RNA Entrepreneurship initiative

Q: How much funding can be received?

RNA Entrepreneurship initiative Funds up to 80000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?

RNA Entrepreneurship initiative is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative?

RNA Entrepreneurship initiative is funded by Axelys

Q: Who is eligible for the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative program?

To be eligible for the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative program, you must: • Startups in RNA therapeutics sector • Companies founded by students or postdoctoral fellows from Quebec academic laboratories

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative?

You can contact Axelys by email at arn@axelys.ca.

Q: Where is the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative available?

The RNA Entrepreneurship initiative program is available the province of Quebec.

Q: Are startups eligible for the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative program.

Last Update: October 24, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports entrepreneurial development in RNA therapeutics for Quebec academics

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $80,000

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Funds Providers

Axelys

Program status

Open

Overview

The RNA Entrepreneurship initiative supports the development of high-potential startups in RNA therapeutics by offering up to $80,000 in financial aid. The program targets students and postdoctoral fellows in Quebec, providing expert entrepreneurial guidance, business plan creation, IP review, technology development planning, and regulatory analysis.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial contribution of up to $80,000 for eligible projects in RNA therapeutics entrepreneurship.

Activities funded

Launching startups focused on RNA therapeutics.
Developing business strategies for new RNA technology ventures.
Evaluating intellectual property and market competition for RNA-based innovations.
Creating operational plans and validating technologies relevant to RNA therapeutics.
Analyzing regulatory and financial conditions for RNA-focused companies.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 40,000

Implementing energy-efficient lighting in food production facility

$ 21,000

Introducing composting systems in independent restaurants

$ 60,000

Acquisition of accessible transportation vehicle for seniors

$ 50,000

Renewing production equipment for a local clothing manufacturer

$ 35,000

Launching a zero-waste packaging pilot for bakery products

$ 29,000

Developing an e-commerce platform for artisanal crafts

Eligibility

The applicant must be a student or postdoctoral fellow working in an academic laboratory in Quebec.
The project must focus on entrepreneurship related to RNA therapeutics.
The initiative must involve the creation or development of a new, high-potential company in the RNA field.

Who is eligible?

New, high-potential companies in RNA therapeutics

Eligible expenses

Entrepreneurial coaching and guidance from experts and incubators.
Creation of a business plan.
Intellectual property (IP) review.
Competitor analysis.
Development of a technology development plan.
Validation of costs with external suppliers.
Analysis of regulatory constraints.
Development of a financial model.
Development of a human resources plan.

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

How to apply

Validate eligibility criteria

Identify if you are a student or postdoctoral fellow working in an academic laboratory in Quebec
Confirm your high-potential project in RNA therapeutics

Request program information

Contact Axelys at arn@axelys.ca for detailed information
Request guidance on application requirements and available supports

Prepare application documents

Prepare necessary documentation detailing your scientific entrepreneurship project in RNA
Include elements such as a business plan, IP review, competitor analysis, technology development plan, validation of costs, regulatory analysis, financial model, and HR plan

Validate application package

Review all documents for completeness and compliance with program requirements
Seek feedback from program contacts or incubator partners if needed

Submit the application

Submit your completed application to the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative following provided instructions
Retain confirmation of receipt for your records

Additional information

The initiative is part of the broader "mobilizing RNA project" introduced by the Quebec government in April 2024.
Entrepreneurial support is provided through collaboration with experts and incubators specialized in RNA therapeutics.
Support may include personalized coaching in addition to financial assistance.

Contacts

arn@axelys.ca

QC, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative. 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.