Institut national de la recherche scientifique

What Institut national de la recherche scientifique does

Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) is a publicly funded graduate research university and constituent of the Université du Québec network, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Quebec, Canada, with 501–1,000 employees distributed across five research centres: Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (Laval), Centre Eau Terre Environnement (Quebec City), Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications (Varennes), Centre Urbanisation Culture Société (Montreal), and Centre Ruralités durables (Quebec City). INRS is dedicated exclusively to high-level research and graduate training, offering master's and PhD programs across virology, immunology, water sciences, earth sciences, energy and materials sciences, telecommunications, urban studies, population studies, and experimental health sciences, while operating dedicated research infrastructure including the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS) facility in Varennes.

The institution's portfolio of named research platforms includes IceMAP-R (an automated river-ice monitoring algorithm processing RADARSAT satellite imagery, co-developed with Quebec's Ministère de la Sécurité publique and published on the Données Québec open-data platform), SPIRIT (an infrared thermometry fever-screening system tested with 39 volunteers for public-health deployment), SMEAR-ULM (an experimental microneedle-and-nanoparticle cancer detection platform co-developed with Université de Montréal and published in Nature Sensors), and E-nundation (a geomatics-based flood management tool). In January 2026 INRS, with Infinite Potential Laboratories, set a world record for laser-driven neutron flux (100x traditional rates) at ALLS, published in Nature Communications.

INRS's revenue model is anchored in Quebec government appropriations through the Université du Québec network, supplemented by competitive federal research grants (NSERC Alliance projects, Canada Research Chairs, FRQ, CRSH), industry research partnerships (Hydro-Québec, Arkema Canada, Mitacs, Cranberry Institute, QIMC, QMET), and donations to the Fondation de l'INRS. Distribution is primarily direct, managed through the Bureau des partenariats et de la valorisation, with no consumer-facing product pricing; graduate programs are publicly funded rather than commercially priced.

Name

Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Legal name

Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)

Website

https://inrs.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

INRS is a publicly funded graduate research university and constituent of the Université du Québec network, operating five specialized research centres across Quebec to deliver master's and PhD programs and applied research in health, environment, energy, telecommunications, and urbanization.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education & Scientific Research

NAICS

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Biomedical Sciences & Medical Research Institutes (University-Based) (EDAHAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Research Collaboration & Joint Labs (International Partnerships) (EDAIABAC)

Keywords

• Graduate research university
• Scientific research training
• Postgraduate research programs
• Research infrastructure services
• Interdisciplinary research centers

Headquarters

HQ city

Quebec

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Government research grants: Funding from federal and provincial research agencies including NSERC Alliance projects (over $2.3M), Canada Research Chairs ($600K-$1.4M), and other competitive research funding programs.
2. Public university government appropriations: Core operating budget from the Government of Quebec as a constituent institute of the Université du Québec network, funding graduate training (master's and PhD) and research operations across four research centers.
3. Industry research partnerships: Collaborative research agreements with industry partners such as Hydro-Québec, Arkema Canada Inc., and others providing co-funding and applied research opportunities.
4. Donations and foundation support: Donations to the INRS Foundation supporting research, scholarships, and institutional activities.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

INRS is a publicly funded graduate research university and constituent institute of the Université du Québec network that delivers master's and doctoral training alongside fundamental and applied scientific research across five research centers (Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Centre Urbanisation Culture Société, and Centre Ruralités durables). It develops proprietary research technologies (IceMAP-R, SPIRIT, SMEAR-ULM, ALLS, E-nundation) and operates joint research units and Canada Research Chairs in partnership with industry, government, and international academic institutions.

