An initiative of the Institut du cancer de Montréal (Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal), the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, and the Montreal General Hospital Foundation.

The research communities of Université de Montréal and McGill University are joining forces to launch Health Arena: Innovations in Oncology. This unprecedented initiative aims to accelerate the development, funding and commercialization of oncology research projects with the potential to transform patient health outcomes.

Health Arena is a competition designed to showcase the innovative work of Montreal researchers. It will award up to $250,000 in philanthropic prizes to the most innovative projects, and culminate in a competitive pitch event attended by leading researchers, international venture capitalists and committed philanthropists. Its mission is to break down the barriers between philanthropy and innovation by creating a direct pipeline between high-impact oncology research and investors.

Who can submit a project?

Oncology research teams whose principal investigator is professionally affiliated with McGill University and/or the Université de Montréal, and whose projects are at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ranging from 3 to 6 are eligible to participate in this competition. Selected projects will benefit from personalized coaching before participating in the Health Arena event.

“Health Arena aims to break down the barriers between philanthropy and innovation by creating a direct link between high-impact oncology research and committed international investors. This high-level competition will enable the world-class researchers from our Montreal universities to accelerate the commercialization of their discoveries or inventions, to the great benefit of Quebec society.” — Michael Mee, Amplitude Ventures, member of the Health Arena organizing committee

“Montreal boasts one of the most dynamic ecosystems in the fields of oncology research, AI, and entrepreneurship. Health Arena is a competition that consolidates these areas to accelerate projects with strong commercial potential and facilitate the international deployment of discoveries made in Montreal.” — John Stagg, Director of the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, a partner organization of Health Arena

Teams wishing to participate in this competition can register and submit their project before March 30, 2026, at https://event.fourwaves.com/arenesantehealtharena. Selected projects will receive personalized coaching to prepare them for the Health Arena event, which will take place in the presence of international investors at Espace CDPQ on June 2, 2026, with the support of Amplitude Ventures and Osler.

Launch of Health Arena: Innovations in Oncology

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