The SME-Startup Connection Tour: the Lanaudière Stop
On October 30, we were in Joliette in parallel with the JI4 Innovation Day presented by the Living Lab Lanaudière.
These are 30 startups from all over Quebec and 8 SMEs from Lanaudière who have participated in networking events over the past few weeks, both virtually and in physical meetings.
New Partnerships and Business Opportunities
The tour promotes meetings between SMEs and startups, making it possible to establish strategic partnerships that accelerate mutual growth. It also encourages SMEs to be open to new solutions: SMEs discover technologies they did not know existed, which broadens their opportunities for innovation.
“I am very happy, today people are signing partnerships or exchanging ideas. It is essential for innovation in our region and throughout Quebec.”
— Julie Houde, Lanaudière Économique
Practical and Concrete Approach
The process starts with a thorough understanding of the needs of SMEs, guaranteeing tailor-made solutions: virtual networking followed by in-person networking. In total, 45 minutes are enough to identify needs, a real time-saver for very busy people. The meetings offer practical cases that SMEs can implement quickly, which is particularly beneficial for more traditional businesses.
“We are starting with identifying the needs of SMEs. We are identifying needs that could be met by technology.”
— Isabelle Bastien Barrette, Living Lab Lanaudière
Strengthening the Quebec Ecosystem
The tour was designed by Québec Tech and ERACs from all regions. As a result, it makes it possible to strengthen regional and provincial collaboration by connecting regions with startups from all over Quebec. By making businesses aware of technological opportunities, the tour facilitates their transition to more modern and efficient models.
Enriching Exchanges and Learning
The participants highlight the richness of exchanges and mutual learning around innovation issues. SMEs realized that working with startups allowed them to access flexible and personalized solutions, adapted to their changing needs.
“What stopped us from working with startups was the word 'startup'. We think they are just starting out, but they have some experience and can meet our needs.”
— Bernard Grandchamp, Grandchamp Structure Design
“Today, I was able to explore my challenges with three companies, find out more, and put into words projects that were not even achievable.”
— Marie-Claude Desrochers, Joliette Industrial Equipment
Here is the complete list of startups that participated in these networks: Gomove, PieceMeal, Axceta Solutions, Lila , Obius, RxTuteur , Glowtify, Lisplogics, My Smart Journey, Zetane Systems, Worximity Technology Inc., Self-storage.ai, JITbase, Explorai, Nidine Techno Inc., Fractal Solutions Robotiques, Hilo Smart Mirror, NEOBOX, CORA Robotique, Funartech, Nüway 360, La 13e Solution, Eco-Plastiques, Cyrcée, Oscar Robotiques, iconnek.io, reelyActive, Visao, DeepSight, Maket.
Here are the SMEs in Lanaudière that participated: Shipto, produits Laitiers DCM, Plastiques GPR Inc, Grandchamp Chapiteaux inc., Triotech, LMB, EIJ , Stageline
The PME-Startups Networking Tour is a collaborative project. We collaborate with ERACs (Regional Accelerator and Growth Spaces) across Quebec, the Lanaudière Living Lab and Business Accelerators and Incubators. Thanks to these partners, we are in a position to identify SMEs, their technological innovation needs and startups that have the solutions to meet these challenges. This project is made possible by the financial support of Government of Quebec.