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MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL announce a new pan-Canadian cohort of innovative collaborative projects through the envisAGE initiative
MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL announce a new pan-Canadian cohort of innovative collaborative projects through the envisAGE initiative

Cision Canada

time10-07-2025

  • Health
  • Cision Canada

MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL announce a new pan-Canadian cohort of innovative collaborative projects through the envisAGE initiative

20 new technological solutions to support the quality of life of older adults and caregivers MONTREAL, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL, two leaders in the AgeTech sector, are pleased to announce the second cohort of 20 collaborative projects selected as part of envisAGE, an initiative that enables mature AgeTech innovations to be tested and evaluated in real-world settings across Canada with the aim of accelerating their commercialization. The innovations selected address priority needs relevant to supporting quality aging for Canadians, including autonomy and independence, cognitive health and dementia, healthy lifestyles and wellness, maintaining social connections, supportive homes and communities, health care and health service delivery, mobility and transportation, financial wellness and employment. This second cohort of collaborative projects adds to the 15 other projects announced last year and consists of 20 SMEs, 19 Community Labs (real-world implementation settings), 7 Beachheads (expert evaluation centres), and three Innovation Hubs (centres of excellence), all mobilized to improve the quality of life of older adults through technological innovations from across Canada. " Older adults are critical to building our country and deserve the best possible health and wellness outcomes. Through the envisAGE initiative, we are supporting the development of cutting-edge technological innovations that are having a tremendous positive impact on the lives of Canadian seniors from coast-to-coast-to-coast," said The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. "In Québec, we're joining forces to harness technological innovation for the well-being of the population. The envisAGE initiative is a great example, as it accelerates the implementation of innovative technologies developed by local SMEs to help older adults stay safe, maintain their autonomy and improve their quality of life," said Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region. "We are inspired by the impressive response from Canada's AgeTech ecosystem and its mobilization through envisAGE. These collaborative projects bring together stakeholders from six different provinces with a common goal of improving the quality of life of older adults and helping professionals and caregivers. By mobilizing industry, academia, clinical and community sectors, and older adults and caregivers, envisAGE is propelling innovative solutions to market to support quality," said Sabrina Boutin, Executive Director of envisAGE, Vice President of Strategy and Global Partnerships at MEDTEQ+. The funding for the second cohort of projects totals more than $23 million including up to $6 million in funding from the envisAGE initiative which is supported by the Government of Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund, and approximately $1.6 million from the Quebec government's Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie. The projects selected for the second cohort include: Connected clock and Idem pillbox: implementation and evaluation of benefits in the context of home support for older adults Eugeria, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and le Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) are collaborating to implement a technology combining a smart clock and a connected pillbox. The evaluation will assess the innovation's impact on the autonomy of seniors receiving home care. AI as a conversational companion for older adults living in an institutional setting An AI-powered companion created by Amical, an SME specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), will be assessed in collaboration with the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale and Groupe Santé Arbec. Replacement nurse call system for management of fall prevention, unwanted exits, and infection control in a long-term care setting St. Michael's Long-Term Care Centre (LTC) and Acute Care Alberta will evaluate longer-term impacts of Tenera Care management platform as a replacement nurse call system. Wearable device in continuing care homes for resident monitoring, response time, fall prevention, and reduction of harm AgeCare, and Acute Care Alberta will assess the impact to resident safety through the Fallyx wearable sensor with advanced fall detection and location monitoring technology. TAKECARE: optimizing care and well-being in older adults' residences To demonstrate the adaptability and applicability of a cutting-edge monitoring tool for a wide range of needs, Solutions Greybox is partnering with the Appartements du Square Angus and the NIM Intelliance/CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal Innovation Centre. Air-Sequr inflatable hip protector for older residents at risk of falling in long-term care A partnership between Azimut Médical, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Montreal Chinese Hospital) and Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal - CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l' Î le-de-Montréal will recruit residents at the Montreal Chinese Hospital Long-Term Care residence to assess inflatable hip devices. AMBA smart room: enhancing resident safety and predictive care in long-term care through passive monitoring and AI-driven insights Led by Amba Health and Care Canada Ltd., in collaboration with Donald Berman Jewish Eldercare Centre, and OROT / CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, this initiative will deploy smart room technology to automate resident monitoring, detect early health risks and optimize nighttime care. Soins de Vie Plus: the care security program that promotes the autonomy of seniors at home through AI The Soins de Vie Plus project, led by Equinoxe in collaboration with OROT- CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, will assess a smart remote monitoring solution allowing seniors to live safely at home. Ambulation and retraining mobility mechanism, to improve resident mobility and independence, and staff efficiencies BISEP Innovations Inc., The Brenda Strafford Foundation, CLIQ and Acute Care Alberta partner to evaluate the implementation, feasibility and impact of a device to attach to wheelchairs to support patient transfers and ambulation in a continuing care setting. Dementia home operations monitoring assessment project (DHOMA) Josephine Care, NIM Intelliance Innovation Centre - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and MedicAlert Foundation Canada will assess the use of passive in-home monitoring to support older adults living with dementia and their care partners to reduce the stress related to managing evolving and changing behaviours associated with the progression of dementia and dementia-related wandering. Evaluating the effectiveness of intelligent companion dolls in