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Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 2, 2026

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Jurisdiction: Ontario, Canada

Important Notice: These Terms of Service govern your participation in Gross Innovations programs and use of our website. By accessing our website or engaging with our organization, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our services.

1. Definitions & Interpretation

"Gross Innovations," "we," "us," "our": Refers to Gross Innovations Inc., a registered non-profit organization under Ontario law.

"Participant," "you," "your": Refers to any individual accessing our website or engaging with our programs.

"Services": Our co-op placements, volunteer programs, project opportunities, mentorship, and professional development activities.

"Website": Our online presence at grossinnovations.com and all associated pages and content.

"Content": All text, images, graphics, videos, code, documentation, and materials on our website and in our programs.

2. Nature of Our Organization & Services

2.1 Non-Profit Status

Gross Innovations Inc. is a registered non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of Ontario, Canada. We are NOT a for-profit employer. Our mission is to provide engineering education, professional development, and career advancement opportunities to unemployed and underemployed engineers.

2.2 Volunteer & Educational Nature

IMPORTANT: Participation in Gross Innovations programs is on a VOLUNTARY and UNPAID basis unless otherwise explicitly documented in a formal agreement with a partner organization. Participants do not receive monetary compensation from Gross Innovations for their time, contributions, or work performed.

2.3 No Employment Relationship

Participation in Gross Innovations programs does NOT create an employment relationship between you and Gross Innovations Inc. You are not an employee, contractor, or service provider. You are an educational participant engaging voluntarily to develop professional skills and experience.

2.4 Educational Purpose

All work performed through Gross Innovations is educational and developmental in nature. Your participation is intended to provide experience, build professional skills, expand your network, and prepare you for employment with partner organizations or external employers.

3. Eligibility & Application Requirements

3.1 Eligibility Criteria

To participate in Gross Innovations programs, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be a software engineer, hardware engineer, or computer science professional/student
  • Demonstrate genuine interest in professional development
  • Commit to program requirements and deadlines
  • Comply with all applicable laws and our policies
  • Provide accurate and truthful information in your application

3.2 Application Process

Applications are subject to review and acceptance at Gross Innovations' sole discretion. We reserve the right to:

  • Request additional information or documentation
  • Conduct background checks or reference verification
  • Interview applicants
  • Accept or reject applications without explanation
  • Terminate participation at any time for cause

3.3 Misrepresentation

Providing false, misleading, or inaccurate information in your application or during your participation is grounds for immediate termination. You are solely responsible for the accuracy of information you provide.

4. Program Terms & Conditions

4.1 Time Commitment & Availability

You acknowledge and agree to the time commitment required for your program:

  • Co-op Placements: Typically 4-8 months full-time (40 hours/week)
  • Volunteer Programs: 10-30 hours per month based on your selected commitment level
  • Project Assignments: Variable hours based on project scope and deadlines

4.2 Communication & Responsiveness

You agree to:

  • Respond to communications from Gross Innovations within 48 hours
  • Attend scheduled meetings, check-ins, and program events
  • Provide regular progress updates as requested
  • Notify us immediately of conflicts, concerns, or inability to participate

4.3 Code of Conduct

All participants must maintain professional conduct and comply with our Code of Conduct, including:

  • Treating all individuals with respect and professionalism
  • Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Avoiding discrimination, harassment, or offensive behavior
  • Complying with applicable laws and regulations
  • Using Gross Innovations resources ethically and appropriately
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Refraining from illegal activities or substance abuse

4.4 Breach of Conduct

Violations of our Code of Conduct may result in:

  • Warning or probationary status
  • Suspension from programs
  • Immediate termination of participation
  • Negative references for future employment
  • Legal action if applicable

5. No Warranty of Employment

EXPLICIT DISCLAIMER: Gross Innovations makes NO representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding employment outcomes, salary opportunities, or placement with partner organizations. Participation does NOT guarantee employment or any specific career outcomes.

Employment decisions are made solely by partner organizations and external employers based on their own criteria. Our role is to provide skills development and networking opportunities. Success in securing employment depends on:

  • Your individual performance and skills
  • Market conditions and employer needs
  • Your qualifications and fit for positions
  • Competition from other candidates
  • External economic factors

6. Intellectual Property Rights

6.1 Ownership of Work Product

All work, code, documentation, designs, and materials created or developed through Gross Innovations programs ("Work Product") is owned by Gross Innovations Inc. and/or our partner organizations as specified in project agreements.

6.2 Your Original Work

Work created outside the scope of Gross Innovations projects, on your own time, using your own resources, and not using Gross Innovations intellectual property remains your property. You retain all rights to such work.

6.3 Use of Your Work

By participating in Gross Innovations programs, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use Work Product for the following purposes:

  • Fulfilling project objectives
  • Sharing with partner organizations
  • Program evaluation and improvement
  • Portfolio and case study purposes
  • Educational and promotional materials

6.4 Attribution

Appropriate attribution will be provided where reasonable and practical, but is not guaranteed.

