The McGill Innovation Fund was created to fill a big gap in early-stage research funding and help promising ideas make the leap from the lab into the real world. In this episode, Senior Communications Advisor Junji Nishihata shares the story of how the fund came about in 2021, just as McGill University was marking its 200th anniversary, and why it’s different from other campus competitions.
Instead of focusing on general entrepreneurship, the MIF is tied directly to research through a formal report of invention. With three funding tiers ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 and a yearly budget of up to $350,000, it offers serious support to faculty, startups, and researchers looking to license their work.
But money is only part of the equation. Junji talks about the year-long support program that comes with every award bringing together alumni advisors, targeted mentorship, and practical workshops on everything from market strategy to regulatory pathways. The alumni network plays a huge role here, offering time, connections, and hard-won experience to help teams move forward.
We also get an inside look at success stories like cleantech startup Altiro Energy and biotech company DendroTEK, plus a peek at what’s ahead for the fund. From themed competitions in AI and clean tech to a possible high-profile pitch day, the MIF is working to break down the “ivory tower” perception of academic research and show its real-world value.
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