Tech-driven Québec companies ready to take on the international market
Québec Tech, the driving force behind the province’s innovation export efforts, has unveiled its latest cohort for its Stage V program. This exciting new group of five startups, all with huge international aspirations, brings forward cutting-edge “hardtech” solutions in fields ranging from water monitoring to smart prosthetics. The companies, based in Sherbrooke, Québec City, Longueuil, and Montréal, are now being prepared to go global.
Québec Tech’s Stage V: Empowering Startups for Global Growth
Stage V, an initiative launched by Québec Tech in 2024, offers tailored support for high-potential companies looking to take their products and services outside the province. This program seeks to help Québec’s growing startups expand beyond local borders, turning them into hyper-growth scaleups.
General Manager of Québec Tech, Richard Chénier, highlighted the importance of connected devices and hardtech in the province’s startup landscape. “Connected devices and hardtech are real strengths of Québec,” he explained. Chénier emphasized that these startups don’t just provide software solutions but also focus on innovative physical products that solve pressing global challenges.
Introducing the Game-Changing Startups
The five companies selected for the latest Stage V cohort represent an impressive array of industries, each with the potential to make a significant global impact. The list includes:
- BioAlert – Specializing in hardware-software technology that detects harmful pathogens, such as Legionella bacteria, in water systems. BioAlert recently secured $2.5 million in seed funding and is already serving clients in both Canada and the United States.
- Ethnocare – A manufacturer of smart prosthetics designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
- Gaiia – A SaaS solution offering an all-in-one operating system for “challenger” internet service providers. Gaiia, which spun out of local ISP Oxio, aims to expand its reach in Latin America and Europe.
- Innodal – Focused on developing antimicrobial solutions that address global health and sanitation challenges.
- Mechasys – A robotic laser projector company that is pushing the boundaries of automation and industrial applications.
These companies are not just innovating within their respective fields but are also positioning themselves as leaders in the global tech space, driven by their advanced products and solutions.
A Path to International Success with Tailored Support
Québec Tech is committed to helping these startups reach their full potential with personalized support aimed at increasing their annual recurring revenue to $10 million in the next three to four years. The program includes direct assistance in sales, marketing, and scaling, supported by an international network of experts and professionals.
Each participating company also receives up to $100,000 in funding, covering up to 65% of professional fees for connecting with local and international experts. Additionally, the companies are eligible for up to $10,000 in travel expenses to support international expansion.
The Bigger Picture: Québec’s Role in Global Innovation
Québec’s innovation ecosystem is set to grow even stronger, with the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy pledging $7 million in funding over the next three years, followed by an additional $9 million in December. In addition to provincial support, the federal government and the City of Montréal are also backing the initiative. The Stage V program has received the backing of Desjardins, a financial institution based in Québec, to ensure the program’s continued success.
As Stage V continues to foster homegrown innovation, it’s clear that Québec’s tech sector is ready for the world stage. With international expansion on the horizon, these companies are not just planning to make their mark in local markets but are poised to compete globally.
What’s Next for Québec Tech’s Startups?
Alongside the Stage V cohort, Québec Tech is also launching Stage Vo, a program designed for companies in the market discovery phase. These startups may not yet be ready for the fast-paced go-to-market strategies of Stage V, but they’ll receive valuable guidance and market analysis to prepare for global expansion in the future.
Québec’s hardtech startups are stepping into the spotlight, with ambitious goals to scale internationally. Through programs like Stage V, these companies are being equipped with the resources, connections, and support needed to thrive on the global stage. The world is watching as Québec’s brightest innovators set their sights on solving global challenges and bringing their groundbreaking solutions to new markets.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on Québec’s tech landscape and the success stories of its innovative startups!