7. Confidentiality & Proprietary Information

7.1 Confidential Information

During your participation, you may have access to confidential information, trade secrets, proprietary code, or sensitive business information ("Confidential Information"). You agree to:

  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all Confidential Information
  • Not disclose information to unauthorized parties
  • Not use Confidential Information for personal gain
  • Return or destroy Confidential Information upon termination

7.2 Exceptions

Confidentiality obligations do not apply to information that is:

  • Already publicly available through no breach by you
  • Required to be disclosed by law or court order
  • Disclosed with prior written consent
  • Independently developed without reference to Confidential Information

8. Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers

8.1 AS-IS Disclaimer

Our website and services are provided "AS IS" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to:

  • Warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
  • Warranties of non-infringement or title
  • Warranties of accuracy or completeness
  • Warranties regarding uninterrupted service

8.2 Limitation of Damages

To the fullest extent permitted by Ontario law, Gross Innovations shall NOT be liable for:

  • Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Lost profits, lost revenue, or lost business opportunities
  • Loss of data or business interruption
  • Damages arising from use of our website or services
  • Third-party claims or actions

8.3 Total Liability Cap

Our total liability for any claims arising from these Terms of Service or your participation is limited to $100 CAD, except where prohibited by law.

8.4 Your Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge that use of our website and participation in programs involves inherent risks, and you assume all risks associated with such participation.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Gross Innovations Inc., our officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

  • Your participation in our programs
  • Your violation of these Terms of Service
  • Your violation of applicable laws
  • Your misuse of our website or services
  • Claims by third parties regarding your conduct or work product

10. Website Terms & Use

10.1 Permitted Use

You may use our website only for lawful purposes and in ways that do not:

  • Infringe upon others' rights
  • Restrict or inhibit anyone's use or enjoyment
  • Contain viruses, malware, or harmful code
  • Harass, threaten, defame, or abuse others
  • Circumvent security or access controls
  • Engage in illegal activity

10.2 Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems or accounts
  • Scrape, crawl, or systematically download content
  • Reverse engineer or decompile any code
  • Remove or obscure copyright or proprietary notices
  • Transmit unsolicited communications or spam
  • Interfere with website functionality or service

10.3 User-Generated Content

If you submit content to our website or platforms, you grant us a non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, and display such content. You represent that you have all necessary rights to grant this license and that your content does not infringe third-party rights.

11. Third-Party Links & Services

Our website may contain links to external websites and services. We are not responsible for:

  • Content or services of external websites
  • Privacy practices of third parties
  • Accuracy or legality of external content
  • Claims or disputes with third parties

We do not endorse external websites or services. Your use of third-party services is at your own risk and subject to their terms.

12. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ontario, Canada, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

12.2 Jurisdiction & Venue

You irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for resolution of any disputes.

12.3 Dispute Resolution Process

Before pursuing legal action, we encourage resolution through the following process:

  1. Submit a written complaint to info@grossinnovations.com
  2. Allow 30 days for response and resolution attempt
  3. Good faith negotiation and discussion
  4. If unresolved, either party may pursue legal remedies

13. Severability & Amendment

13.1 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, such provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13.2 Amendment Rights

Gross Innovations reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes via email or prominent website notice. Continued use following notification constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

13.3 Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Gross Innovations regarding your participation. They supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and communications.

14. Termination of Participation

14.1 Termination by Gross Innovations

We may terminate your participation at any time, with or without cause, by providing written notice. Grounds for termination include:

  • Violation of these Terms of Service
  • Breach of Code of Conduct
  • Misrepresentation in application
  • Inactivity or non-responsiveness
  • Failure to meet program requirements
  • Safety concerns or risk to others
  • Program closure or changes

14.2 Termination by Participant

You may terminate your participation at any time by providing written notice to info@grossinnovations.com. However, such termination may affect your references and future opportunities with Gross Innovations.

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Your participation in programs ceases immediately
  • You must return all Gross Innovations property and confidential information
  • Your access to systems and communications ends
  • Rights granted under these Terms terminate (except where perpetual)

15. Accessibility & Accommodation

Gross Innovations is committed to providing accessible programs. If you require accommodations for disabilities or other needs, please contact us at info@grossinnovations.com. We will work with you to provide reasonable accommodations where possible, in compliance with Ontario's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

16. Contact & Support

For questions, support, or concerns regarding these Terms of Service or your participation:

Gross Innovations Inc.
Email: info@grossinnovations.com
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Operating: Worldwide 🌍

17. Acknowledgment & Acceptance

By accessing our website or engaging with Gross Innovations programs, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood these Terms of Service
  • You agree to be bound by these terms
  • You understand that participation is voluntary and unpaid
  • You have no expectation of employment or compensation
  • You accept all associated risks and limitations of liability
  • You consent to our privacy practices and data handling

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