National Inventors’ Team of Canada
Represent Canada at the world’s invention events
FICI identifies, prepares and supports Canadian inventors and innovators to present their work at international invention exhibitions, competitions, innovation forums and technology events within the IFIA network.
National Team photo to come
18
international medals and awards
15
award-winning inventions
8
host countries
What the National Team gives you
- 01
Present internationally
Show your invention at IFIA exhibitions and competitions abroad.
- 02
Expert feedback
Technical and commercial critique from juries and industry.
- 03
New relationships
Meet investors, companies, universities and innovation bodies.
- 04
Market access
Explore international markets and partnership routes.
- 05
Sharper pitch
Build your presentation and commercialization skills.
- 06
Represent Canada
Carry Canadian innovation onto the global stage.
More than medals.
Medals and awards are a welcome recognition, but they’re not the objective. The larger goal is opportunity: partnerships, pilots, investment discussions, licensing, commercialization and access to international markets.
Who can apply
The National Team is open to Canadian inventors, startups, students and researchers with a working invention. To apply, you need:
A FICI member account
Free to create.
A working prototype or MVP
A concept alone isn’t eligible.
A filed patent application
A granted patent isn’t required.
A Canadian connection
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, holders of a valid work or study permit, and Canadian companies.
No patent application yet?
Start with Innovation to Commercialization — we help you understand your options.
How selection works
1
Create your account
Sign up for free FICI membership.
2
Submit your invention
Describe your invention, add photos of your prototype, and tell us which competition interests you.
3
Review
FICI reviews every application. Demand is high, so we select only the strongest 5 to 10 applications for each competition.
4
Prepare and compete
Selected inventors receive preparation before the event, support during it, and follow-up afterwards.
Track your application
You’ll see your application’s status in your member account at every step.
Support at every stage of the event
Before
- Consultation to match your invention to the right competition and its criteria
- Presentation workshop
- Technical consultation
During
- Marketing and visibility for your invention
- Introductions to industry representatives from the host country and abroad
- Access to legal assistance
After
- Connections to Canadian industry to help you sell, license or partner
- Follow-up on the contacts you made
- Referrals to commercialization programs
What to expect at an international competition
IFIA-network competitions are held in a different country each year, typically over three to four days, with the final day given to marketing and technology trading — a place to meet major R&D centres, industries and investors on a world stage.
3–4 days
Event length
800–5,000
Inventors
70+
Countries
24–38
Categories
What you can win
Depending on the event: gold, silver and bronze medals, special awards from ministries, industries and partner organizations, and in some cases cash prizes.
GoldSilverBronzeSpecial awards
Why it matters
An award is a credential you can put on a professional profile — and a door-opener for partnerships, pilots and investment conversations that outlast the medal.
Medals are evidence, not the goal
Inventions from the National Team
A modified zeolite RHO material engineered to capture carbon dioxide more effectively.
- Nothing on record yet
FICI adds these as they are confirmed
Autonomous oil-skimming technology for cleaner water.
- Nothing on record yet
FICI adds these as they are confirmed
Photo to come
2unify
2020The world's first hands-free robotic guitar-tuning stand.
- Nothing on record yet
FICI adds these as they are confirmed
Upcoming international competitions
Tell us which competition interests you when you apply.
The next competition dates will be posted soon.
You can apply now and we’ll match you with a suitable event.
Apply to joinFrequently asked questions
No. You need a working prototype or MVP. If you’re earlier than that, From Zero to Invention or Innovation to Commercialization is the right place to start.
Applications
Ready to represent Canada?
Create your free account and submit your invention for the National Inventors’ Team of Canada.
Apply to the team
Membership is free. You need a working prototype and a filed patent application. Applicants cover their own travel and registration costs.