Québec Tech: Serving tech startups IN QUEBEC
Québec Tech is a non-profit organization with an economic development mission. Our objective is clear: we want to increase the number of successful tech startups with strong export potential and accelerate their growth. To achieve this, we focus on three key priorities:
1
Stimulate commercial success of promising startups’ products in Quebec and internationally.
2
Enhance collective intelligence by facilitating data sharing and analysis of Quebec startups.
3
Build a strong international reputation for Quebec as a nation of high-performance, sustainable startups.
These priorities are implemented through a network of key players who share the mission of supporting Quebec’s tech startups: incubators, accelerators, private and public organizations, and VC firms.
Paving the way for bold and visionary tech startups.
We firmly believe that a strong and sustainable economy is built on the expertise of tech startups, and we know that countries with thriving tech innovation sectors are, on average, more productive, according to the OECD. We are therefore committed to the development and commercial success of Québec’s tech startups.
To propel Québec tech startups onto the world stage
Our mission is to support high-potential tech startups with export capabilities and to drive their growth by implementing structured initiatives that support their international development. Our efforts aim to create the right conditions, alongside key ecosystem players, for Québec’s startups to reach their full potential.
Making Québec tech a driver of responsible, sustainable growth
Our vision is inspired by Québec’s strong tech entrepreneurial culture and reinforced by Québec’s potential to become a leading global reference in the creation and development of innovative tech companies.
Inclusive governance for a diverse and thriving ecosystem
Our Board of Directors is made up of the industry’s leading experts and key players, guiding us through every step of the way to your success.
Board of Directors
Sam Ramadori
Chairman of the Board of Directors, LawZero co-president et executive director
Louis Duchesne
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Quebec and East Canada, Cossette
Nicholas Voyer, CPA
CPA Associate, Certification Group, EY
Rodolphe Barrère
Co-founder and CEO, Potloc
Alexandra Bonnefoy
Consultant – Innovation and Technology, RBC Royal Bank of Canada
Sophie Boulanger
Administrator and investor
Patrick Gagné
CEO, Cycle Momentum
Louis-Edgar Jean François
PDG, Fondation Hue-Manity
Indra Kubicek
President and Chief Financial Officer, Digital Moment
Melissa Lafond
Senior Director, Engagement and HR, Quebec Jean-Lesage International Airport
Nicolas Morin
Partner, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
Observers
Daniel Mathieu
Division Head – Entrepreneurship City of Montreal
Isabelle Gaudet
Director General Commercialization and Innovation Investment, Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie
A bold entrepreneurial team dedicated to your success
Our team is made up of diverse backgrounds and strong skills. We all share the same passion for an innovative and thriving ecosystem of Québec tech startups. Together, we put our expertise to work for your success.
Richard Chénier
General Manager
Sophie Manciet
Finance & Administration Director
Philippe Valentine
Commercial Success & Partnerships Director
Samuel L. Audet
Technology Adoption Initiative Manager
Étienne Bernard
Data and Business Intelligence Manager
Léa Boulanger
Technology Adoption Initiative Coordinator
Maxime Bélanger-Quesnel
International Commercial Success Manager
Sandrine Demers
Marketing Strategy and Operations Manager
Martin Giovanna
International Sales Coordinator
Louis Gueret
Graphic Designer
Khatidja Kassam
Marketing & Communications Manager Québec Tech
Alison Koudossou Messan
Process Improvement Analyst
Jean-Philippe Naim
Strategic Partnerships Manager
Anastasia Vintras
International Commercial Success Manager
From Startup Montreal
to Québec Tech
Québec Tech was born from the government’s vision of making Quebec a bold and ambitious leader. In May 2022, the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy launched the Quebec Strategy for Research and Investment in Innovation 2022—2027 (SQRI2). With SQRI2, the government wants to invest in sustainable and inclusive research and innovation to excel globally and create more economic and social wealth. Based on these fundamental wishes, Startup Montréal was chosen to become Québec Tech.
February 2022
Startup Montreal was born of the merger of Bonjour Startup Montreal and Fondation MTL inc. Between 2018 and 2021, Montreal’s prime support and financial assistance players combined their efforts to enhance services for under-represented entrepreneurs and strengthen the city’s startup ecosystem.
Startup Montreal’s original mission was to support local entrepreneurs and promote them on the national and international scene. This mission quickly expanded to include entrepreneurs from across the province, recognizing the importance of Montreal as Quebec’s economic driver.
Sous la gouverne de Richard Chénier, l’organisation s’engage alors à élaborer un plan stratégique pour répondre aux besoins réels de l’écosystème des startups technologiques québécoises. Cette transformation de Startup Montréal vise à positionner sa nouvelle identité, Québec Tech, comme un acteur clé dans l’innovation et le soutien aux startups, contribuant ainsi au rayonnement international du Québec.
September 2023
The Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie calls on Startup Montreal to develop a new service aligned with SQRI2 objectives and aimed at stimulating Quebec’s economic development through the commercialization of local technology startups. This new mandate was formalized by a decree and marked by the appointment of Richard Chénier, former General Manager of Centech, as General Manager of Startup Montreal.
Under Richard Chénier’s leadership, the organization develops a strategic plan to meet the real needs of Quebec’s tech startup ecosystem. This transformation of Startup Montreal leads to a new name and mission – Québec Tech, a key player in innovation and support for startups, contributing to Quebec’s international influence.
The decree of May 15, 2024
Startup Montreal officially becomes Québec Tech. Although it is still governed by the same non-profit and independent organization, the new identity signifies an exciting new mandate for Québec Tech, namely to be a key player in the economic development of Quebec. Québec Tech is committed to improving the visibility of and strengthening services dedicated to promising tech startups. By mobilizing key players, resources and talent, Québec Tech aims to propel Quebec to the world’s top-ranked in the field of tech startups. Thanks to an inclusive approach and strong support, Québec Tech plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of Quebec startups, ensuring their growth and success on the international scene.