Accelerators or Incubators
Accelerators and incubators support entrepreneurs to transfer knowledge and intellectual property from institutions into the economy. These intermediaries are often housed in universities, and they provide a combination of services for start-ups including mentorship, funding, networking, training and/or office space. Typically, incubators support start-ups entering the beginning stages of building their company, whereas accelerators advance the growth of existing companies with an idea and business model in place.
Commercialization
Commercialization is the process of taking an invention or scientific discovery (that is, new technology or new or improved manufacturing process) to the market.
Freedom to operate
Freedom to operate, also known as FTO, means you have the freedom to test, market, or sell a product or service in a specific area. The phrase is often used when determining if a specific action can take place without infringing on the intellectual property rights of another.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind and can include things like inventions, industrial designs and artistic works, such as manuscripts.
Regional Innovation Centres
Regional Innovation Centres (RICs) are not-for-profit intermediaries that act as local focal points for innovative start-up companies and entrepreneurs throughout Ontario. The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade funds a network of RICs across the province that helps Ontario’s entrepreneurs and innovators to clear commercialization hurdles and attract the talent, capital and customers they need to grow and succeed in international markets.
Technology Transfer
Technology transfer is the process of transferring (disseminating) technology from the place where it is developed to wider distribution.
Technology Transfer Office
Sometimes referred to as Technology Licensing Offices, these offices are responsible for technology transfer and other aspects of the commercialization of research that takes place in a university or college. Technology transfer offices act as a liaison between university or college inventors and industry partners. Other public institutions, such as hospitals, may also have technology transfer offices.