Nearly 300 representatives from innovation ecosystems and economic developers visiting Saint-Hyacinthe

From May 28 to 30, Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole hosted the conference of the North American Division of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP). On this occasion, nearly 300 representatives from science parks, innovation ecosystems and institutions, and economic developers visited Saint-Hyacinthe to participate in this event, considered one of the most significant held in Canada aimed at paving the way towards more innovative businesses and communities.

Held under the theme “Empowering Innovation,” the event featured several conferences and panel discussions led by around thirty national and international experts. These came from organizations as renowned as Harvard Business School (USA), Startup Canada (Canada), Québec Tech (Canada), First Flight Venture Center (USA), American Affairs (USA), MIND – Milano Innovation District (Italy), The Platform Calgary (Canada), Arizona Tech Parks (USA), Texas Foundation for Innovative Communities (USA), Arup (Netherlands), Krakow University of Economics (Poland), and Carnegie Mellon University (USA), to name just a few.

They addressed topics as varied as growth strategies for innovative companies, the development and planning of innovation ecosystems, research valorization, the use of artificial intelligence, innovation in the regions, and methods for evaluating the performance of communities and institutions dedicated to innovation.

Participants were also able to take part in networking sessions, as well as technical site visits within the Cité de l’innovation agroalimentaire and the bioeconomy innovation hub in Trois-Rivières.

“We are very pleased to have hosted our colleagues from Quebec, but also from elsewhere in North America and the world. More than fifteen countries were represented to discuss the role of communities and ecosystems in developing an innovation-based economy. Of course, participants had the opportunity to discover Saint-Hyacinthe and its agri-food technology park, whose reputation and influence extend far beyond our borders. The numerous glowing comments received regarding the quality of our event, but also on the strength of innovative activity in our region, allow us to say that we achieved our goals as host city. I am very proud of the entire Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole team for having met this challenge with flying colors,” stated Karine Guilbault, Executive Director of Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole.

The event concluded with the announcement of the next host city for the conference: Edmonton, Alberta. The President and CEO of IASP, Ebba Lund; the President of its North American Division, Carl Viel; and Karine Guilbault, therefore passed the official conference flag to Ahmad Jawad, representing the team from the Edmonton Research Park (ERP), which will be responsible for its organization.

It is worth recalling that Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole’s candidacy was selected just over a year ago to host this major event, which was held in Quebec for the first time in nearly fifteen years, following stops in cities such as Monterrey, Chicago, Boston, Austin, Ann Arbor, and Hamilton.

IASP thus recognized the importance of Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole as one of its longest-standing members, as well as the scope and international influence of its agri-food innovation ecosystem and its technology park, the Cité de l’innovation agroalimentaire.

This IASP event was made possible thanks to the financial participation of the Government of Quebec, the City of Saint-Hyacinthe, the MRC des Maskoutains, and the Cité de l’innovation agroalimentaire de Saint-Hyacinthe. It also had the support of the Université de Montréal, Air Canada, Tech Parks Arizona, Therrien Couture Jolicoeur, IDÉ Trois-Rivières, Jefo, Western Research Park, Axelys, Olymel, Stiletto, Montérégie Économique, David Johnston Research + Technology Park, Innov&Co, Investissement Québec, Innovitech, and Interra.

About IASP
The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) is the global network for science parks, innovation districts, and other areas of innovation. With members in over 70 countries, it connects professionals who manage innovation ecosystems worldwide and provides services that drive their growth, knowledge sharing, and internationalization. As a non-governmental organization, it has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Its headquarters are based in Malaga, Spain.

About Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole
Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole is dedicated to the economic development of the greater Saint-Hyacinthe region (Quebec, Canada). It manages and develops the Cité de l’innovation agroalimentaire, a technology park focused on the food processing and animal health sectors. Spanning nearly 40 million square feet, it is home to a large number of industries and research institutions, higher education establishments, and technology transfer centers specialized in agri-food. It employs over 3,000 professionals linked to the sector, including some 200 world-renowned researchers.