reducing social isolation and loneliness in long-term care residents, improving resident quality of life, and reducing care provider burnout VanTech Med, in collaboration with Broadmead Care and the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), are conducting a project to evaluate the impact of Sundae Doll, an AI-powered companion doll on older adults' well-being and social engagement. Integrating AI into pharmacy workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce medication errors, and improve patient safety Asepha, in collaboration with MediSystem and Bruyère Health, is implementing an AI-powered medication reconciliation tool to automate this process. SAGE powered by iMatr: empowering older adults using democratic technology (DemTech) - Your Voice Matters IMtar Canada Inc. partners with Sunrise Senior Living (Burlington) and McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) to assess the impact of SAGE (Seniors' Awareness and Global Events) to enable older adults to stay informed, discuss current events, and engage directly with their communities and elected representatives. Taebo Reboot CogniFlow: an immersive approach combining physical exercise and cognitive stimulation for active aging Taebo Reboot CogniFlow is an initiative led by XPR Labs that aims to integrate cognitive stimulation into a proven immersive physical exercise platform in partnership with OROT – CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute – Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal). Community screening app for atrial fibrillation in older adults Braver, Université Laval and Fondation AGES collaborate to increase early detection of atrial fibrillation and improve treatment adherence to prevent stroke. AI-powered monitoring and real-time alerts for responsive behaviours and wandering prevention in long-term care NeuraVue, in collaboration with Langley Lodge, Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), and Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM 3), is implementing an AI-powered real time monitoring systems to enhance resident safety and caregiver support in long-term care environments. This innovative solution detects and alerts caregivers about responsive behaviours, such as aggression, verbal escalations, and wandering/elopement risks. Mance-AI: intelligent detection and alert solution to enhance older adults' safety at Sentiom, Habitations Bordeleau and IVADO are teaming up to improve the safety and quality of services in older adults' residences through a real-time analysis and alert platform linked to sensors to monitor older adults. Integrated pharmacy-based tiered primary care model A collaboration between Cridge Pharmacy, Care2Talk, and Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), introduces an innovative pharmacy-based virtual care model that integrates in-person pharmacist consultations, virtual healthcare visits, and on-site nurse practitioner (NP) care. NurseGPT: Improving resident care in long-term care through AI-enhanced nursing documentation Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), Broadmead Care and Carecorp Seniors Services are collaborating to evaluate NurseGPT, an innovative AI-powered documentation solution designed specifically to increase direct care hours provided to residents in long-term care (LTC). Integrating sensor technology and multidisciplinary care to ensure safe, secure and healthy independent aging The collaboration between Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM 3), and Generations aims to redefine independent aging through innovative technology which monitors, detects risks, and facilitates communication. The entire list of 35 collaborative projects is available here. "MEDTEQ+ is proud to co-lead this initiative which, in just two years, already supports 35 collaborative projects aimed at improving the quality of life of older adults and their caregivers through technological innovation. I would like to congratulate the funded teams for their commitment and creativity. We deeply value the contributions of all our partners in the Canadian AgeTech ecosystem, including AGE-WELL and the various levels of government for their vital support. As the needs associated with aging grow rapidly, we are putting our expertise to work for businesses and research to build a strong sector and deliver concrete solutions that allow older adults to remain autonomous, connected, and free to choose where and how they live." Annie-Kim Gilbert, President and CEO, MEDTEQ+ "AGE-WELL congratulates the teams behind today's project announcement. AGE-WELL is committed to advancing AgeTech solutions to enhance the well-being and independence of older adults while supporting caregivers and healthcare professionals. Through envisAGE, we're bringing AgeTech to communities across Canada, driving commercialization and empowering Canadian innovators to lead in the AgeTech market. We extend our sincere appreciation to all our partners, including our co-lead MEDTEQ+, as well as the various levels of government, for their invaluable collaboration in shaping a vibrant and responsive AgeTech ecosystem." Bridgette Murphy, Acting CEO, AGE-WELL About envisAGE MEDTEQ+, a leader in accelerating innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in the Canadian MedTech industry, and AGE-WELL, Canada's leading research and innovation network in AgeTech, have joined forces as co-leads in envisAGE. This large-scale pan-Canadian five-year initiative brings stakeholders together to provide resources and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to integrate technologies that address the challenges of aging and build Canadian leadership in the AgeTech market. The envisAGE initiative is funded through the Government of Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund, with additional contributions of 4.5 million from the Government of Quebec, industry, non-profits, and other partners. To learn more about envisAGE, visit: About MEDTEQ+ MEDTEQ+, a pan-Canadian industrial research and innovation consortium, is dedicated to helping healthcare technology companies bring their innovations to market, accelerate economic growth and contribute to improving the health of the population. Through its unique expertise and collaborative approach, MEDTEQ+ offers support services across the innovation continuum, validation and integration of technological solutions in real-life environments, financing and networking with key ecosystem partners to accelerate the commercialization of innovative healthcare technologies. MEDTEQ+ also supports the envisAGE initiative, which aims to catalyze the AgeTech ecosystem and stimulate technological development in supporting aging. MEDTEQ+ relies, among others, on financial support from the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, the private sector and complementary partners to foster research and industry relations. About AGE-WELL AGE-WELL is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. As a dynamic pan-Canadian network with global reach, AGE-WELL has mobilized a vast community of researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations, and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of older Canadians and their caregivers. AGE-WELL serves as a catalyst for technological innovation that supports healthy aging while driving Canada's growing AgeTech sector.

