about Intellectual Property with Springboard’s Shelley Hessian

    Learn about the importance of intellectual property during this Intellectual Property 101 session on Wednesday, May 7, 12 pm-1 pm. During this session, IP Advantage IP Counsellor Shelley Hessian will explain the various forms of IP, highlight the pros and cons of each, and give tips on how to develop an IP strategy.

  • NB company Picketa wins national agtech award

    NB company Picketa wins national agtech award

    A New Brunswick agtech company has been named winner of the Next-Gen Nitrogen Challenge, awarded by Foresight Canada and the Ontario Soil Network (OSN). Picketa Systems, a Springboard-supported partner, was recognized for its proprietary LENS technology which delivers real-time, data-driven analysis of plant and soil health. This enables growers to optimize resource use, increase crop yields, and reduce environmental impact