Funding for Company-driven RNA Innovation

Seize the opportunities offered by RNA therapies and give your business a new boost by investing in forward-looking technologies.

Funding for innovative RNA technologies

As part of AReNA, Québec’s RNA Hub, we are pleased to support the launch of a call for projects aimed at advancing innovative technologies that serve the RNA therapy sector. This program, funded by Ministère de l’Économie de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE) and managed by CQDM, has a budget of $3M. Its goal is to accelerate the commercialization of Québec-based biopharma innovations and strengthen companies’ competitiveness locally and internationally.

Program Objective
Who is this call for?
Targeted Technologies
Program Support
Conditions and Timeline
Guides and Templates
Webinar and Contact Information

Program Objective

To stimulate the development of processes, products, or technological services that support the growth of RNA therapies in Québec, by supporting companies at every key stage — from proof of concept to pre-commercialization.

Who is this call for?

This program targets Québec-based startups, SMEs, and large companies working in the biopharmaceutical technology sector. Collaboration with other Québec’s companies or academic centres is encouraged and is only mandatory for projects led by large companies.

Targeted Technologies

Projects must aim at high-potential innovations that will help Québec companies gain a foothold in this emerging field and address national or international needs. Examples of eligible areas (non-exhaustive list) include:

Optimization of RNA therapy manufacturing processes (synthesis, purification, formulation)
Improvement or prediction of biological and physicochemical properties
New RNA delivery methods beyond lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)
Advances in mRNA, RNAi, antisense, and other RNA-based therapeutic modalities

Program Support

Maximum amount: $300,000 per project
Duation: Up to 18 months
Funding rates:

◦ Up to 30% for a project led by a large company in collaboration with an academic centre or a Québec-based startup or SME

◦ Up to 40% for a project led solely by a Québec-based startup or SME

◦ Up to 50% for a project led by a Québec-based startup or SME in collaboration with an academic centre or another Québec-based startup or SME

This call also mobilizes several supporting organizations in Québec (Axelys, CQDM, Fonds de recherche du Quebec, Genome Quebec and Medicament Quebec), as well as an extended network of collaborators who may contribute to maximizing the impact of this initiative.

Conditions

Selected projects must demonstrate innovation, clear commercial value, and potential economic benefits for Québec. A significant R&D effort is required, as well as a sound financial structure. Eligible expenses include labour costs, specialized services, materials, validation, intellectual property, etc.