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The Technology Development Program is designed to support the maturation of bona-fide Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ inventions aligned with D2R priorities. The program is strategically positioned to bridge the funding gap that exists between support of early academic discoveries through D2R’s Commercialization Priming Program and technologies that demonstrate clear commercial potential and are positioned for industry partnership or investment opportunities through D2R’s Major Partnerships Program. The Technology Development Program also facilitates the maturation of technologies for potential licencing opportunities and spin-off creation. Successfully moving an invention toward commercial uptake requires significant funding, as well as time for competitive landscape assessment, development of a compelling commercial plan and strengthening of the intellectual property foundation.
To that end, the Technology Development Program supports researchers and their inventions by providing:
- Entrepreneurial mentorship: Identification of a project mentor to bring entrepreneurial expertise, to advise on the maturation of the technology, and to guide the project’s commercialization strategy.
- Stage-gated funding: A funding instalment schedule which will be linked to the achievement of milestones.
- Internal Resources: Access to resources and support from the D2R team and Â鶹´«Ã½Íøվ’s Office of Innovation + Partnerships.
Program Objectives:
This program aims to support researchers who are motivated to take their RNA therapeutics-based inventions toward real-world application and industry partnership. Working collaboratively with an entrepreneurial mentor and the D2R team, researchers will define the critical experiments required to mature their technology and strengthen its commercial readiness. These de-risking experiments may include studies on formulation, delivery mechanisms, dosage, toxicity, manufacturing, or other key elements that enhance the invention’s commercial potential.
In parallel, the D2R team will evaluate the evolving RNA therapeutics landscape to assess how the technology fits within current industry priorities, emerging scientific trends and the competitive landscape. This analysis will help ensure that each project is positioned strategically and remains aligned with opportunities for partnership and/or spin-off creation in a rapidly progressing field.
Project progress will be assessed at defined milestones to determine whether continued development and D2R funding are warranted. By the end of this program, inventions that have achieved their milestones will be ripe for industry partnerships through D2R’s Major Partnerships program {LINK}, for licensing to a commercial entity, or for value-building toward spin-off creation.
Technology Eligibility Criteria:
This program supports researchers with technologies that:
- Align with D2R’s mission and vision.
- Are patentable, i.e. are novel, useful, and non-obvious.
- Address an unmet market need.
- Have defined a clear asset to advance, such as a compound or structure.
- Have been reported to and evaluated by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) of Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾, resulting in a determination to support commercialization of the invention
- Are owned by Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾. Inventions that are not based out of Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ or for which Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ does not own the rights (i.e. rights assigned to inventor) are not eligible.
Selection Process:
To inquire about the invitation and selection process or to request consideration for funding under this program, please contact D2R’s Associate Director of Business Development and Innovation, janet.prince [at] mcgill.ca (Janet Prince) and D2R’s Technology Transfer Manager, Sarah.butcher [at] mcgill.ca (Sarah Butcher).Ìý
