Innovation Landscape Improving For Canadian Start-Ups (COVID-19 & IP Update)

Spearheading a start-up is a challenging endeavor at the best of times, let alone in a pandemic. When COVID-19 hit this spring, entrepreneurs from coast to coast were faced with an entirely new set of challenges. As the economy slowed and funding became tight, many start-ups were forced to quickly re-strategize. Companies that could keep going forward virtually did so. Most companies closed their premises, or remained open on a limited capacity. The start-up community has recently been reopening more, as part of its comeback. Innovation has become an essential part of restarting the economy and finding a solution to COVID-19.

Innovation Hubs

While most accelerators and incubators across Eastern Canada remain closed, many have adopted alternative methods to deliver programs and resources. For instance, the RIC center in Mississauga has offered a 9-week summer program to help entrepreneurs grow or pivot their business in the changed economy. Meanwhile, the