Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
VRQ call for projects
Funding for research commercialization projects
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 50,000
Deadline
April 17, 2026
Location
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Researcher affiliated with CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montreal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal or Université de Montréal
See full eligibility
Overview
The VRQ Call for Proposals supports the commercialization and maturation of public research projects from establishments formerly affiliated with Univalor. It funds projects from CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montreal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, and Université de Montréal for project maturation, external consulting, field experimentation, and related expenses.
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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 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Montréal
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Project maturation activities in the valorization phase
- Commercialization-oriented projects aimed at attracting a partner to finalize maturation and take charge of commercialization
- Activities to bring innovations closer to the market
Documents Needed
- Declaration of invention
- Gantt chart of your innovation’s maturation plan
- Letter from a partner, for applications over $25,000
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Researcher affiliated with CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montreal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal or 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
- Fees for external consultants
- Field experimentation
- Other costs to support project valorization, except for patent costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Patent costs
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.
Selection criteria
- Project relevance and impact (35 points): concrete problem, closer adoption by the user community, and significant social, environmental, and economic impact.
- Research team and deployment plan (25 points): credible team, adequate transfer and deployment plan, and sound intellectual property management plan.
- Quality of the project (40 points): overall approach, clear and achievable objectives, coherent budget and timeline, and demonstrated financial need.
How to apply
- Send the complete application to the representatives of your research institute.
- The representatives validate the application, sign it, and forward it to investissements@axelys.ca.
- For projects over $25,000, include a letter of support from a partner organization.
Processing and Agreement
- The application must be sent to the representatives of your research institute, who validate, sign, and forward it to investissements@axelys.ca.
- Applications over $25,000 require a letter of support from a partner organization.
- Results will be announced at the latest on June 19th, 2026.
Additional information
- Results will be announced at the latest on June 19th, 2026.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the VRQ call for projects Program
What is the VRQ call for projects?
The VRQ Call for Proposals supports the commercialization and maturation of public research projects from establishments formerly affiliated with Univalor. It funds projects from CCSMTL, CHUM, CIUSSS EMTL, CIUSSS NIM, HEC Montreal, CHU Sainte-Justine, IRCM, Polytechnique Montréal, and Université de Montréal for project maturation, external consulting, field experimentation, and related expenses.
How much funding can be received?
VRQ call for projects Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the VRQ call for projects program?
To be eligible for the VRQ call for projects program, you must:
The project must come from Univalor-affiliated establishments and have a declaration of invention.
The project must be in the valorization phase and not eligible for PSO funding.
The project must run for a maximum of 24 months.
What expenses are eligible under VRQ call for projects?
Project maturation activities in the valorization phase
Commercialization-oriented projects aimed at attracting a partner to finalize maturation and take charge of commercialization
Activities to bring innovations closer to the market
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