Espace CDPQ hubs: Key partnerships in three dynamic Québec regions
Many Québec regions are notable for their entrepreneurial dynamism, and this is why Espace CDPQ is interested in reaching more companies in Québec. To that end, it has joined forces with three accelerators firmly established in the ecosystem and well-connected with regional entrepreneurs: CAMP in Québec, DigiHub in Shawinigan and Accélérateur de création d’entreprises technologiques (ACET) in Sherbrooke. These three accelerators have become Espace CDPQ Hubs, are now part of its extensive network, and will work in collaboration with the experts at Espace CDPQ’s 17 partners.
Launched at the end of March, the three hubs serve as regional antennas, providing a physical and virtual presence for Espace CDPQ’s expert-partners: 12 investment firms and 5 organizations that develop SMEs. These hubs provide even more Québec companies with access to this venture capital ecosystem and network in order to drive their growth and international expansion.
These regional hubs benefit from several advantages. They have equipment that can be used to connect virtuallty to Espace CDPQ, in addition to having a home base in its offices in downtown Montréal. This means that the entrepreneurs involved in the hubs can participate in the events and workshops offered at Espace CDPQ, which will also provide many activities designed expressly for them. For example, in June two “expert-investor” clinics were held in Québec City and Sherbrooke. Led by investor partners of Espace CDPQ, these workshops have helped demystify venture capital and provided forums for useful exchanges between the entrepreneurs and the venture capital firms. A third clinic will be held in Shawinigan in September. Five promising companies at each hub will also have the opportunity to participate in a two-day entrepreneurial bootcamp, to be held at Espace CDPQ in Montréal.
About the three hubs
The three accelerators that have become Espace CDPQ Hubs were selected based on three specific criteria: the excellence of their practices, their practical solutions for supporting Québec SME growth, and their contributions to the local and international development of SMEs. They also have something else in common: they are all committed to developing companies in industries with a bright future, in particular through technological innovation.
Hub Québec
Administered and facilitated by Québec International, le CAMP is dedicated to the growth of technology companies in various stages of development (from pre-startup to international expansion). This accelerator offers acceleration and incubation programs, as well as professional development and networking activities.
Hub Shawinigan
DigiHub supports the emergence and growth of digital startups through its four cutting-edge divisions: digital entertainment, heritage and digital museology, the intelligent factory and digital health. It has been providing an environment to support innovation and creation since 2014. Its success prompted the Government of Québec to give it a mandate to establish the Réseau national des pôles régionaux d’innovation (national network of regional innovation centres).
Hub Sherbrooke
Active since 2011, ACET has developed considerable expertise in the start-up of technology companies, most of which have grown out of research carried out by students and professors at the Université de Sherbrooke. Over the years, this accelerator has been part of the creation of 70 technology companies, which have created 260 highly qualified jobs.
Through this partnership with the three start-up accelerators, Espace CDPQ leverages the impact of its venture capital and development network and will enhance the entrepreneurial vitality of these regions of the province.