Closed
VRQ call for projects
Funding for technology maturation projects from select Quebec institutions
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 50,000
Timeline
- Closing date : October 31, 2025
Location
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The VRQ Call for Projects offers up to $50,000 per selected initiative to support the maturation and valorization of innovations from public research institutions. The program funds activities such as project development, personnel salaries, consumables, external consulting fees, and related costs to help advance technologies closer to commercialization.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Minimum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 27% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : October 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Montréal
- Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Advancement of technology maturation projects derived from public research institutions affiliated with Univalor.
- Projects aiming to achieve key milestones that facilitate the attraction of a commercialization partner.
- Initiatives focused on bringing innovative solutions closer to market adoption.
- Efforts to validate innovations that respond to identified needs of potential adopters.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Research teams affiliated with CCSMTL
- Research teams affiliated with CHUM
- Research teams affiliated with CIUSSS EMTL
- Research teams affiliated with CIUSSS NIM
- Research teams affiliated with HEC Montréal
- Research teams affiliated with CHU Sainte-Justine
- Research teams affiliated with IRCM
- Research teams affiliated with Polytechnique Montréal
- Research teams affiliated with Université de Montréal
Who is not eligible
- Companies whose projects are eligible for the PSO (Programme de soutien à l'innovation) technology maturation program.
- Organizations seeking funding for fundamental research rather than for innovation maturation and commercialization.
- Projects that intend to use VRQ funding as a matching contribution for a public funding program managed by the Government of Quebec.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries of personnel assigned to the project.
- Purchase of consumables required for project maturation.
- Fees for external consultants.
- Field experimentation costs.
- Other expenses supporting project maturation, except patent fees.
- Indirect research costs (up to 27% of the total budget).
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations affiliated with the following institutions located in Quebec: CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montreal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Montréal.
Additional information
- The maximum project duration allowed under this funding is 24 months.
- For requests above $25,000, a letter of support from a critical commercialization partner is required.
- Indirect research costs are eligible up to a maximum of 27%, but their inclusion is not generally recommended.
- The announcement of selected projects will be made no later than January 23, 2026.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the VRQ call for projects Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the VRQ call for projects. 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 VRQ call for projects?
The VRQ Call for Projects offers up to $50,000 per selected initiative to support the maturation and valorization of innovations from public research institutions. The program funds activities such as project development, personnel salaries, consumables, external consulting fees, and related costs to help advance technologies closer to commercialization.
How much funding can be received?
VRQ call for projects Funds up to 27% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the VRQ call for projects program?
To be eligible for the VRQ call for projects program, you must:
The applicant must be a researcher affiliated with specified public research institutions (e.g., CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montreal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Montréal).
The project must be derived from valorization activities of Univalor member institutions and have a declaration of invention.
The project must be at the valorization stage, not eligible for PSO funding, and completed within 24 months.
What expenses are eligible under VRQ call for projects?
Advancement of technology maturation projects derived from public research institutions affiliated with Univalor.
Projects aiming to achieve key milestones that facilitate the attraction of a commercialization partner.
Initiatives focused on bringing innovative solutions closer to market adoption.
Efforts to validate innovations that respond to identified needs of potential adopters.
Who can I contact for more information about the VRQ call for projects?
You can contact Axelys by email at investissements@axelys.ca.
Where is the VRQ call for projects available?
The VRQ call for projects program is available Montréal, Quebec.
Is the VRQ call for projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
VRQ call for projects is a Grant and Funding
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