You must first complete a declaration of Report of Invention. This declaration includes an explanation of what the invention is, who was involved in its creation and when this invention was first made. You can begin the process here. However, this is only the first step. The declaration must be reviewed by the Office of Innovation and Partnerships (I+P) to ensure that it is indeed novel and unique. Once this review is complete, a Technology Transfer Manager from I+P will contact you. If your ROI is accepted, you may then apply to the MIF. Remember, you must have an approved Report of Invention in order to be eligible to the MIF. Contact the I+P team to see if your invention is advanced enough to be accepted for a Report of invention and if you can apply in time to be eligible for the MIF. Note that if you are not able to have an approved ROI this year, you are welcome to apply next year.

No, funds awarded through the MIF program do not need to be repaid, and McGill does not take any equity in the company. You are free to decide how best to use the funds to advance your technology/spinoff, in accordance with the one-year budget submitted in your application. You will also have to regularly report on how funds are used during the one-year support program that begins following the awarding of funds. It is the sincere wish of the University, however, that should your project find success in the future, that you will remember the MIF as your starting point, and that you will voluntarily support future applicants through a donation.

That depends on how you wish to use the funds. If you plan to spend the money on research-related activities, you can have the funds paid into a FOAPAL related to your lab. However, if you intend to use the funds outside the University (for example, on professional services), you will need to have a business account set up. You will then issue an invoice from that business which will trigger the payment. Please note this process can take several days to complete, as your business entity will need to be registered in the McGill vendor system. Full details will be explained after the selection process is completed.

The Deploy Stage is intended for spin-off companies, but only those companies that have a license agreement with McGill are eligible. As an alumnus, you may be eligible to participate in the Dobson Cup. Please check their website for details

We encourage all members of the McGill Research community to take part in the MIF. If you have already made a Report of Invention, you probably already have a business opportunity in mind. But if you do not see yourself as a business person, there are many resources available to you to help improve your skills, as well as networking opportunities to help you connect with potential partners who can take on aspects of commercial activity that you feel ill equipped to handle on your own. A good place to start is by taking part in one of the MIF Information Sessions; you can see a schedule of sessions on our Events page. We can give you advice on other programs at McGill to help you find what you need. It is also important to understand that the MIF program is not necessarily about creating spinoff companies; licensing technology to another company is a practical option too.

No, you can submit a single application but you must be sure to select the correct funding stage for your application (I.e. one of the Discover, Develop or Deploy stages). When you fill out the online form, you will be asked if you wish your application to also be considered for the AMR supplement. Teams that have been selected to receive funding in one of the funding stages, and who have indicated they wish to participate in the AMRcategory will be required to make a second presentation to a separate Selection Committee. This presentation will take place after the first set of Selection Days.

Thank you for your submission! The thing to do now is wait for us to contact you. The MIF team will review all applications after the deadline closes on November 18. An initial selection of eligible applications will be made, which will then be forwarded to the Selection Committee. If your submission is part of this first cut, you will be contacted to take part in a Pitch Clinic to help sharpen your presentation skills. Then, invited teams will pitch directly to the appropriate Selection Committee during the Selection Days period, which runs from December 4 to December 8. All applicants will be informed of the committees' verdicts before the holiday break. Funds will be distributed in 2023, and the Support Program will begin in February.

The MIF is more than just funding! The MIF also offers recipients many opportunities to grow their business through its support program. The MIF matches each recipient team with a group of experts, who will help guide recipient teams of part of a Recipient Advisory Board (RAB). As well, the MIF helps recipients build a business roadmap, and invites them to networking and lunch and learn events! To learn about all the benefits of the MIF鈥檚 support program, click here!

As a MIF recipient, your year in the support program will begin with the Passing of the Torch. This in-person event will be composed of two parts: a Business Roadmap workshop, followed by the official launch of the cohort. This event will allow new recipients to meet the MIF ecosystem experts, to form their Recipient Advisory Boards (RAB) and to start co-creating their personalized business roadmap.

After the Passing of the Torch, your team will complete your personalized roadmap with your Technology Transfer Manager (TTM). Throughout the year, your RAB will meet with your team to ensure that you are making progress on your roadmap, and to guide you through any challenges you face as you develop your business. Your RAB meetings will take place once every two months, alternating with the MIF check-ins, for a total of six meetings: February (Roadmap workshop), March, May, September, November, January.

Also, you will attend check-ins with your TTM, to ensure that you are receiving adequate support from the MIF, and to provide you with any resources you may need. As of February 2024, your check-ins will take place once every two months, alternating with the Recipient Advisory Boards (see below), for a total of five meetings: February, April, June, October, December.

Alongside these meetings, as a MIF recipient, you will be invited to various in-person and virtual events. These events are not mandatory but are great opportunities to learn from experts and network with the MIF ecosystem!

Note that when you submit an application to the MIF, you agree to actively participate in the support program. The program is not designed to be burdensome to teams, but rather to provide guidance and help your team commercialize successfully!

The MIF hosts a few events during the application period, and these are great opportunities to learn about the MIF! The Launch Event for the call for applications for the third cohort of the MIF is being held on September 21st, from 5 to 7PM at the Faculty Club. Register now to talk to those in charge of the fund, and to meet MIF recipients! The MIF also hosts two information sessions, as well as an info session dedicated to the AMR prize. Sign up today and join us to learn more about the fund, the application process, and have all of your questions answered!

The Business Model Canvas is a schematic diagram that visually represents all aspects of your business, inculding your product, customers and distribution. It is a commonly used tool in the startup world, and many investors will want to see one before choosing to get involved with a project. The MIF encourages all applicants to become familiar with this tool (as well as the language it uses) as part of the entrepreneurial experience.

The MIF team is here to answer your questions. Start by sending an email to mif [at] mcgill.ca