Build Your Intellectual Property Advantage
What if your next project becomes something others want to use, develop, or invest in? Who owns the work you create with a team? And how can you recognize and protect the value of your contributions?
Your knowledge and creativity can have an impact far beyond the classroom. Understanding intellectual property (IP) helps you turn that potential into informed decisions about how work is shared, protected, and used. Whatever your background, interests, or career ambitions, these skills can help you collaborate confidently, contribute in the workplace, and pursue opportunities of your own.
NextGen CTO is a five-week micro-credential program combining the Foundations of IP Strategy online course, delivered through Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), with weekly live virtual sessions featuring IP specialists, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs. Through their experiences, practical examples, and direct discussion, you will connect IP concepts to decisions you can make in your academic projects and professional life.
Who can participate
NextGen CTO is open to all University of Windsor students, across every faculty and level of study.
No prior knowledge of IP, technical background, or existing business idea is required. Whether you are exploring innovation for the first time or looking to apply IP knowledge to an existing project, the program provides a foundation you can build on.
What you’ll gain
Through the program, you will:
- Understand the major forms of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyright, industrial designs, and trade secrets.
- Recognize potential IP assets in research, technologies, brands, and creative work.
- Explore how IP strategy supports business objectives, competitive advantage, and commercialization.
- Apply your learning to decisions you may encounter in course projects, collaborations, co-op placements, and your future career.
- Earn a NextGen CTO micro-credential upon successful completion.
What the experience looks like
NextGen CTO combines self-paced online modules with interactive live virtual sessions.
Participants complete assigned modules between sessions to build their understanding of IP concepts and strategy. The weekly virtual sessions bring that learning to life through conversations with experts in IP, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs. Hear how experienced professionals protect valuable work, navigate difficult decisions, and use IP to advance their organizations and ventures. Guided discussions and opportunities to ask questions will help you connect those experiences to your own studies, projects, and career goals.
Program completion requirements
To receive the NextGen CTO micro-credential badge and certificate of completion, participants must:
- Attend all weekly live virtual sessions.
- Complete the required modules in the Foundations of IP Strategy online course delivered through Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON).
- Successfully complete all required course quizzes and the required post-program form.
Key Dates
- Program intake opens: Friday, October 2, 2026
- Intake form deadline: Monday, October 19, 2026
- Program orientation: Friday, October 23, 2026
- Weekly live virtual sessions: Fridays, October 23 to November 20, 2026
- Final session and program wrap-up: Friday, November 20, 2026
Application
Key Contact: Farhan Khan – fkhan@uwindsor.ca