A unique initiative in Quebec: Launch of an energy transition continuum to propel 100 innovative start-ups in 3 years
Montreal, June 18, 2025 – 2 Degrés, Cycle Momentum, and the Vallée de la Transition Énergétique (VTE) are proud to announce the launch of an energy transition continuum, a groundbreaking and exclusive initiative in Quebec that directly addresses the challenges of the energy transition.
This continuum brings together the complementary expertise of three key players in the industry: 2 Degrés, a clean technology incubator; Cycle Momentum, a clean technology accelerator; and the Vallée de la Transition Énergétique, an innovation zone focused on the energy transition. It builds on the funding announced last year for the Clean Technology Consortium, led by 2 Degrés, Cycle Momentum, and IVÉO, by adding concrete, measurable, and high-impact advances.
Through a collaborative model, this strategic partnership aims to support the emergence of 100 innovative technology startiups over a three-year period, via a comprehensive support chain from the lab to commercialization and investment. This integrated, results-driven, and structuring approach is made possible thanks to confirmed support from both the Quebec and Canadian governments for the partner organizations.
By pooling their resources, the three organizations are helping to stimulate the creation of innovative start-ups, accelerate the commercialization of their solutions, and generate significant environmental and economic benefits for the entire province of Quebec.
“Today, more than ever, we must unite our strengths and establish strategic partnerships to better tackle the challenges of the energy transition. By combining their expertise, these three key industry players are helping create an ecosystem conducive to innovation and the commercialization of clean technology solutions, such as batteries. This sector remains a priority for our government, and today’s announcement shows it is still growing strong.”
– Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region
“The VTE is proud to join forces with 2 Degrés and Cycle Momentum for the launch of this high-potential Energy Transition Continuum. This initiative is built on an integrated collaboration model between entrepreneurial support, financing, and access to cutting-edge infrastructure. With this Continuum, we wanted to offer a structured path that supports energy transition entrepreneurship, fosters innovation from idea to market, and generates collective prosperity for Quebec.” – Alain Lemieux, Executive Director, Vallée de la Transition Énergétique
A PROGRAM TO ACCELERATE START-UP CREATION FROM RESEARCH
As the first component of the Clean Technology Consortium, jointly led by 2 Degrés, Cycle Momentum, and IVÉO, the Lab-to-Startup program aims to create companies based on research.
This program identifies and validates promising research projects with environmental and economic impact potential and seeks to turn them into viable, successful businesses. By pairing researchers with experienced entrepreneurs, the program accelerates the transition from research to market.
AN INCUBATION PROGRAM DEDICATED TO ENERGY TRANSITION START-UPS
The incubation program led by 2 Degrés will support start-ups from the earliest stages of development: ideation, market validation, prototyping, and initial testing. With specialized, personalized support, access to sector experts, and a co-creation environment, young ventures will be positioned to build strong foundations.
“A partnership that gives a major boost to the rise of start-ups and the creation of a strong ecosystem focused on energy transition across Quebec. Fully aligned with our mission at 2 Degrés, this structuring collaboration underscores the importance of coming together to meet today’s challenges and opportunities. By joining forces, we are categorically rejecting the status quo and siloed approaches. Together, we are creating a unique continuum that allows more energy transition businesses to emerge, take root, grow, and transform Quebec.”
– Alexandre Guindon, Executive Director and Founder, 2 Degrés
AN ACCELERATION PROGRAM TO SCALE UP
The acceleration program led by Cycle Momentum will support companies ready to scale by fast-tracking their seed stage while providing tailored funding in collaboration with its partner funds.
“This partnership embodies our ambition to tailor our approach around themes closely linked to key Quebec industries. While the VTE focuses on hydrogen and the industrial decarbonization of heavy transport, the battery sector, and transportation electrification, we will focus on solutions capable of transforming Quebec’s energy future.”
– Patrick Gagné, President and CEO, Cycle Momentum
About the Vallée de la Transition Énergétique
The Vallée de la Transition Énergétique (VTE) is an innovation zone dedicated to establishing a world-class collaborative research and innovation ecosystem in energy sectors such as batteries, transport electrification, hydrogen, and the decarbonization of industrial-port activities and heavy transport. This development brings together entrepreneurs, industries, municipalities, and the academic world in attractive and sustainable living environments in Trois-Rivières, Bécancour, and Shawinigan.
About 2 Degrés
2 Degrés is an impact incubator dedicated to start-ups and innovation projects in clean technologies in Quebec. Through its programs, it supports and propels pre-start-up clean technology ventures. With a committed team, a network of engaged partners, and over 75 actively involved collaborators, 2 Degrés has supported over 65 innovative companies with strong growth and impact potential since 2021.
About Cycle Momentum
Cycle Momentum is an international acceleration and innovation platform that brings together entrepreneurs, corporations, investors, and innovators. Our mission is to identify and support the development of cutting-edge technologies to fight the climate crisis. As a member of the Cycle Capital platform, Cycle Momentum provides entrepreneurs with acceleration programs to support their growth. We also offer investment and collaboration opportunities through our vast network of investors and industrial partners.
