Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Technology Readiness Level-Up Program
Commercialization training for researcher-entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: July 11, 2026Latest change: The Winter 2027 TRL application page now says applications are closed and directs visitors to join the mailing list for reopening notices, with a light wording edit to postsecondary eligibility.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 11, 2026
Latest change: The Winter 2027 TRL application page now says applications are closed and directs visitors to join the mailing list for reopening notices, with a light wording edit to postsecondary eligibility.
TRL Winter 2027 applications closed
The TRL program page now says applications for the Winter 2027 cohort are closed, replacing the prior open apply-now presentation. Visitors are now directed to join the mailing list to be notified when applications reopen, and the application link has been removed. Eligibility wording for postsecondary applicants was lightly revised from “student, or postdoc (within five years of graduation), at a Canadian post-secondary institution, or a recent graduate (within two-years of graduation)” to “postdoctoral researcher (within five years of graduation), or a recent graduate (within two years of graduation) at or from a Canadian post-secondary institution,” without changing the underlying applicant pool.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
June 29, 2026
Location
Canada
Who can apply
College, undergraduate, master’s, or PhD students at or from a Canadian post-secondary institution
See full eligibility
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?
- 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
- People 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
- The team will follow up for a readiness check and roadmap planning session
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