Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026
Call for investments VRQ
Supports research-based startups with convertible financing
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
April 17, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Scientific entrepreneurs whose technology comes from CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montréal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, or Université de Montréal
See full eligibility
Overview
Le Call for VRQ investments provides up to $150,000 as a convertible debenture to support companies born out of public research at institutions formerly affiliated with Univalor. It targets scientific entrepreneurs from CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montréal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, or Université de Montréal for company development and commercialization.
/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 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 500,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of companies born out of public research undertaken at institutions formerly affiliated with Univalor
- Reaching an inflection point in company development
Documents Needed
- Your financial projections for the next 24 months, including sales and expense projections and the assumptions behind them
- A table to show who are your competitors and how you compare to them on elements that are important to your customers
- A technological development plan to bring your solution to the market
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Scientific entrepreneurs whose technology comes from CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montréal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, or Université de Montréal
Eligible expenses
- Any expenditure except the salaries of researchers still employed by one of Univalor's member establishments and company debts
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Salaries of researchers still employed by one of Univalor's member establishments
- Company debts
Selection criteria
- Innovation is assessed on whether it solves a pressing customer problem, is disruptive rather than incremental, demonstrates traction or external validation, addresses technological challenges, and has a solid intellectual property strategy.
- Team is assessed on dedication, ability to reach the next inflection point, entrepreneurial potential, ability to overcome obstacles and raise capital, and support from external resources.
- Market is assessed on differentiation from competitors, addressable market size, understanding of market dynamics, and identification of barriers to entry.
- Execution is assessed on the business model, commercialization plan, financing realism, clarity of fund use, and potential to enable subsequent financing.
How to apply
- Complete the application form and answer the eligibility questions.
- Prepare the requested annexes: financial projections for the next 24 months, a competitor comparison table, and a technological development plan.
- Send the application to investissements@axelys.ca by April 17, 2026.
- Copy a representative of your research institution when submitting the application.
- You may reply in French or English.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications will be communicated to all applicants by June 19, 2026.
- If not selected, applicants may reapply for the next call for investment.
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.
- Communications will be sent to all applicants by June 19, 2026.
- If you are not selected, you can reapply for the next call for investment.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Call for investments VRQ Program
What is the Call for investments VRQ?
Le Call for VRQ investments provides up to $150,000 as a convertible debenture to support companies born out of public research at institutions formerly affiliated with Univalor. It targets scientific entrepreneurs from CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montréal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, or Université de Montréal for company development and commercialization.
How much funding can be received?
Call for investments VRQ Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Call for investments VRQ program?
To be eligible for the Call for investments VRQ program, you must:
The company must be incorporated and have a license or option to license IP from a listed institution
The company must be in the pre-seed phase with less than $500,000 in dilutive cash raised
The company must be incorporated and headquartered in Quebec
What expenses are eligible under Call for investments VRQ?
Development of companies born out of public research undertaken at institutions formerly affiliated with Univalor
Reaching an inflection point in company development
Who can I contact for more information about the Call for investments VRQ?
You can contact Axelys by email at investissements@axelys.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Call for investments VRQ available?
The Call for investments VRQ program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Call for investments VRQ a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Call for investments VRQ is a Loans and Capital investments