There are strong synergies between Montréal startups and larger research centres. Increasing support from the provincial government is encouraging innovation here, too. For example, climate goals and infrastructure investments are fuelling founders to support the energy transition and develop clean technologies.

Quantum – which is talked about more and more at the provincial and national levels – is also finding its footing in Montréal, and Québec overall. The local ecosystem is attracting tremendous talent and considerable investments in quantum computing and advanced sensors, with strong alliances emerging between the university community and startup founders.

Strategic infrastructure investments can definitely be a good thing for entrepreneurial businesses and founders in Montréal and Québec City. As the government focuses on digital networks, clean energy and smart transportation, tech startups here will definitely have opportunities to explore. I also see possibilities from the regulatory and procurement standpoints. Streamlining regulatory processes and expanding access to public markets helps young companies reach commercial opportunities more easily. Going back to the relationships between Québec universities and business founders, I think that increased funding for research centres and public-private partnerships could also boost collaborative innovation here.