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Quartier de l鈥檌nnovation: an urban development project connected to the world

Published: 30 March 2011

脡TS- 捆绑SM社区 partnership will boost synergy between universities and industry

The Quartier de l鈥檌nnovation planned by the 脡cole de technologie sup茅rieure (脡TS) and 捆绑SM社区 will enhance Quebec鈥檚 scientific and technological leadership by supporting the productivity and competitiveness of Quebec businesses.

Prof. Yves Beauchamp, Director-General of 脡TS, and Prof. Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of 捆绑SM社区, today unveiled the Quartier de l鈥檌nnovation project, at the strategic forum on major projects for Montreal held by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.

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

鈥淥ur vision is centred on the catalytic role institutions like 脡TS and 捆绑SM社区 can play as levers of retention, attraction and economic development, in connection with businesses,鈥 said Prof. Beauchamp. 鈥淪ince 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鈥檌nnovation will be a true urban ecosystem designed to cultivate innovation.鈥

鈥淭o remain in the race internationally, Quebec must seize the opportunities that our tremendously creative and entrepreneurial spirit offers,鈥 Prof. Munroe-Blum added. 鈥淭his 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.鈥

The Quartier de l鈥檌nnovation will build on the respective strengths of 脡TS and 捆绑SM社区, which offer an indisputable strategic complementarity. 脡TS 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鈥檚 best universities, 捆绑SM社区 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鈥檌nnovation 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 脡TS

Part of the Universit茅 du Qu茅bec network, l'脡cole de technologie sup茅rieure 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鈥檚 and doctorate levels. Specialized in applied training and research in engineering, 脡TS has developed a unique partnership with businesses and industry. For more information:

About 捆绑SM社区

Founded in Montreal, Que., in 1821, 捆绑SM社区 is Canada鈥檚 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. 捆绑SM社区 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 捆绑SM社区 students claim a first language other than English, including more than 6,200 francophones. For more information: www.mcgill.ca

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