Closed
Call for investments VRQ
Supports Quebec research-based startups in early-stage company development
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Open Date : October 1, 2025
- Closing date : October 31, 2025
Location
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Call for Investments VRQ offers up to $150,000 in funding via a convertible debenture to support the development of early-stage companies derived from public research at specific Quebec institutions. The program aims to help these scientific startups reach key growth milestones, with funding intended for business development and commercialization activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : October 1, 2025
- Closing date : October 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Montréal
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and growth of companies based on intellectual property originating from designated Quebec public research institutions.
- Technology maturation and advancement towards commercial viability.
- Preparation for market entry and business scaling in innovation-driven sectors.
- Implementation of validated intellectual property strategies.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Startups and scientific companies deriving from the commercialization of research from the following public institutions: CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montréal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, or Université de Montréal
Who is not eligible
- Companies not incorporated or without their head office in Quebec.
- Businesses not derived from the commercialization activities of the specified academic and research institutions (CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montréal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Montréal).
- Companies where more than 50% ownership is held by an established business or outside investors who are not founders, the principal researcher, or affiliated institutions.
Eligible expenses
- Any company development expenses, except those specifically excluded (see non-eligible expenses).
Eligible geographic areas
- Province of Quebec
Additional information
- The application can be submitted in either French or English.
- If a question in the application does not apply to your situation, you may leave it blank.
- Supplementary documents such as financial projections, competitor comparison tables, and technology development plans should be attached as annexes if needed.
- Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in future calls for investments.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Call for investments VRQ Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Call for investments VRQ. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Call for investments VRQ?
The Call for Investments VRQ offers up to $150,000 in funding via a convertible debenture to support the development of early-stage companies derived from public research at specific Quebec institutions. The program aims to help these scientific startups reach key growth milestones, with funding intended for business development and commercialization activities.
How much funding can be received?
Call for investments VRQ Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was October 31, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Call for investments VRQ program?
To be eligible for the Call for investments VRQ program, you must:
Must be a spin-off from a listed Univalor-affiliated institution
Must be incorporated with headquarters in Quebec
Must be in the pre-seed stage with less than $500,000 in external dilutive funding
What expenses are eligible under Call for investments VRQ?
Development and growth of companies based on intellectual property originating from designated Quebec public research institutions.
Technology maturation and advancement towards commercial viability.
Preparation for market entry and business scaling in innovation-driven sectors.
Implementation of validated intellectual property strategies.
Who can I contact for more information about the Call for investments VRQ?
You can contact Axelys by email at investissements@axelys.ca.
Where is the Call for investments VRQ available?
The Call for investments VRQ program is available Montréal, Quebec.
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