Montreal Tech Watch

Today was the official launch of TechnoMontréal, the cluster of companies in the Information and Communication Technology. TechnoMontréal wants companies to unite their strengths and make the best use of ressources avalaible in Montreal. There is definetely a focus on exportation and job creations behind the initiative, much alike the aerospatial cluster.

The launch was organized at ex-Centris.

From left to right, Lyne Bouchard, Michel Guay, Raymond Bachand, Gerald Tremblay

Lyne Bouchard, CEO, talked about international promotion, joint collaboration and presented a few development programs in her introductive speech. Gérald Tremblay was happy to get more jobs in Montreal. Raymond Bachand placed TechnoMontréal in Québec’s overall strategy for economic development.

If you are an entrepreneur, a company focused on the local market, or a university researcher, this doesn’t probably mean much for you. At least for now. TechnoMontreal focuses on big players, on big markets and big opportunities. They will call the Foreign Affairs Minister in Ottawa. They will lobby for more venture capital. They will support companies who hire hundreds of engineers and technicians to become #1 on the global market.

NikeTechno Montreal’s new logo

I had an interview with Lyne Bouchard afterwards. She will be the one who is going to make this happen. She said that Montreal has many world tech leaders, like wavesat, but they lack visibility, and above all, they spend their time reinventing the wheel whenever it comes to sales and growth outside of Québec.

Concerning startups and entrepreneurs, she mentionned transfer centers, business mentors, and the Fondation de l’entrepreneur.

This is a more-than welcomed move, although I also think there is a lot to do on innovation support (for small businesses and entrepreneurs), and also on technology’s image among Montrealers. Tech isn’t exactly the glamour industry Quebecers wants to have a dream career in, as opposed to the film, music and movie industry. Finally, I would warn them on convergence trends. Convergence has happenned in the media industry, with behemoths like Quebecor or the GESCA network, with mixed results for competition and the industry’s vitality.

On the whole, this is a great day for Montreal, and for the tech industry. I wish them all the best on their fight against emerging markets like India or China, and will be watching how they will roll out their programs.

Update: For more information, head over to Yulbuzz who interviewed Lyne Bouchard about today’s event