Community Collaboration

ElevateIP Alberta


Submitted ByEconomic Development Lethbridge

Purpose of Project: The ElevateIP Alberta program, part of the national Intellectual Property Strategy by the Government of Canada, is a collaboration between the University of Calgary, Innovate Calgary, and Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL). It aims to enhance IP awareness, education, and strategy development for Alberta entrepreneurs, with a focus on rural/remote, Indigenous, BIPOC, and newcomer entrepreneurs. Formalized in January 2023 and funded with $9.9 million from Innovation, Science & Economic Development (ISED), the project expects outcomes such as improved IP literacy, strategy development, and commercialization support, fostering economic growth. A side project with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) focuses on Indigenous businesses’ IP protections, particularly regarding Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCE). The program runs until March 31, 2026.

Challenges & Changes Made: Facing varying levels of IP literacy and the need for tailored support, the program introduced customized training modules on IP strategy, corporate governance, and sector-specific considerations. It implemented a linear application process to streamline participation and ensured easy access to programs and services for underrepresented entrepreneurs, including enhanced accessibility features like a French-language portal and increased advisor and mentor support.

Target Audience (Demographics): The program primarily benefits rural/remote, Indigenous, BIPOC, newcomer, and women entrepreneurs across Alberta. By focusing on these groups, it aims to democratize access to IP resources and support, fostering inclusivity and diversity in Alberta’s startup ecosystem.

Promotion of Overall Engagement and Cooperation: The program promotes engagement and cooperation through collaborative workshops and roundtables with diverse stakeholders, including universities, Indigenous business councils, and non-profits. Ecosystem navigators conduct capacity analyses and barrier identification to address community-specific challenges. The ElevateIP Alberta website (https://elevateip-ab.com/) supports these efforts by providing a centralized platform for information and resources.

Working Together to Achieve a Common Goal: ElevateIP Alberta exemplifies the power of collaboration among economic development entities, government agencies, and community organizations. This teamwork creates a robust support system for underrepresented entrepreneurs, enhancing their ability to leverage and protect their intellectual property.

Overall Impact and Quality of the Final Product: Significant participation and positive feedback from entrepreneurs and partners demonstrate the program’s impact in Alberta. The development of comprehensive IP strategies and enhanced IP literacy shows the program’s effectiveness in meeting its goals and supporting economic growth and innovation. Nationally, the program will enhance IP awareness and education, provide new IP tools, and support legislative reforms to protect businesses’ intellectual property.

Demonstrated Evidence of Contribution from All Partners: Each partner in ElevateIP Alberta has made substantial contributions. The University of Calgary and Innovate Calgary provided management and IP expertise, while Economic Development Lethbridge supported outreach to rural and underrepresented groups. Ecosystem Navigators like The BIPOC Foundation, The 51, and Catapult Startup Solutions delivered targeted support to their communities. The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business facilitated roundtables and research on Indigenous IP needs. This collaboration exemplifies the mutual benefits and exceptional outcomes achieved through dedicated teamwork and shared responsibility.

  1. https://elevateip-ab.com/
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v03JfuxXFQ)
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