UPDATE: The information on this page pertains to the 2021 MIF, which has now closed. Details on the MIF for 2022 will be announced at a later time. Please watch this space for more information.
The MIF is a strategic support mechanism that is focused on providing to the McGill community the ability to accelerate the development of their invention or company. The overall goal of the MIF is to facilitate entrepreneurial activity that will advance a technology or product toward real world impact, be it commercial, social, or environmental.
Applications from all faculties and departments are welcome, provided they are associated with a Report of Invention that has been approved by the Office of Innovation and Partnerships. Full details on the different funding packages, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and project timeline are explained below.
Funding packages
| Technology Phase |
Spinoff Phase |
| Pre-launch: $25,000 (5 recipients) |
Launchpad: $50,000 (3 recipients) |
Blastoff: $100,000 (2 recipients) |
- For research projects which have already demonstrated a proof of concept in a controlled or laboratory setting.
- Whether the solution comes from the sciences, arts, engineering, medicine, music or agriculture, we invite you to apply.
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- For research projects which have gone beyond the proof of concept, and that demonstrate a clear ability to implement, distribute, deliver and scale their solution.
- Each project must show a proven commercial potential for the advanced research to become either a spin-off or a licensed solution within 12-24 months.
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- For projects which have already started to implement their commercialization plan and can demonstrate that they have the potential to go much further.
- The project has been deployed and requires support funding to reach new heights.
- Open to all McGill spinoffs.
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Eligibility
The MIF is open to all areas of study, departments and faculties. For applications to the Technology Phase, submissions must have a Report of Invention (ROI) that has been accepted and approved by the Office of Innovation and Partnerships. If you do not have a ROI, but are still considering applying, don't worry. If your ROI is submitted and accepted by November 1, you can still participate in the MIF. For applications to the Spinoff Phase, all submissions must have a signed license agreement with McGill University (i.e., based on technology developed by McGill University).
| Pre-launch |
Launchpad |
Blastoff |
| Must have a Report of Invention (ROI) that has been approved by the Office of Innovation & Partnerships. |
Must have a signed licence agreement with McGill University based on a McGill report of invention |
| All applications must submit a detailed budget (template provided) |
- For research projects with a clear plan to commercialize a patentable solution OR copyright
- TRL 3-5
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- For advanced projects that are approaching commercialization:
- Existing proof of concept
- Clear commercial potential
- Dedicated team
- TRL 6-7
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- For projects already being commercialized as a spin-off
- Existing traction
- Already commercially viable
- Funding will make a real difference for the project
- TRL 8+
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Evaluation Criteria
| Package |
Project will be used to |
Must haves |
| PRE-LAUNCH |
- Advance a patentable solution OR a copyright
- To prepare your project to:
- Be commercialized
- Be implemented in the world
- Create a positive impact
- The application must demonstrate:
- The positive impact the project will generate (commercial, medical, social, environmental)
- A clear timeline on how this funding will enable you to transform the project from research to a deliverable solution
- That your team is capable and willing to take the project outside the university
- That the funds would truly contribute to advancing the research to become a ‘real-world’ solution
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- An approved Report of Invention with McGill I+P
- A detailed budget for how you will use the funding (template provided)
- Component or software ready to validate in a laboratory setting
- A clear timeline to implementation
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| LAUNCHPAD |
- Advance a filed patent application OR a commercially viable copyright
- To prepare your project to: become a spin-off OR be licensed
- The application must demonstrate:
- Clear proof of concept that the project is viable and scalable
- That the project is advanced enough to be commercialized or licensed
- The commercial value the project will generate
- A clear timeline on how this funding will enable you will deliver the solution (licensing? Spin-off?)
- That your team is capable and willing to take the project outside the university and beyond
- That the funds would truly contribute to transforming the research into a commercially viable project within 12-months
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- An approved Report of Invention with McGill I+P;
- Protected intellectual property (patent application or copyright)
- A detailed budget for how you will use the funding (template provided)
- A demonstrated ability to deliver your project as a spin-off or license
- A clearly defined target: market, audience, problem
- Business strategy / strategic plan to get to market.
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| BLASTOFF |
- Deliver a licensed technology for commercial purposes
- Grow a McGill spin-off
- Raise more capital
- The application must demonstrate:
- That the spinoff is an appropriate vehicle to bring the technology to market
- How this funding will enable the spinoff to:
- Begin commercialization
- Increase market share
- Go international
- Create bigger impact
- Or all of the above
- That your team is capable and willing to take the project to the next level
- That the funds would truly fill an essential funding gap needed for the spin-off to grow
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- A signed license with McGill I+P based on a McGill report of invention
- A detailed budget for how you will use the funding (template provided)
- Clear market potential to generate commercial returns
- A business incorporated within the last 5 years
- Confirmed sales or a letter of intent from an interested client/partner/licensee
- Core team in place
- A 12-month action plan
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Timeline
To help applications prepare their submissions, a number of activities are planned. Information sessions are opportunities to learn more about the Fund, and to ask specific questions. Office hours are an open-door, unreserved virtual call where would-be applicants can drop in and get help with their applications. Pitch session training is by invitation only, and well help applicants prepare their presentation skills. Please consult the Events page for details on each activity and for registration.
| Date |
Activity |
| September 28 |
Application window opens |
| October 1 |
MIF information session 1 |
| October 6 |
MIF information session 2 |
| October 16 - November 12 |
Office hours: every Friday during this period |
| November 1 |
Deadline to confirm acceptance of ROI |
| November 19 |
Deadline to submit applications |
| November 26 |
Pitch session training for applicants (in person) |
| November 27 |
Pitch session training for applications (virtual) |
| November 29 |
Preliminary selection made by MIF team |
| December 9 |
Selection day; invited applicants will pitch their projects to the Selection Committee |
| December 16 |
Funding announcement |
| January 2022 |
Support program for selected recipients begins |
