Eligibility for Stream 1

Each stream has progressive eligibility requirements.

For Stream 1, you’ll need to meet the general eligibility guidelines for the program:

Be a startup based in BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut
Have fewer than 500 full-time employees
Have an innovative technology and/or operate in the tech sector
Non-profit organizations that meet the above may also apply

To apply for the cohort-based IP Certification program, you’ll need to fill in an Initial IP assessment to help assess your IP readiness and knowledge. There’s no level you have to meet to be approved — all tech startups are welcome to apply.

Stream 1: IP Education

IP Education and awareness

Stream 1 includes options for startups just starting out in their IP journey or who want to go deeper into refining their knowledge and strategy.

Webinars and in-person seminars: visit our events page
Introduction to Intellectual Property online course: register on Thinkific
Online modules: sign up on the program portal
IP Certification Program: apply on the program portal

All startups that meet the program’s basic eligibility requirements are eligible to register or apply.

Stream 1: IP Certification Program

Apply to join a cohort program to take a deep dive into your startup’s IP.

This workshop is led by IP experts Karima Bawa and Myra Tawfik, authors of The Intellectual Property Guide. Future cohorts may include guest facilitators or other presenters.

There are no fees for startups to take this program, as program costs are fully funded by AccelerateIP.

What you’ll learn

You’ll get an in-depth look at your startup’s IP and data strategy, with the following course outline.

Karima Bawa

Myra Tawfik

The course is intensive in nature, with a mix of lecture, case studies, panel presentations and assignments.

To graduate from the course, participants must

Attend all sessions
Complete a written and group oral exam

The course is offered both in-person and online. The first pilot cohort ran for three weekends in November 2023.

Future cohorts

The program is scheduled to run on the following dates and times:

May 2024 online (waitlist full)
- May 21, 23, 28, 30 (10AM – 4PM)
September 2024 TBD

Overview of course sessions

Sessions will be delivered over several days and will provide the foundational knowledge required to gain an understanding of IP.

Key topics include:

Introduction to IP and IP Strategy
Introduction to Data Basics
IP Ownership and IP Layering
Licensing and Enforcement

Participants will also work in groups to deliberate on case studies and participate in discussions.

Please note specific course topics are subject to change.

How to apply

To apply, you’ll need to register on the application portal, answer some IP assessment questions, and let us know what you want to learn from the course.

APPLY ON THE PORTAL

Stream 1 FAQ

What happens if I have to miss a session of the IP Certification program?

To complete the course, it is required to attend all sessions and pass the final exams. If you’re unable to attend a session due to illness or another unforeseeable event, you can contact the programs team to arrange a make up session.

Will I have to purchase any materials like textbooks for this program?

Recommended reading includes The Intellectual Property Guide, which can be purchased online. There is also a course module provided for free that participants must access.

For any other questions you might have about the program contact us at: accelerateip@newventuresbc.com