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Quartier de l’innovation: an urban development project connected to the world

Published: 30 March 2011

ÉTS- McGill partnership will boost synergy between universities and industry

The Quartier de l’innovation planned by the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and McGill University will enhance Quebec’s scientific and technological leadership by supporting the productivity and competitiveness of Quebec businesses.

Prof. Yves Beauchamp, Director-General of ÉTS, and Prof. Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill, today unveiled the Quartier de l’innovation project, at the strategic forum on major projects for Montreal held by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.

Located near Montreal’s downtown in an area composed mainly of the Griffintown and Faubourg des Récollets neighbourhoods, the Quartier de l’innovation will allow the completion of the innovation chain by boosting the synergy between universities and businesses, in particular small- and medium-sized enterprises.

“Our vision is centred on the catalytic role institutions like ÉTS and McGill can play as levers of retention, attraction and economic development, in connection with businesses,” said Prof. Beauchamp. “Since CEGEPs will be associated to this initiative through their technological transfer centres, businesses will therefore have access to a range of integrated services. Montreal is internationally renowned for its creativity. It only makes sense to promote an urban scientific and technological environment with international reach. The Quartier de l’innovation will be a true urban ecosystem designed to cultivate innovation.”

“To remain in the race internationally, Quebec must seize the opportunities that our tremendously creative and entrepreneurial spirit offers,” Prof. Munroe-Blum added. “This unique project will allow us to support and enhance the enormous talent of our students and researchers by facilitating the application and commercialization of their discoveries.”

The Quartier de l’innovation will build on the respective strengths of ÉTS and McGill, which offer an indisputable strategic complementarity. ÉTS ranks first in Quebec and third in Canada for the number of undergraduate degrees conferred annually. Out of its $20 million of R & D grants, close to 40 per cent consist of research contracts with some 200 businesses. Ranked 19th among the world’s best universities, McGill holds one of the largest patent portfolios out of all Canadian universities. It receives more than $430 million in research funding annually and welcomes over 7,000 international students.

The mission of the Quartier de l’innovation is not limited to its industrial, scientific and technological impact but also includes urban, social and cultural axes. The objective is to build the neighbourhood as much around the businesses it will attract as around people who will choose to live there. The project aims to create a living environment that will integrate quality and diversity as well as draw residents, modern public services and cultural activity.

About ÉTS

Part of the Université du Québec network, l'École de technologie supérieure trains engineers and researchers renowned for their practical and innovative approach, the development of new technologies and their transfer to industry. Nearly one in four engineering graduates in Quebec is from ETS, which welcomes 6,000 students, including over 1,350 at the master’s and doctorate levels. Specialized in applied training and research in engineering, ÉTS has developed a unique partnership with businesses and industry. For more information: www.etsmtl.ca

About McGill University

Founded in Montreal, Que., in 1821, McGill is Canada’s leading post-secondary institution. It has two campuses, 11 faculties, 10 professional schools, 300 programs of study and more than 36,000 students, including 8,300 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, with more than 7,200 international students making up 20 per cent of the student body. Almost half of McGill students claim a first language other than English, including more than 6,200 francophones. For more information: www.mcgill.ca

 

 

 

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