- Tailored IP education
- IP-readiness workshops
- Coaching and strategic guidance to help founders develop stronger IP strategies
- One-to-one advisory support and practical guidance
In addition, Marks & Clerk is expanding its support of the Innovation Factory ecosystem as a Pillar of Support partner for the 2026 LIONS LAIR pitch competition and gala, and as the exclusive IP partner for the 2027 Founders Fast Track program.
Marks & Clerk is also proud to return as the sponsor of the Innovation Factory Summer Social.
“Through this expanded partnership with Innovation Factory, we are pleased to continue supporting the next generation of innovative Canadian companies here in Ontario with guidance on intellectual property strategies. This sponsorship reflects our commitment to supporting startups and emerging businesses, to help build, protect, and commercialise their innovations.” - Kevin Shipley, Marks & Clerk
More information about our involvement in these initiatives is below:
Innovation Factory Summer Social
Marks & Clerk is proud to return as a sponsor of Innovation Factory's Summer Social for the second consecutive year.
Taking place on August 20, 2026, the event brings together entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors, advisors and members of the innovation ecosystem for an evening of networking, collaboration and community building. As a long-standing supporter of Ontario's innovation community, Marks & Clerk looks forward to connecting with both familiar faces and emerging businesses from across the region.
LiONS LAIR 2026
We are pleased to share that we are a new sponsor of Innovation Factory's LiONS LAIR program including their 16th annual pitch competition and in-person gala event, taking place on September 24, 2026.
Celebrating their 16th anniversary, LiONS LAIR provides 10 entrepreneurs with the mentorship, training and resources they need to refine their business before presenting to a panel of judges of investors and experts in front of an audience of more than 350 business leaders and members of the innovation community. The finalists are from the Founders Fast Track program.
As part of Marks & Clerk's involvement, Kevin Shipley, will serve as a judge on this year's panel, hearing from some of the region's most innovative startups as they compete for funding, recognition and opportunities to accelerate their growth.
You can learn more LiONS LAIR here.
Founders Fast Track 2027
We are pleased to share that we are the exclusive IP partner of Innovation Factory's Founders Fast Track program in January 2027 and May 2027.
As part of this initiative, Marks & Clerk will deliver tailored IP education and coaching during each cohort. This includes an IP Readiness Workshop focused on IP commercialization, introducing participants to the IP Canvas framework and helping founders understand how to effectively position intellectual property strategies within investor pitches.
In addition, Marks & Clerk will provide one-to-one coaching sessions with participating companies to review their IP strategies, identify opportunities and risks, and address gaps within their businesses and growth plans. Across two cohorts, the program is expected to support up to 40 companies as they prepare for investment and scale their ventures.
You can learn more Founders Fast Track here.
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