A new initiative to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in the RNA therapy sector in Quebec
This new initiative will be implemented with the support and expertise of Axelys.
CQDM is pleased to announce the launch of an ambitious new initiative to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in the RNA therapeutics industry in Quebec. This initiative, led by Axelys in collaboration with several partners, is one of the five key initiatives of the mobilization project on RNA therapies announced on April 30 by the Government of Quebec.
This initiative focuses on two main components: leveraging academic research and fostering scientific entrepreneurship.
Promotion and academic research support
Axelys is setting up a team dedicated to the RNA sector to help Quebec researchers turn their discoveries into innovations high-impact innovations for society. This team will offer financial support and incentives to stimulate the commercialization of innovations based on RNA therapies. The aim is to double the number of patent applications relating to RNA therapy technologies filed in Quebec over the next three years.
Supporting scientific entrepreneurship and the creation of new businesses
Axelys will also develop a scientific entrepreneurship support program specifically for the RNA therapy sector. This initiative will have a significant budget that will support new startups created in Quebec over the next three years. In addition, the programme will provide access to mentors who will help entrepreneurs develop their business plans. Entrepreneurs will also be encouraged to use the specialist resources of incubators and accelerators operating in Quebec.
All the information on this initiative, as well as on other Quebec’s RNA Hub initiatives, is available on the AReNA website: arenapole.ca.
“Quebec is fortunate to have world-class researchers developing RNA-based therapies. With projects like this, Quebec will continue to make a mark worldwide in this strategic sector.” Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region.
Diane Gosselin, President and CEO of CQDM: “This initiative represents a unique opportunity to position Quebec as a world leader in the field of RNA therapies. By working closely with researchers and entrepreneurs, we aim to transform cutting-edge discoveries into concrete therapeutic solutions that will benefit society. With the support and guidance offered by Axelys and its partners, we’re confident that this initiative will trigger a new wave of innovation and economic growth in the province.”
Jesse Vincent-Herscovici, President and CEO of Axelys: “We’re certain that the future of healthcare lies in innovation and entrepreneurship. That’s why we’re proud to announce this major initiative, the fruit of close collaboration with our key partners. Together, we aim to boost the RNA therapy sector in Quebec, a therapeutic field with the potential to bring significant benefits to the population and our healthcare systems, both in Quebec and globally.”
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About AReNA:
Established through the collaborative efforts of ARN Québec, Axelys, CQDM, and Montréal InVivo, AReNA aims to unite and champion Quebec’s leading players in the RNA therapy sector. Our mission is to position Quebec as a hub of excellence in this field, both nationally and internationally, fostering growth and innovation in the region. Working closely with key stakeholders in Quebec’s RNA sector, AReNA seeks to maximize its impact through strategic collaboration. For more information, please visit: arenapole.ca
About Axelys:
Axelys is a non-profit organization whose mission is to contribute to the economic and social prosperity of Quebec by accelerating the development and transfer of high-potential innovations stemming from public research. Axelys offers consulting and support services in development, intellectual property management and innovation transfer to all public research institutions in Quebec, in all regions. In addition, Axelys contributes to the creation of scientific companies spun off from public research. For more information, please visit: axelys.ca
About CQDM:
A biopharma innovation facilitator, CQDM is a nonprofit biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to support and facilitate multi-party collaborative R&D aimed at accelerating the translation or transformation of innovative technologies into solutions addressing unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the economies of Quebec and Canada. For more information, please visit: cqdm.org
Media Contact:
Julia Serafino
Coordinator, Communications and Marketing
CQDM
438 543-9498
jserafino@cqdm.org
Anie Perrault
Special Advisor
MERCURE Conseil
514-700-5550, poste 560
aperrault@mercureconseil.ca
