Looking back to 2023
The year 2023 has been full of learning and growth for Garage&co. Each month brought new achievements and challenges, bringing us closer to our vision of being a leader in Canada's hardtech ecosystem.
🚀 January - New horizons!
The year got off to a flying start with crucial funding from the Ministère de l'Économie, Innovation et Énergie. This financial breakthrough marked the beginning of a bold new era for Garage&co. The introduction of our committee-in-residence was a real turning point, bringing in invaluable expertise that helped shape our revolutionary program for hardtech startups, setting them on the path to success. We also sign our first partnership with Desjardins Caisse des Technologies, with the invaluable support of Jean-François Trudel Samir Mounir, Ph.D., MBA. and Loupin Gagné.
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🔗 February - Fruitful collaborations!
In February, our collaboration with Millénium Québecor - Université de Montréal took off with our involvement in the Datapreneur program. This initiative has enabled our coaches to distinguish themselves as exceptional mentors, establishing strong links in the innovation ecosystem and opening doors to exciting co-incubations. This partnership has enriched our network and strengthened our ability to offer valuable resources and opportunities to our startups.
🚀 Mars - Building the future!
March was a pivotal month, marked by the launch of our new branding and website garageincubation. com (by Xavier Peich) and the official launch of our recruitment campaign for Quebec's top hardtech startups. We welcomed CortechSport, our first incubatee, demonstrating our ability to attract and support innovative talent.
🌟 April - International outreach and mentoring
Our footprint expands: April saw Garage&co shine on the international stage with our high-profile participation in Innovative Entrepreneurship Week in Liège, Belgium. Laurence, our Deputy General Manager, excelled in coaching Belgian start-ups, paving the way for future partnerships and strengthening our international presence.
💼 May - Consolidation and Commitment
We were officially able to announce our funding (a relief!), firmly positioning us as a key player in the hardtech ecosystem.
We are also setting up our advisory committee to strengthen our strategic relationships and surround ourselves with experts to support our ambitions and growth.
📈 June - Team and Program growth
June was a month of significant growth for Garage&co, with Daniel Meirelles de Moraes joining the team, bringing a new dynamic and valuable expertise. Mouhamed and Titouan join the team as interns.
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It was also at this time that we began discussions with the Ax-C team about Garage&co's involvement in the future iconic building of Quebec's startup community.
🌆 July - Immersion in the Startup Ecosystem
Our participation in Startupfest in July was a real success, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the festive spirit of Montreal's biggest startup event. The event was a showcase for our expertise and commitment to hardtech innovation and the Montreal startup ecosystem. Our presence at Startupfest enabled us to recruit three startups to join the incubator. We welcome new team member Dunia Abboud, who launches Garage&co's social networking presence on a larger scale.
🔍 August - Strategic preparation
August was devoted to strategic planning, with teamwork sessions focusing on the future direction of Garage&co. This period of reflection enabled us to refine our objectives and prepare for the challenges ahead.
🚀 September - Concrete Support for Startups
In September, we gave concrete expression to our support for startups with the award of six incubation bonds and two financing packages for structuring hardtech projects. These actions demonstrate our commitment to innovation and ecosystem development. We have a dozen startups committed to the incubation process with the Garage&co team, and our first article in La Presse to mark the launch of our community. Laurence Audette-Lagueux celebrates two years at Garage&co and Continuums and becomes Assistant General Manager to continue supporting Emmanuel Cameron's work.
🌟 October - Growth and Education
October saw an increase in interactions with interested startups, a sign of our growing influence. Our participation in La Certif' underlined our commitment to the team's professional development.
The following week, the team was split up to take part in @Montréal Connect, give a talk at CECI and attend Quantino 's Demo Day.
With the support of Desjardins, we also launched the Quebec hardtech community, which brought together 160 people. The event will certainly be repeated in 2024, with partners in Quebec City and Sherbrooke.
🔗 November - Network Extension
In November, our participation in the Hardtech Summit in Toronto strengthened our ties with the Quebec and Ontario hardtech industry and extended our network, positioning us as a key player in the Canadian landscape. Our networking evening attracted a fine array of participants. We also submitted a grant on behalf of Manufacturier.Québec for a social manufacturing project.
🌐 December - Vision for the Future
Launch of the Coach's Guide and Garage Academy, providing better support for startups and coaches. Entrepreneur-in-Residence Christian Beaubien is named Mentor of the Year at the Startup Community Award. The end of the year was marked by planning for the development of Quebec's world-class hardtech hubs, laying the foundations for a year 2024 full of promise and innovation.
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Entrepreneurs supported in 2023
Jean-Simon Boucher - Cortech Sports
Francis Desjardins - Incendia Canada Inc
Ben Poirier, Eng, Ph.D., PMP - BluEauAsis
Mike Simard - Artik
Maria Julia Guimaraes - Totum Tech
Mathieu Caschetto-Lamoureux - Scape&co
Mishel Wong - Bo
Luc Leblanc, PSM - @Orä Solutions
Lara Emond - Iris&Arlo
Hocine Sifi - HOC
Wendkouni Lionel J. ILBOUDO - LIO
Claude Coulombe - EurekIA