AVISÉ Program

Program description

Innovative Quebec companies that have developed a medical or digital health technology (or new feature) that is close to commercialization are invited to check out the new call for projects from the AVISÉ Program.

This program will fund a real-world use study to demonstrate the overall value of their innovation to future customers, including its economic, population, clinical, organizational, sociocultural, and environmental impact. These projects will be carried out in collaboration with the expert evaluation teams of the Health Evaluation and Innovation Network (RÉIS). The projects will also identify any final adjustments needed to ensure compliance with healthcare requirements and promote the potential acquisition of their innovation.

In addition, this initiative aims to offer Quebec life sciences companies a unique opportunity for collaboration and financial support to:

• Obtain an evaluation report that can serve as a calling card for integration into the Quebec market and elsewhere;
• Increase their visibility, if they so desire, among decision-makers in the Health and Social Services Network (RSSS) by sharing their evaluation report with the Strategic Innovation Committee of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) ;
• Increase the visibility of their product in the Quebec private market;
• Refine their commercial and reimbursement strategies for marketing purposes in the public and private sectors, both in Quebec and outside the province;
• Promote their innovations to potential buyers and investors.

The initiative, financially supported by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy, is being rolled out by MEDTEQ+, with the support of the Health Evaluation and Innovation Network (RÉIS) and the collaboration of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).

The RÉIS’s mission is to connect the various stakeholders and ensure collaboration between health technology companies in Quebec and the health and social services institutions that are members of the RÉIS. This will accelerate the development and evaluation of innovations that meet the health needs of the population and support their implementation in Quebec and elsewhere.

Priority will be given to technologies that meet the priority needs of the health and social services system.

These needs are grouped into four themes:

• Access to primary (front-line) care
• The patient’s journey from admission to home follow-up
• Automation of tasks, processes, and image analysis
• Robotic surgery

You can consult the call for projects guide for reference. Only available in French

Consult the guide

Objectives

The main objectives are to support innovative Quebec companies in health technologies, including medical devices, diagnostic tools, digital health, and artificial intelligence, by:

• Conducting a study that captures evidence demonstrating the value of innovation to support entrepreneurs in commercializing their innovation;
• Improving the competitiveness of Quebec companies and ensuring that their products meet the needs and requirements of their customers;
• Facilitating access to communities or customers that are representative of their target market and their expertise;
• Developing and optimizing collaboration between businesses and the public and private health sectors in Quebec;
• Strengthening and improving the resilience of supply chains in the health and social services network by supporting the commercialization of innovative Quebec businesses.

Eligibility

The following businesses are eligible:

A for-profit business or group of businesses operating in the medical technology and digital health technology sectors, including technologies using artificial intelligence, legally incorporated under the laws of the Government of Quebec or Canada;

• A social economy enterprise within the meaning of the Social Economy Act (RLRQ, chapter E 1.1.1);
• A company that owns the intellectual property rights to its product or innovation;
• A company that is run by a founder or team of founders, at least one of whom is dedicated to it full-time (35 hours or more per week);
• Companies must be registered in Quebec, regardless of their governing law (Quebec or elsewhere), have an establishment there, and actively carry on business there.

Eligible projects

To be eligible, an evaluation project must involve a technological innovation (product, process, or technology) in the pre-commercialization phase, with a TRL maturity level between 7 and 9. It must demonstrate a clear advantage over existing solutions, involve research and development efforts, and aim for commercialization in Quebec, Canada, or internationally. Projects that meet an identified priority need will be given preference. The maximum duration is 18 months, including 12 months for evaluation. Each project must be carried out in collaboration with a team of experts from RÉIS, with testing primarily in private healthcare settings if digital integration is required.

Funding

MEDTEQ+ support will take the form of a non-repayable financial contribution that cannot exceed:

• $500,000 for a project where the technology is used and evaluated in a single evaluation setting;
• $700,000 for a project where the technology is used and evaluated in multiple evaluation settings (e.g., in a private setting and in a public setting).

The maximum duration of projects is 18 months. The funding awarded will be used to support the company’s eligible expenses, including the services provided by the evaluation teams.

The commitment to pay the amounts awarded is conditional on the payment of funding by the company and its partners and on the smooth running of the project, in accordance with the funding agreement and the annual budget established.

Evaluation criteria

The stages of the evaluation process are defined in the call for proposals guide.

Call for projects documents . Only in French

Call guide

Letter of intent form

Information Webinar
The purpose of this webinar is to present the call for projects and answer questions from companies. You can attend on June 17 at 1 p.m.

Registration

Contact projet@medteq.ca if you have any questions.