Member for Duplessis, Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region Kateri Champagne Jourdain is proud to confirm an investment of nearly $2.3 million from the Government of Quebec to support the launch of and operations at the Centre d'innovation du Cégep de Sept-Îles. In addition to this amount, the Government of Canada is providing $1.08 million.
The new Centre d'innovation will house three research units dedicated to researching and developing innovations in key sectors for the Côte-Nord economy, including railway transportation and maintenance, industrial maintenance, and intelligent energy.
The centre's mission will be to stimulate technology entrepreneurship and develop innovations. Its equipment and laboratories will make it possible, among other things, to consolidate the projects of three research units affiliated with the Cégep de Sept-Îles: the Institut technologique de maintenance industrielle, the Centre de recherche et d'innovation en intelligence énergétique and the Industrial Research Chair in Railway Operations and Maintenance.
The Centre d'entrepreneuriat et de valorisation des innovations (CEVI) has a mandate from the Cégep de Sept-Îles to implement and coordinate the Centre d'innovation's activities.
Quotes
"The Cégep de Sept-Îles is a key player in stimulating research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the Côte-Nord region. I am proud to confirm this investment from our government and to thereby support the Centre d'innovation's operations. This will enable many Côte-Nord businesses to benefit from the know-how developed here to improve their competitiveness in strategic sectors of our economy."
Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Member for Duplessis, Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region
"Our government is proud to support the development of an innovation and technology transfer ecosystem in the Côte-Nord region. Our aim: To guide entrepreneurs as they grow and transition into a greener, more digital future. These funds from CED will not only help to keep our communities active in our economy, but also enable our SMEs to compete in their sector. In a rapidly evolving world, we are investing in our businesses to give them the means to succeed to their full potential."
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED
"To stimulate our productivity and decrease the wealth gap with our neighbours, we are counting, among other things, on innovation in key fields. By supporting innovative projects such as the launch of the Centre d'innovation, we are ensuring that our regions participate in Quebec's economic development!"
Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region
"Research and innovation are essential in developing Quebec's northern territory. Today's investments will make it possible to deepen and develop knowledge of cutting-edge technology adapted to the strategic needs of local businesses. I am delighted with this announcement, which will contribute to regional vitality and the development of wealth in Quebec."
Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister Responsible for the Société du Plan Nord
"What a source of pride and what a privilege it is to officially launch this promising project, the result of several years of work and collaboration with the community! Creating an innovation centre at the heart of a post-secondary campus means building an ecosystem where knowledge, applied research and entrepreneurship converge to accelerate innovation and train a new generation of leaders open to the world."
David Beaudin, Executive Director, Cégep de Sept-Îles
Quick facts
- The mission of the Cégep de Sept-Îles is to provide quality college-level training and to actively support applied research and regional development. It is known, among other things, for placing innovation at the centre of its activities.
- Located in Sept-Îles, the CEVI is a non-profit organization that aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. It offers guidance and services adapted to innovative businesses that wish to implement projects with great technological, social, commercial or economic potential.
- Through the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie's Programme d'appui au fonctionnement d'organismes de développement économique, the Government of Quebec is providing a financial contribution of $1,080,000 to the Cégep de Sept-Îles to launch and operate the Centre d'innovation. An amount of $1,171,886 is also being given to the Cégep de Sept-Îles through the Société du Plan Nord to support the purchase of equipment and furnishings for this new centre.
- The Government of Canada is providing $1,080,000 in funding to the CEVI under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, administered by CED, to support its activities to establish test benches at the Centre d'innovation.
- CED is the key federal player in Quebec in promoting economic development in the regions and among SMEs. Through its 12 regional offices, it accompanies businesses, organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.
