
RNA Entrepreneurship initiative
Last Update: October 6, 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
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:
$ 21,000
Introducing composting systems in independent restaurants
$ 50,000
Renewing production equipment for a local clothing manufacturer
$ 29,000
Developing an e-commerce platform for artisanal crafts
$ 60,000
Acquisition of accessible transportation vehicle for seniors
$ 35,000
Launching a zero-waste packaging pilot for bakery products
$ 40,000
Implementing energy-efficient lighting in food production facility
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
1
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
2
Request program information
- Contact Axelys at arn@axelys.ca for detailed information
- Request guidance on application requirements and available supports
3
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
4
Validate application package
- Review all documents for completeness and compliance with program requirements
- Seek feedback from program contacts or incubator partners if needed
5
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.
What is the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under RNA Entrepreneurship initiative?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative?
Who is eligible for the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative program?
Who can I contact for more information about the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative?
Where is the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative available?
Are startups eligible for the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative program?
Apply to this program
More programs like this

Tax CreditsOpening Soon
Research, Innovation and Commercialization Tax Credit (CRIC)
Gouvernement du QuébecRefundable tax credit for Quebec business R&D and precommercialization

Grant and FundingOpen
ÉcoPerformance — Recommissioning of building mechanical systems
Gouvernement du QuébecFunding to optimize the operation of building mechanical systems

Grant and FundingOpening Soon
NovaScience Program - Support for projects in scientific culture and innovation
Gouvernement du QuébecNovaScience promotes scientific culture and innovation development

Tax CreditsOpen
Tax holiday for a new business created to commercialize intellectual property
Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)Tax credit for commercialization of intellectual property (IP) in Quebec

Grant and FundingOpen
Capitale-Productivity
Quebec CitySupports business productivity, growth, and sustainable practices projects

Grant and FundingOpen
ÉcoPerformance — Standard Analysis Stream
Gouvernement du QuébecComplete analysis of greenhouse gas reduction options for Quebec companies

Grant and FundingOpen
MEDTEQ+ — AVISÉ program
Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en technologies médicales du QuébecFunding for validation and evaluation of innovative health technologies

Grant and FundingOpen
Innovative Projects Program
Hydro-QuébecSupports innovative, energy-efficient projects for multi-building developments

Grant and FundingOpen
Technoclimat
Environnement Québec (MELCC)Financial assistance for the demonstration of new technologies in Quebec

Grant and FundingClosed
NovaScience Program — Support for employment in research and innovation
Gouvernement du QuébecNovaScience supports innovation job integration in Quebec businesses
Sign up to our platform to access the RNA Entrepreneurship initiative information sheet for free
Get access to 4,000+ programs, practical guides, personalized alerts, and an AI assistant to support your grant applications.