Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Axelys

Overview of Available Grants and Funding

Axelys is a non-profit organization founded in 2021 to centralize the commercialization of public research in Quebec, succeeding the technology transfer organizations SOVAR, Aligo, and Univalor. Its mission is to foster Quebec’s economic and social prosperity by accelerating the development and transfer of high-potential innovations from universities and public research institutions. A cornerstone of the province’s innovation ecosystem, Axelys acts as a government-designated manager of funding programs that support research valorization and innovation, working closely with academic and industrial partners to transform scientific discoveries into tangible solutions.

Axelys was born out of the Quebec government’s desire to modernize and strengthen the province’s research commercialization system, aiming to accelerate the transition from invention to market. Officially launched on April 1, 2021, this non-profit organization emerged from the merger of Quebec’s three former university-based valorization entities: Univalor, Aligo Innovation, and SOVAR. By consolidating these organizations into a single, province-wide structure, the government sought to create a more cohesive and efficient framework to support innovation across all regions of Quebec.

Axelys’s mission is to contribute to Quebec’s economic and social prosperity by accelerating the development and transfer of high-potential innovations generated within public research institutions. The organization provides universities, research hospitals, and other public institutions with expert guidance in technology development, intellectual property management, and innovation transfer. Through its work, Axelys ensures that publicly funded research results are transformed into commercial and societal value, enabling discoveries to evolve into products, services, and technologies that address real-world challenges.

In addition to its advisory and support services, Axelys acts as a mandated manager of government funding programs that promote innovation, technology maturation, and commercialization readiness. These programs focus on supporting projects that bridge the critical gap between academic research and industrial application. By providing financial and strategic support at this stage, Axelys helps researchers and innovators bring their ideas closer to market, ensuring that the most promising technologies benefit the Quebec economy and society at large.

Collaboration lies at the heart of Axelys’s mission. The organization works in close partnership with all Quebec universities and public research centres, pooling expertise across disciplines and regions. It also maintains strong relationships with public innovation agencies, incubators, investors, and the entrepreneurial community, building a collaborative ecosystem that connects research excellence with business opportunities. This integrated approach helps foster the emergence of new technology startups, strengthen the competitiveness of Quebec industries, and promote the sustainable growth of innovation-driven sectors.

Through its coordinated efforts and deep integration within the innovation landscape, Axelys has become a cornerstone of Quebec’s innovation ecosystem. It actively drives the transformation of scientific discoveries into tangible solutions, creates pathways for highly skilled employment, and contributes to the long-term economic vitality of the province. By bridging the gap between research and industry, Axelys ensures that Quebec’s scientific excellence continues to generate meaningful impact for the economy, the environment, and society as a whole.

9 opportunities available