Looking back at Startupfest 2024

Québec Tech, official partner of Startupfest 2024

This year, Québec Tech was honored to be the official partner of the 14th edition of Startupfest, the largest festival dedicated to startups in Canada. Our presence was deployed under two initiatives: the organization of a 100% French-speaking conference on the theme of international export and the animation of the Quebec Tech zone within the Startupfest village.

Startupfest VF: the world at your fingertips!

To launch this entirely French-speaking conference, in partnership with the National Bank And the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE), our managing director, Richard Chénier, took the floor to formalize the transition of Startup Montreal to become Quebec Tech. With the announcement of this new mandate, aimed at making Quebec technology startups shine on the international scene, it was essential to offer a conference on exporting. Several business leaders shared their experiences and strategies in various formats (preneur/investor discussions, team debate, Q&A...) offering valuable insights to succeed in this crucial stage.

‍What are the main key messages that startups should take away from this conference?

• Take advantage of bilingualism and cultural understanding.
• Consider adopting growth strategies by acquisition to better understand the local market.
• Seize opportunities and adapt to local realities.
• Use the resources and supports available in Quebec but also on local markets.

In summary, preparation, adaptability, and the right support are key to navigating the challenges of international expansion and ensuring sustainable success on the global stage.

A big thank you to all our speakers: Pascale Audette (Agetech Capital), Luc Sirois (Québec Innovation Council), Anna Chif (Dialogue), Despina Papadopoulos (National Bank), Julie Lacasse (Amiral Ventures), Julie Lacasse (Amiral Ventures), Frederic Bastien (Amiral Ventures), Dominic Gagnon (Connect&GO), Anne Martel (Element AI), Nathalie Morin (Polystyvert), Kalthoum Bouacida (AQC Capital). Etienne Crevier (Les Dérangeants), Andrew Lockhead (Stay 22), Amira Boutouchent( BRIDGR), Vicky Boudreau (Heylist), Vincent-Charles Hodder (Local Logic), Simon De Baene (Workleap).

‍

The village's Québec Tech zone

During the three days of the festival, Québec Tech and 15 partners were present in the Startupfest Village with a common objective: to mobilize Quebec's technological ecosystem to better serve our startups.

For the partners, it was a great opportunity to promote their organization to startups and to exchange with key players in the ecosystem. For NEXT AI Montréal, more than fifty startups met and one startup (LegiSimple) was added to their 2025 cohort following the organization of a pitch competition over the three days of Startupfest, but also several business meetings.

Thanks to our 15 partners who trusted us and who helped us to animate the Québec Tech zone to make it a real success: Global Affairs Canada | Global Affairs Canada, ACET, Ax-C, Catalyst in Health Technology, Centech, Commerce International Quebec, Commerce International Quebec, District 3 Commerce International Quebec, District 3 Innovation Center, District 3 Innovation Center, District 3 Center D'Innovation, District 3 Center D'Innovation, District 3 Center D'Innovation, District 3 Center D'Innovation, District 3 Center D'Innovation, District 3 Center D'Innovation, Investissement Québec, Investissement Québec, Québec, District 3 Innovation Center, Investissement Québec, Investissement Québec, Québec, District 3 Innovation Center, Investissement Québec, Québec, District 3 Innovation Center, Investissement Québec, Québec, District 3 Innovation Center, Investissement Québec, Québec, District 3 Innovation Center, Investissement Québec

Thanks to the Quebec snack brands who agreed to collaborate with us during the festival: Squish, Prana and Oatbox.

‍

‍