$45,000 to support tomorrow’s technology leaders
Montréal, November 23rd, 2021 – PME MTL Centre-Ouest, one of the six poles of PME MTL, the City of Montréal’s business support network, in partnership with Desjardins, the Centre d’expertise industrielle de Montréal (CEI MTL) and the Réseau Mentorat Montréal, today announce the launch of the TechPreneur entrepreneurial contest. The contest is designed to encourage and support tomorrow’s technology leaders and is open to young companies – less than 5 years of existence – that design and/or develop technological solutions or services, both digital and electronic, and that wish to set up in the Technoparc Montréal territory. The initiative, launched by PME MTL Centre-Ouest, aims to distribute $45,000 in grants and prizes and to support the winning company in its growth challenges.
“Montreal has always been a leader in the technology industry and created the Technoparc Montreal, which is now one of the largest science parks in North America. Montreal also has an important business ecosystem that continues to attract new talent. This contest is part of the City’s ongoing support for young companies and those wishing to establish themselves in the metropolis, in order to further strengthen this ecosystem. More than ever, we are ready to welcome them and help them grow,” said Véronique Doucet, Director of the City of Montréal’s Economic Development Department.
“With the presence of major Quebec and international technology players, especially in life sciences, aerospace and in ICTs, for many years on the Technoparc Montréal site, this area plays a key role in the development of these companies. This contest will help young innovative companies evolve in this vibrant ecosystem and access the tools they need to develop their business successfully,” says Marc-André Perron, Director of PME MTL Centre-Ouest.
A technology competition to encourage the next generation
The technology industry is booming in Quebec, and has grown even more with the pandemic. In Montreal alone, the number of technology job postings has increased significantly, exceeding the pre-pandemic level by 29% in March of this year1.
“With remote work and the digital transformation, technologies are now essential to our economy. In the context of economic recovery, we aim, through this contest, to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs in one of the fastest growing sectors in Quebec,” adds Marc-André Perron, General Manager of PME MTL Centre-Ouest.
To ensure the success of the project, several partners have joined forces, including the City of Montreal, which manages the Technoparc Montreal, Desjardins, CEI MTL, and Réseau Mentorat Montréal, to provide support and industry expertise.
“We are confident that the grants, tools and resources offered in the TechPreneur contest will have a direct positive impact on the winning technology company. Desjardins is proud to be a partner of the contest and to support young entrepreneurs in the community”, declares Stéphane Lavoie, general director of the Caisse de Bordeaux-Cartierville-Saint-Laurent, Desjardins.
Entrepreneurs who wish to participate in the contest are invited to submit their applications until January 31, 2022 on the PME MTL Centre-Ouest website.
About PME MTL
PME MTL, the City of Montréal’s business support network, offers a range of professional services to private and social economy entrepreneurs on the Island of Montréal. As a key player in supporting the start-up and growth of SMEs, the experts at PME MTL provide entrepreneurs with management advice and financing through the many assistance programs available to Montréal businesses.