Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Technology Readiness Level-Up Program
Commercialization training for researcher-entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: August 14, 2026Latest change: The program now bars applicants who have already participated in a prior TRL cohort, and the cohort schedule has shifted to a fall 2027 intake with TBD close and end dates.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 14, 2026
Latest change: The program now bars applicants who have already participated in a prior TRL cohort, and the cohort schedule has shifted to a fall 2027 intake with TBD close and end dates.
TRL eligibility and fall 2027 dates updated
The Technology Readiness Level-Up Program page now says applicants must not have participated in a prior TRL cohort. The next cohort timing has been revised from the Winter 2027 schedule to a Fall 2027 cohort, with applications closing TBD, the cohort beginning in September 2027, and the program end date now shown as TBD.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Overview
Technology Readiness Level-Up Program supports researcher-entrepreneurs with commercialization training and mentorship to help bring innovations closer to market readiness. It focuses on developing, testing, validating, and preparing products, prototypes, and proof of concepts for real-world application.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Commercialization and innovation training
- Development, testing, and validation of research-based products or technologies
- Prototype or proof-of-concept preparation
- Roadmap planning for market readiness
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Researcher-entrepreneurs at any level of postsecondary study
- Current college, undergraduate, master’s, or PhD students at or from a Canadian post-secondary institution
- Postdoctoral researchers within five years of graduation
- Recent graduates within two years of graduation
- Applicants with a research-based venture at any stage, or an idea for a research-based venture and interest in forming a startup
Eligible expenses
- Full-time participation support through the stipend
- Financial support for participating in the program
- Microgrants for eligible participants
How to apply
- Apply online through the standard TRL application
Processing and Agreement
- The team will follow up for a readiness check and roadmap planning session.
Additional information
- Applications for the Winter 2027 cohort are now closed.
- If you would like to be notified when applications reopen, join the mailing list below.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Technology Readiness Level-Up Program Program
What is the Technology Readiness Level-Up Program?
Technology Readiness Level-Up Program supports researcher-entrepreneurs with commercialization training and mentorship to help bring innovations closer to market readiness. It focuses on developing, testing, validating, and preparing products, prototypes, and proof of concepts for real-world application.
How much funding can be received?
Technology Readiness Level-Up Program Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Technology Readiness Level-Up Program program?
To be eligible for the Technology Readiness Level-Up Program program, you must:
Current college, undergraduate, master’s, or PhD student, postdoctoral researcher, or recent graduate
At or from a Canadian post-secondary institution
Research-based venture at any stage, or an idea for a research-based venture
What expenses are eligible under Technology Readiness Level-Up Program?
Commercialization and innovation training
Development, testing, and validation of research-based products or technologies
Prototype or proof-of-concept preparation
Roadmap planning for market readiness
Who can I contact for more information about the Technology Readiness Level-Up Program?
You can contact Labs4 by email at TRL@rrc.ca.
Where is the Technology Readiness Level-Up Program available?
The Technology Readiness Level-Up Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Technology Readiness Level-Up Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Technology Readiness Level-Up Program is a Grant and Funding