Cautious optimism in B.C. as provinces agree to slash barriers to booze trade
Cautious optimism in B.C. as provinces agree to slash barriers to booze trade

Global News

time10-07-2025

  • Business
  • Global News

Cautious optimism in B.C. as provinces agree to slash barriers to booze trade

British Columbia's beer, wine and spirits industries are expressing cautious optimism after an announcement that most provinces have agreed to reduce barriers to interprovincial alcohol sales. Provincial and federal representatives revealed the memorandum of understanding Tuesday that commits them to advancing direct-to-consumer alcohol sales between provinces. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, PEI, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the Yukon have signed on, with the goal to allow sales by next spring. 2:13 Canada making progress on lifting interprovincial trade barriers: report Despite the step forward, the province's wine growers say they don't understand why the long wait is necessary. Story continues below advertisement 'It's pretty hard to get excited about something we haven't seen the details of that won't happen until May 2026,' said Jeff Guignard, president and CEO of Wine Growers of British Columbia. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'And as with most things in government, there's no guarantee that timeline won't be extended, but our priority is to work with the government partners to get this done as quickly as possible.' Speaking at Tuesday's update, Quebec Economy Minister Christopher Skeete said the provinces were dealing with a complex subject and that they need to ensure that taxation and public health considerations are properly dealt with. 'We are actively working to make sure we can do this the right way, and we hope Quebecers and Canadians will be able to benefit from this as soon as possible, but you understand this has never been done before, so we want to do it right,' he said. 1:46 Can the Liberal government's trade bill unify Canada's economy? In a statement, B.C.'s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General called the memorandum of understanding 'an important first step before undertaking necessary analysis and engagement.' Story continues below advertisement 'Opening the national market for direct liquor sales may create opportunities for B.C. liquor manufacturers to access new customer bases and grow their businesses, while continuing to support B.C. jobs and the provincial economy,' it said. 'Removing interprovincial trade barriers for liquor is complex and important work. We are working with our counterparts across the country to improve the flow of liquor sales across provincial and territorial borders.' B.C.'s wine and craft beer sectors employed more than 12,000 and 4,000 people, respectively, as of 2017 but have faced stiff headwinds in recent years between the COVID-19 pandemic, devastating weather in the B.C. Interior, inflation and U.S. tariffs. B.C. became one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to allow direct-to-consumer sales from other provinces for 100 per cent Canadian wine for personal consumption in 2012, according to the provincial government.

