Application Deadline: TechAccelR Program
Application deadline: September 14, 2025 @ 11:59 PM ET, with project start date of October 1, 2025.
Application process & details available here!
The TechAccelR program supports McGill University tenure-track professors and their team 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 within 6-month program period 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 short-term for projects that can be completed within up to 6 months maximum, and that are needed to 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 grants are not intended to supplement existing funded projects. 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 the short-term 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.
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 problem-solution 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
