Startup Montreal becomes Quebec Tech

MONTREAL, July 10, 2024 - Today, Startup Montréal officially transitions to become Québec Tech. This transformation follows a financial support of $7 million given by the Ministère de l’Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE) under the 2022-2027 Québec strategy to support research and investment in innovation. Through this change, Québec Tech aligns its activities with its new mandate to position Quebec as a global leader in the creation and development of high export potential tech startups. The organization aims to propel these innovative, high-growth startups (scaleups) towards commercial success both locally and internationally, while considering their social and environmental impacts.

Technology as a Strategic Driver

High-intensity technology industries are distinguished by their significant contribution to the manufacturing GDP and the increase in productivity, which are key elements for economic vitality and health. For Quebec to benefit from high productivity and remain competitive against other international ecosystems, Quebec Tech will focus its efforts on technology companies.

"We need more young tech companies to drive innovation and help build a sustainable, dynamic, and diversified economy. The new mandate of Startup Montréal, now becoming Québec Tech, will provide a springboard for these Quebec leaders of tomorrow, allowing their expertise to shine internationally.”

- Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation, and Energy, and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development

Mobilizing Quebec's Tech Ecosystem to Better Serve Our Startups

In addition to promoting our Province's technological strengths, Québec Tech is also mandated to mobilize key players in the ecosystem and provide a concerted effort so that everyone can make a concerted effort to support tech companies. Québec Tech will play a central role, complementing private and public organizations, investment capital funds, and existing incubators and accelerators to create synergy and a united front to better support our startups.

Personalized Support for International Commercial Success

Québec Tech will focus a significant portion of its services for startups on commercialization, emphasizing their international ambitions. In collaboration with major entrepreneurial ecosystem key players in Quebec, it will aim to ensure that startups are prepared for international commercialization from the early stages. Subsequently, the most promising startups, selected by Quebec accelerators, incubators, and other strategic actors, will receive personalized support, privileged access, and high-caliber expertise. These companies will be provided with the necessary means to achieve their export ambitions and strengthen their competitive positions in global markets.

"The potential for Quebec to be a world leader among OECD countries in the creation and development of innovative tech companies (startups) is undeniable. With Québec Tech, we will build the ‘Olympic team’ of Quebec’s most promising tech startups to turn them into international commercial successes and make Quebec shine on the world stage.”

- Richard Chénier, General Manager, Québec Tech

In the fall of 2024, the organization will launch its services designed for startups ready to export. These tailored services will offer:

• Market preparation (access to early adopters, business intelligence, international sales, and launch strategy);
• Market credibility (business connections, product promotion, and visibility) ;
• Market acquisition (linking with experts, sales cycle follow-up, and new market penetration.

About Québec Tech

Québec Tech, formerly known as Startup Montréal, was born out of the need to make the innovative entrepreneurship ecosystem more bold and ambitious. We propel high-potential export-oriented Quebec tech startups by mobilizing resources and tools to accelerate their growth. We mobilize and engage key stakeholders to build a strong and lasting global reputation for Quebec. The organization will play a key role in providing services and managing the Ax-C space, an internationally renowned hub dedicated to technological entrepreneurship. This space aims to bring together key players in innovation within a single ecosystem. www.quebectech.com

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For more information, please contact: :

Benoit Girard, Communication and Public Relations Advisor

benoit@quebectech.com | 1-514-824-0605