Nine provinces, Yukon aim to launch direct-to-consumer alcohol sales by May
Nine provinces, Yukon aim to launch direct-to-consumer alcohol sales by May

Globe and Mail

time08-07-2025

  • Business
  • Globe and Mail

Nine provinces, Yukon aim to launch direct-to-consumer alcohol sales by May

Nine provinces and one territory have agreed to allow direct-to-consumer alcohol sales between their jurisdictions and are aiming to do so by May, 2026. Federal, provincial and territorial representatives on the Committee on Internal Trade announced on Tuesday that all provinces – with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador – and the Yukon have signed a memorandum of understanding to allow DTC sales. The non-binding agreement builds on a commitment made in March to remove barriers to alcohol sales, though progress has proven to be slower than initially promised. 'I think that there was a lot of optimism when we saw a number of provinces say that they're getting their frameworks in place,' said Ryan Mallough, vice-president of legislative affairs and communications at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. 'And to hear that we're about a year away is a little bit disappointing.' Ontario, Nova Scotia premiers say they won't follow Alberta in buying U.S. alcohol again Opinion: Internal free trade by Canada Day? It'll take longer than that Christopher Skeete, Quebec's minister for the economy, said the provincial and territorial governments are taking their time with establishing DTC sales to ensure they get it right. 'We're starting from scratch, something that's never been done before in Canadian history – that is to align all the provinces for sales, direct sales to consumers of alcohol,' Mr. Skeete said in a news conference Tuesday. 'That means making sure that, for instance, if you're shipping your goods from British Columbia and you want to ship it to Quebec, we need to make sure that the taxation is right.' In March, the federal government and all provinces, with the exception of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, agreed to remove barriers to alcohol sales. Former internal trade minister Anita Anand told The Globe and Mail at the time that the agreement would lead to direct-to-consumer sales in some jurisdictions within weeks. Since then, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has signed several memorandums of understanding on internal trade with other provinces that commit to working on direct-to-consumer sales. Several provinces have also made the necessary legislative changes to allow them to move forward with DTC sales. And on Tuesday, PEI and the Yukon joined the other provinces by committing to establishing DTC sales as well. But the vow to rapidly knock down internal trade barriers to counteract U.S. tariffs has not come to fruition. Ontario and Manitoba missed their June 30 deadline to reach a bilateral deal. Now, nine jurisdictions will have to negotiate with one another to establish their own agreements. Jean-Claude D'Amours, New Brunswick's minister of intergovernmental affairs, said his province will be ready to launch direct-to-consumer sales in a month, but the timeline will depend on when other provinces will be ready to do the same. Beer Canada president CJ Hélie said in a recent interview that provinces are trying to ensure that the fiscal and regulatory framework to any DTC sales program is fair, so that producers selling directly to consumers in another jurisdiction are subject to the same fees and rules that a local producer faces. Mr. Hélie said that while his organization supports government efforts to allow direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, brewers don't stand to benefit much from the move. That's because beer is a low-priced product relative to its weight, meaning shipping it directly to customers in another jurisdiction would add a lot to its cost. 'It's important symbolically that consumers should be able to access the beer brands they want, how they want, when they want, but we do not see a commercial opportunity there,' Mr. Hélie said.

