On this page: Étudiantes et étudiants innovateurs | Membres du corps professoral innovateurs | Diplômées et diplômés intéressés par l’innovation | Entreprises
Innovative students
Who owns a business idea that I develop during my studies at McGill?
It belongs to you. McGill University respects the rights of inventors and can help them protect their ideas through a patent application. Some ideas, however, arise when a student is under the supervision of a professor, and as the research supervisor, the professor has the right to know what is happening in their laboratory or research institute. In any case, rest assured, your ideas are protected under University policies and applicable laws.
What kind of support is available to new entrepreneurs?
The innovation map provides an overview of the support available at McGill University. Many Montreal programs can also assist new businesses, including District 3, Centech, TandemLaunch, the Innovation District, and FounderFuel. The PME MTL network is a good starting point.
What is the difference between a startup and a spin-off company?
Generally speaking, a startup is launched independently of any other company, whereas a spin-off is launched from another company or institution. McGill University makes the further distinction that a spin-off is created using technology developed at the University and licensed by McGill, while a startup does not use such technology.
What is a business plan, and why do I need one?
A business plan is a document that precisely describes the commercial application of your invention, the methods of its production, and the markets where it will be sold. Even if you are unable to launch production, the business plan remains an essential tool for attracting investors, as it can demonstrate the viability of your concept. Support in writing a business plan is available from various resources, but a wise first step is often to consult an entrepreneur-in-residence.
I have an innovative mind, but I'm not comfortable presenting my ideas in front of an audience. What should I do?
Find someone who's comfortable doing it! While innovation and entrepreneurship may seem like individual initiatives, they become more effective when part of a team effort, and the best teams are those with complementary skills. There are many ways to build a team, but innovation-focused activities are a great place to start networking.
Innovative faculty members
I developed my invention while under the supervision of a professor. Who owns the rights to my idea?
McGill University recognizes copyright as a fundamental right. It is important to understand the protections it provides, which are described in this document . Furthermore, faculty members have the right to know what is happening in their laboratories, as their own research may be affected. Students developing an invention should therefore engage in open and transparent dialogue with their research supervisor so that each party is fully informed about the work in progress and their position regarding it.
I know my innovation has commercial potential, but running a business seems too tedious. What options are available to me?
Your idea belongs to you, and you can do whatever you want with it. Your invention can be given away or sold. You can also participate in a company as an advisor, without taking part in the day-to-day operations. Whatever your decision, make sure there is a written record of it, and that you understand the consequences.
I've already started a business, but I need workspace or access to a lab. Does McGill University offer facilities for newly established businesses?
McGill University does not offer workspace or incubation facilities for businesses, and researchers are prohibited from working for established companies or startups without a specific agreement. You can find the rules governing such agreements here (Article 2.15). It is clear, however, that supporting new businesses is crucial to fostering innovation and successfully commercializing research discoveries. If you have specific needs, please contact the innovation.vpip [at] mcgill.ca (Office of Innovation and Partnerships) .
Is it important to patent my innovation? Is a Canadian patent sufficient? Who bears the costs associated with this process?
For many startups, obtaining a patent is a crucial step. In addition to providing protection against competitors, patents increase a company's value to investors. However, obtaining a patent can be a lengthy and expensive process requiring specialized expertise, so it is often outsourced. The University can assist a faculty member in patenting their invention, but in return, it will require partial control of the company. As the University's general policy is not to hinder entrepreneurship, these conditions are reasonable and aim to offset the costs of the patenting process. The first step in this process is to disclose the invention, which can be done on this page .
Graduates interested in innovation
I have experience in entrepreneurship and I would like to offer my advice at regular intervals, is that possible?
There are many ways to put your expertise to good use. For example, you can evaluate presentation sessions or grant applications (e.g., to the TechAccel program ). You can also offer mentorship . Start by indicating your area of expertise, then contact the relevant people in that field. If your area of expertise is entrepreneurship, contact the Dobson Centre . If it's medicine or engineering, contact the McGill Engine Centre.
I graduated from McGill University and would like to contribute to an innovation at the institution, but I no longer live in Montreal. What can I do?
Your generous donations can help our student body make its own discoveries. If you wish to directly support specific student projects, please visit the Semer le changement crowdfunding platform . You can also support the University's innovation efforts through one of its faculties.
Companies
We wish to fund a research project, but we want to know who will own the resulting technology. Will the professor retain any rights?
We assume that intellectual property rights belong to McGill University, and we offer the sponsor the opportunity to negotiate the purchase of a license. That said, if the McGill University research team agrees, it is always possible to negotiate other terms regarding ownership or licensing. Internally, intellectual property is managed under the McGill University Intellectual Property Policy . Ownership of an invention is shared between the inventors and McGill University, and if corporate-sponsored research generates revenue through licensing, as outlined above, this revenue is shared in accordance with the Policy.
We only wish to have access to certain equipment for testing purposes. Can our company use McGill University's facilities without faculty involvement?
We prefer that McGill University staff use the equipment and perform the work under a service agreement. However, other terms can be negotiated, provided the tasks are carried out under the supervision of University staff. Please note that the terms will also depend on the participating faculty. To learn more about medical device trials, click here .
What is the difference between direct costs and indirect costs?
Direct costs correspond to the actual expenses (salaries, materials, equipment, etc.) incurred in carrying out the research project itself. Indirect costs refer to the overhead costs borne by the University to support the execution of research activities.
A company wishing to undertake a research project has contacted me. Who should I contact for help in drafting a research agreement?
The Office of Innovation and Partnerships will help you implement the necessary agreement. Contact Julie Vallée , Associate Director, Corporate Partnerships, first.