May 21, 2024
Published by: Economy, Innovation and Energy
The government of Quebec and its partners are proud to announce the designation of a fourth zone among the Quebec Innovation Zones (ZI): Espace Aéro. This zone will be made up of three hubs, located in the territories of Longueuil, Mirabel and Montreal. Collaboration and synergy are already well established between industry players. Initial investments of $415 million are planned for the realization of this ZI, which aims to enhance the attractiveness of Quebec and make it a world leader in advanced air mobility.
The aerospace sector in the greater Montreal region is, with Toulouse and Seattle in particular, one of the most important aerospace ecosystems in the world. The designation of Espace Aéro will make it a unique place to bring together all the stages of the innovation chain in this sector. In addition, its concentration of expertise will give it a distinctive position on an international scale, by prioritizing two areas of development:
- Decarbonization through the configuration of vehicles that are both more efficient and aerodynamic, lighter and greener structures as well as less polluting, more electric systems.
- Aircraft autonomy and security through intelligent technologies and systems, communications, remote control and cybersecurity.
The deployment of this area is entrusted to Espace Aéro. It will be carried out in collaboration with ecosystem players, including industry representatives, SMEs and large companies in the sector, educational establishments and research centers.
It is in particular thanks to the first investments that it will begin its deployment:
- Financial assistance of $3.5 million entrusted to the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) to support the scientific programming of the ZI, the development of which will be under the responsibility of a scientific committee coordinated by the Consortium of research and innovation in aerospace in Quebec.
- The awarding of a $3 million grant to the Aéro Montréal cluster to ensure the governance and deployment of Espace Aéro during the first three years.
Espace Aéro will strengthen Quebec’s position as a Canadian leader in the global investment race for the advancement of technologies in niches with high development potential and which thereby contribute to the decarbonization of the economy.
About the Quebec Innovation Zones
In 2018, the government of Quebec proposed creating innovation zones, which aim to bring together players in research, innovation, industry and entrepreneurship in order to instill a culture of innovation while highlighting the sustainable competitive advantages of a territory or region. They are at the heart of the Quebec government’s economic vision aimed at increasing exports, investments and business productivity. The announcement of this 4th innovation zone enhances the value of the Zones d’innovation Québec brand.
The three other innovation zones are the Energy Transition Valley in Shawinigan, Trois-Rivières and Bécancour, DistriQ, the quantum innovation zone in Sherbrooke, and Technum Québec for the field of digital technologies in Bromont.