Provinces agree to uncork cross-border personal booze sales by May 2026
Provinces agree to uncork cross-border personal booze sales by May 2026

CBC

time08-07-2025

  • Business
  • CBC

Provinces agree to uncork cross-border personal booze sales by May 2026

Nine provinces and one territory have signed on to an agreement that will allow direct-to-consumer alcohol sales by next spring. Canadians in all provinces — except Newfoundland and Labrador — and Yukon will be able to order alcohol for personal consumption directly from producers that operate elsewhere in the country. The announcement was made Tuesday following a meeting of provincial, territorial and federal ministers in Quebec City. May 2026 is the deadline, but a number of details still need to be finalized — including how shipping and taxation will work. "We hope that Quebecers and Canadians will be able to benefit from this as soon as possible," Quebec's junior economy minister, Christopher Skeete, told reporters during a news conference Tuesday. "But you understand that this has never been done before, and so we want to make sure that we get it right." The agreement was part of a broader effort to remove interprovincial trade barriers in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. In addition to alcohol sales, the ministers signed a memorandum of understanding addressing labour mobility issues and trucking regulations. "This meeting is part of a series of conversations and actions and legislation passed, federally and provincially, which has created a more united Canadian economy [than] at any time since Confederation," Chrystia Freeland, the federal minister of internal trade, said during Tuesday's news conference. Ottawa passed legislation last month that removes federal internal trade barriers, including a measure that considers a good or service that meets provincial or territorial rules to have met federal requirements. It also makes it easier for certain workers to get a federal licence by recognizing provincial or territorial work authorizations. The government has also removed federal barriers from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. In addition to the federal level, several provincial and territorial governments have been signing agreements or are working with other provinces to remove trade barriers. The latest such agreement came Monday when Ontario and Alberta agreed to build infrastructure and energy corridors that include a possible railway to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region.

A New Wave of Quebec Water-Tech Entrepreneurs Joins AquaEntrepreneur
A New Wave of Quebec Water-Tech Entrepreneurs Joins AquaEntrepreneur

