Table of contents
Introduction
Getting started
Innovation support
Regulations
Taxation
Financing
Other resources
Introduction
Technology and innovation businesses cover a wide range of industries. They often focus on researching and developing new products or providing innovative solutions to existing processes. This guide will help you learn about starting a technology or innovation business.
Getting started
Innovation support
Innovation Canada
If you are looking for funding or expert advice, Innovation Canada has programs and services to help your business innovate, create jobs and grow the economy.
- Innovation Advisors are former entrepreneurs and private-sector professionals who can help you find government programs and services — from financing to technical advice to foreign market expertise.
- Strategic Innovation Fund provides funding for eligible established businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are incorporated in Canada and are seeking funding for innovation and growth projects.
- Innovative Solutions Canada provides funding and partners with eligible small businesses and innovators to help with early development, testing and validation of prototypes.
- Clean Growth Hub offers advice and resources for businesses with clean technology projects.
- Accelerated Growth Service helps established businesses that are incorporated in Canada navigate and access the government supports they need to grow and scale.
Intellectual property protection
Your designs and inventions are your intellectually property. You can protect your intellectual property with trademarks, patents or copyrights. Learn about each option on the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) website or by contact them directly at 1-866-997-1936.
Regulations
Chemical substances
You need to follow the regulations for any chemical substances that you handle, develop or dispose of as part of your business.
Refer to the Businesses and organizations managing chemical substances website for more information.
Medical laboratory & health related regulations
Refer to the regulations below if your business includes a medical laboratory or health-based research.
Science-based health products
If your business will be involved in developing or working with chemical technology, biotechnology or medical technology, contact Health Canada to learn more about regulations for science-based health products.
Contact Health Canada:
1-866-225-0709
Health and the environment
Ontario laboratory accreditation
If you want to run a medical research laboratory, you will need to get an ISO certificate and follow the standards set by the Ministry of Health and by Accreditation Canada Diagnostics.
Contact Accreditation Canada Diagnostics:
1-877-323-9540
Lab accreditation services
Taxation
Financing
For more information on financial and non-financial support for technology and innovation entrepreneurs, please refer to the following guides:
Business Benefits Finder
Business Benefits Finder
Get a tailored list of government programs and services for your business in less than 2 minutes.
Other resources
- BIOTECanada
- Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA)
- International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
- Technation
- Information and Cultural Industries (NAICS 51): Ontario