McGill Engine TechAccelR Program Information Session
Online information session to learn more about the TechAccelR program. Now open to all McGill Professors! Register Now!
The TechAccelR program supports McGill University tenure-track professors by enabling them to accelerate their research-based ideas with commercial potential that are reported as inventions but need further validation as part of the commercialization plan. The program is offered biannually (spring and fall) and includes grants that can go up to $15,000 per invention/technology, along with personalized business mentorship. For 2025, the budget will allow for up to 10 projects per round to be selected. Funding of the TechAccelR proposals is at the sole discretion of the McGill Engine team. We will look at the comparative merit of the application pool and the project criteria.
The TechAccelR grants are for short-term projects that will advance or enhance an invention/technology in order to improve the scope and value of McGill’s IP and enable researchers to obtain further funding for commercialization. The TechAccelR project proposals are co-written with the PI's technology transfer manager, please consult with them at least 2 weeks in advance of the proposal deadline. Some examples of scope of work goals: improved claims in future patent applications, new uses/applications of existing technologies, gathering additional data to further demonstrate proof of concept (e.g. increased robustness/reliability of AI/ML models), obtaining data to compare/benchmark the technology to existing technologies to show its competitive advantages.
In addition to funding, teams are matched with a Ronald Chwang Entrepreneur-in-Residence to help advance their technology commercialization plan and provide industry connections.
The grants come out of the Engine Innovation Fund*, which is funded by charitable gifts from alumni and other community donors.
*The Innovation Fund is not an investment fund. Donors are not investing in companies. Donations made by donors are charitable contributions, which may be tax deductible.
Program Objectives
- Validate early stage technologies
- Advance the invention's Technology Readiness Level from TRL 3 to higher
- Accelerate the technology’s commercialization and development plan - achieve product-market fit faster
- Further develop the research to strengthen eligibility for additional funding
- Research team works closely with the assigned business mentor, gaining from their experience, knowledge, and industry connections