Malaysian Reserve

time08-07-2025

  • Business
  • Malaysian Reserve

A New Wave of Quebec Water-Tech Entrepreneurs Joins AquaEntrepreneur

MONTREAL, July 7, 2025 /CNW/ – As Canada faces a water crisis marked by increasing scarcity, the devastating effects of climate change and cross-border pressures, a bold response is required. Today, AquaAction proudly unveiled 15 Quebec water technology companies at a ceremony marking the launch of the fourth edition of its flagship commercialization program, AquaEntrepreneur. This was the first event to showcase the province's water technology ecosystem at Montreal's brand-new Espace Ax.c, Quebec's innovation hub. The selected companies, representing several regions of Quebec, took the stage alongside Ax.c Founding Director Richard Chénier and Luc Sirois, Quebec's Chief Innovator, to present innovations addressing pressing water-related issues. All participating start-up, scale-up and SME teams are now officially part of the 2025 edition of AquaEntrepreneur. They will engage in an eight-month program focused on commercialization, personalized coaching, implementation of early pilots, connections with technology adopters, as well as access to essential resources to help scale their businesses. Each company will have the opportunity to make direct contact with potential customers adopting water technologies. AquaEntrepreneur's goal is to help launch up to 36 contracts or pilot projects across the province, while securing export opportunities in international markets. 'All Quebecers have a connection with our water. Yet the pressures on our water systems are reaching a boiling point,' said Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction. 'We're here to give the tools and support to a new generation of water entrepreneurs in Quebec.' AquaEntrepreneur is the only program in Quebec dedicated exclusively to the commercialization of revolutionary water technologies. It creates direct channels between start-ups, SMEs and municipal and industrial partners wishing to reduce their water-related impact on the climate. Earlier this year, the Quebec government pledged $1.5 million over three years to support AquaEntrepreneur's expansion, as announced by Minister Christopher Skeete. Quotes 'From reducing massive water losses to combating pollution, the ingenuity showcased today addresses a wide range of water security challenges. These innovators demonstrate that technology, when supported by vision and purpose, can transform our most pressing water issues into sustainable solutions.' – François de Gaspé Beaubien, Founding Chair, AquaAction 'AquaEntrepreneur Québec is an essential program that supports emerging innovators in the field of water technologies. By accelerating the commercialization of their solutions, we are proving that water-related issues can be transformed into real economic opportunities for young Quebec businesses. Our government is proud to ensure the continuation of this initiative, which plays a key role in the more sustainable management and protection of our water resources.' – Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight against Racism, and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region 'It's exciting to see AquaAction set up shop in Espace Ax.c, a space designed to accelerate the ideas of visionaries like those supported by this magnificent organization. AquaAction's entrepreneurs are at the heart of the future of clean technologies in Quebec. Québec Tech is following with interest these innovations, which we hope will make a concrete impact on the quality of our planet as soon as possible.' – Richard Chénier, General Director, Québec Numérique 'Ovivo is proud to stand alongside AquaAction in championing Quebec's next generation of water-tech innovators. As a global leader in water treatment solutions, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive sustainable impact. The AquaEntrepreneur program plays an important role in accelerating commercialization and supporting business growth, and we are honoured to support this new group of entrepreneurs as they shape the future of water.' – Marie-Pierre Lavallée, Vice President, HR and Communications, Ovivo Quick Facts AquaAction is a not-for-profit that empowers innovators and entrepreneurs to develop and deploy cutting-edge water technologies that drive sustainable solutions for water security. Through leadership development, coaching, and industry partnerships, we accelerate the growth of water-focused startups, foster collaboration, and champion water technology and innovation as pillars of economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and national security. Since its creation in 2022, AquaEntrepreneur has Supported for 46 Quebec companies Resulted in the completion of more than 20 pilot projects Resulted in the signing of more than 180 contracts in various municipalities, industrial sectors and Agtech AquaEntrepreneur is fully aligned with the guidelines of the Quebec Water Strategy 2018–2030 and the Quebec Research and Innovation Strategy (SQRI2). Located in the heart of Downtown Montréal, Ax.c is a vibrant gathering place for Québec's startup ecosystem, which joins together a critical mass of key stakeholders dedicated to innovative, technological entrepreneurship. It offers a multipurpose environment with meeting areas for events, collaborative workspaces, multiple opportunities for networking and interconnection as well as special access to various leading-edge resources, including a prototyping workspace. Quebec faces multiple water challenges: massive consumption, significant losses, environmental contamination, and potability issues. These issues translate into annual costs approaching $5 billion for Quebec municipalities. To be eligible for AquaEntrepreneur, companies must have innovative solutions that address economic security issues related to water within municipal, industrial, or ag-tech sectors. Other criteria include: Incorporated in Quebec Innovation ready for real-world deployment (TRL 7+) Strong economic, environmental, and/or