Product overview

INRS (Institut national de la recherche scientifique) is a Quebec graduate research and training institution — not a single software product but a portfolio of research outputs organised around four primary research centres (Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Centre Urbanisation Culture Société) and a fifth, Centre Ruralités durables, plus joint research units such as the INRS-UQTR Joint Research Unit in Materials and Technologies for Energy Transition. Its portfolio of named research technologies and platforms includes IceMAP-R (automated river-ice monitoring from RADARSAT imagery), SPIRIT (infrared thermometry for fever screening), SMEAR-ULM (microneedle/nanoparticle "intelligent tattoo" thermal cancer detection), E-nundation (geomatics flood-management), and the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS) facility that produced a world-record laser-driven neutron flux in collaboration with Infinite Potential Laboratories. INRS also delivers Master's and doctoral graduate programs across its centres, supports the EspaceINRS open-access institutional repository for scholarly publications, and is active in Canada Research Chair programs such as the Tier 1 Chair in Sustainable Geoenergy Systems Analysis held by Professor Jasmin Raymond.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• INRS Graduate Programs Master's and doctoral graduate programs offered across INRS research centres in Biology, Virology and Immunology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Water Sciences, Earth Sciences, Energy and Materials Sciences, Telecommunications, Population Studies, Urban Studies, Experimental Health Sciences, and Knowledge Mobilization and Transfer. Designed for prospective and current graduate researchers seeking research-intensive training with supervision by INRS professors.
• IceMAP-R Automated river-ice monitoring algorithm developed by INRS in collaboration with Quebec's Ministère de la Sécurité publique. Processes RADARSAT satellite imagery to track ice formation in real time, enabling faster flood prediction and hazard alerts from December through April. Ice charts are published on the open-data platform Données Québec.
• SPIRIT Infrared thermometry technology developed by INRS scientists that improves fever screening accuracy by focusing on specific face areas less affected by external factors. Tested with 39 volunteers, the system can detect fevers with high precision and is designed for deployment in public health settings.
• SMEAR-ULM Experimental cancer detection platform that uses microneedles and nanoparticles to create a temporary 'intelligent tattoo' that identifies early-stage melanoma through subtle heat differences produced by tumors. Detected micro-melanomas four days after formation in mouse models, published in Nature Sensors. Co-developed with Université de Montréal.
• Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS) Canada's laser facility at INRS, which with Infinite Potential Laboratories achieved a world record for highest neutron flux ever produced with a laser (100x more neutrons per second than traditional laser-based approaches), published in Nature Communications. Located at the Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications in Varennes, Quebec.
• E-nundation Geomatics-based flood management tool developed by INRS specialist Karem Chokmani that identifies which people need to be evacuated three days in advance, and for less-exposed locations, calculates the number of sandbags required and where to place them relative to the building.
• Joint Research Unit in Materials and Technologies for Energy Transition (INRS-UQTR UMR) Joint research unit between INRS and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) advancing battery research across the full energy chain, from lithium extraction to power grid integration. Co-directed by INRS professor François Allard; secured three NSERC Alliance projects (over CA$2.3M) and a first Canada Research Chair (CA$600,000 over five years) awarded to Professor Karin Kleiner, with industry partners Hydro-Québec, Mitacs, and Arkema Canada Inc.

Quantifiable outcome

• $2.88M joint research investment between INRS and UQTR for energy transition batteries research
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability17 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, major and supporting.

• Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-launched the Joint Research Unit in Materials and Technologies for Energy Transition. Co-directed by INRS professor François Allard. Joint investment of $2.88 million to advance battery research across the full energy chain, from lithium extraction to power grid integration. The unit has secured three NSERC Alliance projects totaling over $2.3 million and its first Canada Research Chair worth $600,000 over five years (awarded to Professor Karin Kleiner).
• Hydro-QuébecmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner supporting INRS-UQTR joint research on battery technologies and energy sovereignty in Quebec. Backs research advancing the full energy chain from lithium extraction to grid integration.
• MitacssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner supporting INRS-UQTR joint research unit on energy transition batteries, contributing to talent development and applied research programs.
• Arkema Canada Inc.supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner supporting INRS-UQTR joint research unit on energy transition batteries and sustainable battery technologies.
• University of South Africa (UNISA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSigned a strategic partnership agreement with INRS and iThemba LABS to enhance scientific and academic collaboration between Quebec and South Africa. The agreement focuses on joint research, shared infrastructure, and mobility for students and researchers.
• iThemba LABS (South Africa)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSigned a strategic partnership agreement with INRS and the University of South Africa to enhance scientific and academic collaboration between Quebec and South Africa. Focus on joint research, shared infrastructure, and mobility for students and researchers.
• Infinite Potential LaboratoriesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research collaboration that achieved a world record for the highest neutron flux ever produced using a laser at Canada's Advanced Laser Light Source facility. Produces 100x more neutrons per second than traditional laser-based approaches; findings published in Nature Communications. Demonstrates academic-private sector collaboration.
• Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerINRS teams mobilized alongside QIMC to conduct advanced geophysics and radon-thoron surveys for natural hydrogen exploration in Nova Scotia. Part of broader program to define hydrogen-bearing structures and explore potential hydrogen resources in the Témiscamingue Graben region.
• Université de MontréalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed the experimental SMEAR-ULM cancer detection platform using microneedles and nanoparticles to create a temporary 'intelligent tattoo' for early-stage melanoma detection. Findings published in Nature Sensors.
• Ministère de la Sécurité publique (Québec)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed the upgraded IceMAP-R algorithm for automated river ice monitoring, which processes RADARSAT satellite imagery to track ice formation across Québec's waterways. Ice charts are published on the open-data platform Données Québec.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Universite Laval: Major Quebec research university with broad graduate and doctoral programs across health, science, engineering, and social sciences. Directly comparable to INRS as a Quebec-based research-intensive university competing for similar federal grants (NSERC, CRC) and Quebec government funding, though broader in scope than INRS's graduate-only mandate.
• Ecole de technologie superieure (ETS): Montreal-based engineering graduate school focused on applied research and industry partnerships. Comparable to INRS's Centre Energie Materiaux Telecommunications given overlap in energy, materials, telecommunications, and IoT research domains.
• Polytechnique Montreal: Montreal-based engineering graduate school with applied research in energy, materials, telecommunications, and biomedical engineering. Comparable as a Quebec graduate research peer in the Centre EMT domain, with similar NSERC Alliance funding profile.
• Universite de Sherbrooke: Quebec research university with strong graduate programs in engineering, health sciences, and environment — competing directly with INRS for Quebec graduate students and faculty. Particularly comparable in energy materials and water/environment research domains.
• Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM): Sister institution within the Universite du Quebec network with social sciences, urban studies, and culture research comparable to INRS's Centre Urbanisation Culture Societe. Shares the same parent network and Quebec government funding pool.
• Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres (UQTR): Partner institution in the INRS-UQTR Joint Research Unit in Materials and Technologies for Energy Transition. Sister institution within the Universite du Quebec network sharing similar funding profile and Quebec government appropriations.

Broad incumbents

• McGill University: Montreal-based research university with extensive graduate programs, large research funding base, and similar multidisciplinary centers (health, engineering, environment, social sciences). Comparable as a research-university peer competing for top faculty and federal grants in Quebec.
• National Research Council of Canada (NRC): Canada's largest federal research organization operating national research facilities across health, energy, materials, and aerospace. Comparable to INRS as a publicly funded Canadian research institution with shared infrastructure and government funding profile.
• TRIUMF: Canada's particle accelerator center at UBC conducting nuclear and materials science research. Comparable to INRS as a publicly funded Canadian research infrastructure hub with neutron/physics research overlap and similar federal funding profile.

Emerging players

• Canadian Light Source (CLS): Canada's national synchrotron facility in Saskatchewan providing advanced photon-based research infrastructure. Comparable to INRS's ALLS laser facility as a specialized Canadian research infrastructure hub hosting industrial and academic users.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/UniversiteINRS
• Xx.com/U_INRS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institut-national-de-la-recherch

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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