About FICI
Helping Canadians invent, since 2015
The First Institute of Canadian Inventors (FICI) is a national not-for-profit organization, a full member of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) and its official Canadian representative.
Who we are
FICI was founded in 2015 to give Canadians a direct path into the world’s invention community. As IFIA’s official representative in Canada, we connect Canadian inventors, students, researchers and companies to an international network of inventor associations, competitions and exhibitions.
Where most incubators start with an existing idea, FICI starts earlier, teaching people how to identify problems, create ideas and develop inventions. We then support them through intellectual property, prototyping, commercialization and international exposure, and connect them with the partners who can take them further.
We lead the National Inventors’ Team of Canada at international invention events, support student chapters at universities across the country, and present Inclusive Innovators, a platform that removes barriers to innovation. Our office is in Toronto; our work reaches innovators across Canada.
- Founded
- 2015
- Status
- National not-for-profit organization
- International affiliation
- Full member and official Canadian representative of IFIA
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Ontario
- University chapters
- 6
- Contact
- [email protected]
Milestones
A decade of taking Canadian inventors to the world.
- 2015
FICI is founded
FICI is established as IFIA’s representative in Canada and launches the first National Inventors’ Team of Canada.
- 2017
A 15-year-old’s window-washing drone
A high-school participant in FICI’s creativity course (now From Zero to Invention) invents an autonomous drone for washing high-rise windows, later presented internationally.
- 2019
Canada’s International Innovation Showcase
FICI hosts an inaugural showcase in Toronto for startups and student innovators, with IFIA medals and in-kind patent services as prizes.
- 2019
I & I Competition
With IEEE and in cooperation with MaRS, FICI launches an innovation competition for Ontario university students.
- 2020
Judging for MIT Solve
FICI’s President is selected as a judge for MIT Solve’s Global Challenges.
- 2020
Gold at IWA 2020
2unify, a McMaster Engineering startup sponsored by FICI, wins gold for its hands-free robotic guitar-tuning stand.
- 2021
Gold in Istanbul
Clean Oil International, a Canadian clean-tech startup, wins gold at the Istanbul International Inventions Fair (ISIF’21).
- 2026
A new IFIA department
IFIA approves a Department of Social Innovation & Community Development, presented by FICI. FICI’s President is appointed its Director.
- 2026
Inclusive Innovators launches
FICI launches Inclusive Innovators as a three-city Canadian circuit. The opening Toronto event has been postponed; a new date will be announced.
Governance and leadership
FICI is a Canadian not-for-profit organization led by an Executive Team and guided by an Advisory Board of leaders in innovation, investment, commercialization and international trade.
Executive Team
Advisory Board
Our partners
We work with universities, industry, ecosystem organizations and international partners to create opportunities for Canadian innovators.
Ecosystem
Meeraki Global
Strategic partner for Inclusive Innovators' international platform
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Aragon Group
Canadian partner for the Inclusive Innovators city circuit
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Canada Startup Association
Founder community and startup ecosystem partner
Partner
AGAZ Summit
Co-located with Inclusive Innovators, Toronto 2026
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Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
Partner for Intellectual Property and IP workshops
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Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University
Host university of a FICI chapter
Partner
University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo
Host university of a FICI chapter
Partner
Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University
Host university of a FICI chapter
Partner
University of Toronto
University of Toronto
Host university of a FICI chapter
Partner
McMaster University
McMaster University
Host university of a FICI chapter
Partner
York University
York University
Host university of a FICI chapter
Partner
Spark Centre
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Pycap
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International
International Federation of Inventors’ Associations
About IFIA
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is a non-profit federation founded in 1968 that brings together inventor associations and innovation organizations from around the world. Its secretariat is in Geneva, Switzerland.
IFIA organizes and endorses international invention exhibitions and competitions, holds world congresses and conferences, runs workshops and seminars with international partners, and recognizes inventors through awards and medals. Its purpose is to support inventors and promote the inventive and entrepreneurial spirit worldwide.
135+
member organizations
95+
countries
1968
Founded in
Figures published by IFIA.
FICI’s role in IFIA
FICI is a full member of IFIA and its official representative in Canada. In practice, that means:
Canada’s official member
FICI is a full member of IFIA and represents Canada within its global membership of inventor organizations.
The National Team
FICI selects and leads the National Inventors’ Team of Canada at IFIA exhibitions and competitions.
Social innovation leadership
FICI presents IFIA’s Department of Social Innovation & Community Development. FICI’s President, Babak Khodaparast, is its Director.
International connections
FICI connects Canadian technologies with partners across IFIA’s international network.
IFIA permissions and relations
IFIA works with international organizations to support inventors through joint programs, seminars, workshops and technical assistance. The statuses and relations below are held by IFIA, as published by IFIA.
OrganizationIFIA status
United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Special consultative status
Granted June 6, 2019
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Observer status (Special Category: Technology), Geneva
Ref. E3381
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Consultative status
Ref. E3386
UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
Innovation promotion and commercialization services through its Innovation and Competitiveness Task Force
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Observer status, Geneva
Ref. B3635
European Patent Office (EPO)
Member of the Standing Advisory Committee before the EPO (SACEPO), Munich
Ref. D4489
European Alliance for Innovation (EAI)
Member of the Assembly of Professional Societies
Global Innovation Exchange
IFIA shares its events, workshops and educational resources on this global innovation marketplace
Google for Nonprofits
Google Grants recipient
MIT Solve
Member
Joined May 2020
Source: IFIA, as published at ifia.com (opens in a new tab). Last reviewed September 2026.
IFIA partners
IFIA partners with organizations that share its goals through memoranda of understanding (MOUs), creating opportunities for joint activities, promoting a culture of innovation and expanding inventors’ networks.
WIPO GREEN
April 20, 2016IFIA signed the WIPO GREEN partnership agreement to support the global exchange of green technologies.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
Creates trade opportunities and connects small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide through Hong Kong’s business platform.
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)
Helps IFIA members develop and commercialize innovations in the field of electricity.
SkyQuest Technology Group
Provides innovation exchange, global commercialization and strategy services, and business support for distributing IP-driven products.
Source: IFIA, as published at ifia.com (opens in a new tab). Last reviewed September 2026.
IFIA · Canada
Take Canadian innovation global
Through FICI, you’re connected to IFIA’s international network.