social impact Strong growth and deployment potential Revenues less than CAD$5 million AquaAction's Impact since 2016: 100+ active water tech companies $200M+ in annual revenues $65M+ capital raised 400+ green jobs created Supported for 46 Quebec companies Resulted in the completion of more than 20 pilot projects Resulted in the signing of more than 180 contracts in various municipalities, industrial sectors and Agtech Incorporated in Quebec Innovation ready for real-world deployment (TRL 7+) Strong economic, environmental, and/or social impact Strong growth and deployment potential Revenues less than CAD$5 million 100+ active water tech companies $200M+ in annual revenues $65M+ capital raised 400+ green jobs created The AquaEntrepreneur Companies: ACTI-ZYME PRODUCTS Powell & Jonathan LeeDevelops ethical, eco-friendly solutions for treating biodegradable wastewater. Their Advanced Electrochemical Oxidation (OEA) technology removes up to 98% of phosphorus without chemicals, using sacrificial anodes that generate metallic ions and powerful oxidants. The system is compact, modular, and reduces sludge, making it ideal for municipal and industrial use. ELYTRA BIOMATÉRIAUX Moreno, Roman Parra & Jonatan MendezUses machine learning to accelerate sustainable material innovation. Their BEAM SaaS platform predicts optimal formulations, reducing R&D cycles by up to 70%. BEAM helps water treatment firms improve additive efficiency, lower chemical usage, and achieve regulatory compliance while minimizing environmental impact. GROWCLEAN TECHNOLOGIESMathieu Tanguay & Olivier FortinDemocratizes automated precision agriculture through a unique servomotor that controls multiple mechanical outputs. This reduces electronic complexity and lowers costs for farmers, while boosting crop quality and minimizing environmental impacts like water overuse and emissions. JUSTPURE Nazer, Arman Bosnakyan, Elkin VanegasAims to ensure access to clean water in homes and businesses while reducing plastic waste. Their high-quality water filters last 18 months and continue to function even during boil water advisories. They partner with cities to offer sustainable alternatives to bottled water. LALONDE SYSTHERMIQUE LalondeHelps clients enhance steam usage efficiency to remain competitive while reducing environmental impact. Their RFVC tech lowers greenhouse gas emissions by over 15%, cuts water and chemical consumption by 50%, and reduces natural gas use by 15%, optimizing steam and condensate recovery. LEEDANA SANDPONICSHassan ElrakhawyRevolutionizes desert agriculture with sandponics, a method using 90% less water than traditional farming. Their circular system reuses water up to 100 times annually using fish waste and specialized sand. Ideal for arid climates, urban greening, and low-footprint farming. NAUTI METRICSJean-Christophe ChamplainModernizes aquatic environmental analysis with on-site tech. Their floating drones analyze 12+ water quality indicators in real time, conduct sampling, and use sonar for bathymetric data. The approach reduces plastic sample containers, simplifies logistics, and cuts carbon footprint. NISKAE INTERNATIONAL QuiblierDesigns compact, standardized microstations for industrial wastewater recycling. Their systems treat and depollute wash water for safe release or reuse, cutting hazardous material storage and transport. Businesses can achieve ROI in 12–24 months while reducing overall water consumption. OZERO SOLUTIONSMatys TessierProtects water bodies from invasive aquatic species to safeguard biodiversity and municipal infrastructure. Their washing station technology helps prevent the spread of species like zebra mussels, reducing ecological damage and infrastructure clogging. The mission supports environmental, economic, and social resilience in communities. PUREAU TECHNOLOGIES BoukhariProvides smart, turnkey water management solutions for buildings and municipalities. Using SenSeau sensors and the HydrolytiX AI platform, they offer real-time water quality monitoring and predictive maintenance. This ecosystem empowers infrastructure decisions while lowering maintenance costs and fostering strategic partnerships across the water cycle. RELOCALIZEBenjamin Chalier, Wayne McIntyre, Graham Campbell, Leigh CoppDevelops autonomous micro-factories to locally produce ice-based goods at distribution centers, eliminating long-distance transport. This decentralized model improves water and energy efficiency, reduces waste, and integrates seamlessly with urban cold storage infrastructure—decarbonizing food logistics while enhancing local resource management. SERVICE ENVIRO SCAD XuTransforms organic waste like blue-green algae into stable, odorless material with industrial-scale potential. The SCAD system halts decomposition, removes odors, and improves municipal water quality. It offers centralized and mobile treatment options to address organic water pollution efficiently and sustainably. SOLUTIONS P-LOGIX Lelievre Specializes in automating water treatment and biomethanization for Québec municipalities. Their centralized platform connects all stations and instruments, enabling remote diagnostics, maintenance planning, and incident prevention. P-Logix supports the digital evolution of public infrastructure while lowering costs and improving response time. TYPHAAlec Massé & Steven Squire Preserves peatlands and restores degraded wetlands by converting invasive plants like cattails (typha) into eco-friendly horticultural products. Their nature-based infrastructure improves municipal water quality and climate resilience. Typha's solution is affordable and scalable, ideal for rural communities facing droughts and floods. VALORIXFrédéric VincentOffers a circular solution to agricultural runoff by transforming livestock manure into high-value renewable fertilizers. Their tech prevents nutrient leaching that causes blue-green algae, while recycling clean water as a byproduct. This model reduces GHG emissions and fosters local, sustainable fertilizer production.

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