Cycle Momentum announces the appointment of Vincent Lafrenaye Lamontagne as Program Manager in Open Innovation

Montreal, May 31st, 2021 – Cycle Momentum announces the appointment of  Vincent Lafrenaye Lamontagne as Program Manager in Open Innovation.

Vincent Lafrenaye Lamontagne is a senior project manager with over 15 years of experience in public, private, political, technological, cultural, institutional and social environments. Formerly manager of the Open-Air Laboratory for Smart Living project at Quartier de l’Innovation, he managed relationships with partners such as Vidéotron, Ericsson, ETS, UQAM, Parks Canada, Prével, etc.

In another life, he worked on the production of more than 30 editions of music festivals, film festivals and business and innovation conferences. With an MBA from HEC Montreal and a bachelor’s degree in communications from UQAM, he is skilled in coordination and execution, both in the office and in the field. Vincent is a man of action and achievement!

His greatest wish is to have a real impact on the world and on environmental conservation, and he comes to Cycle Momentum as a Program Manager in Open Innovation to make things happen!

 

About Cycle Momentum

Cycle Momentum (formerly Accélérateur Ecofuel) offers acceleration and open innovation programs dedicated to the cleantech ecosystem. Founded by Cycle Capital, Cycle Momentum offers entrepreneur training workshops, networking sessions and mentorship, and collaborates with established companies to stimulate technology acquisition and integration. The company facilitates networking between investors and entrepreneurs to promote the development of the most promising cleantech companies.Cycle Momentum can count on the financial support of Energy Transition Québec, the Green Fund, Cycle Capital, Fasken, the City of Montreal and ScaleAI. Cycle Momentum also benefits from the collaboration with Écotech Quebec, Zone Agtech and Bonjour Startup Montreal. Cycle Momentum is part of the innovative Cycle Capital family.

Information
Catherine Berube
Vice-President, Sustainable Development, Investor Relations and Public Affairs
cberube@cyclecapital.com

 

Launch of the Open Innovation Challenge: Greenhouses by Cycle Momentum and Hydro-Québec

MONTRÉAL, May 17, 2021 – Cycle Momentum (formerly Accélérateur Ecofuel), founded by Cycle Capital, and Hydro-Québec are proud to announce the launch of the Open Innovation Challenge: Greenhouses as part of Écotech Québec’s Semaine de l’économie verte [Green Economy Week]. The Challenge was created to promote the development and integration of technologies designed for optimal environmental and energy management within the context of greenhouse farming. This initiative aims to support Québec’s transition toward food self-sufficiency.

Today, Cycle Momentum and Hydro-Québec are launching a call for expressions of interest (EOI) to the agri-food business ecosystem. The two companies are looking for start-ups and SMEs that offer innovative technologies designed for the greenhouse farming industry—systems designed to manage energy, lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, heat recovery, irrigation, humidity control, etc. The deadline for submitting an EOI is July 2, 2021. For more information, refer to the greenhousesinnovation.ca  website.

The businesses selected will receive assistance from Cycle Momentum and Hydro-Québec in developing and implementing their solution. They will also have the possibility of creating a pilot project directly involving greenhouse growers.

In addition, Québec’s Ministère de l’économie et de l’innovation will support the businesses selected through the Appui aux jeunes entreprises innovantes à fort potentiel de croissance – Primo-adoptants program. The program is associated with a financial contribution from the Québec government of up to $50,000 per business or 50% of eligible expenses paid to a start-up for the creation of pilot projects. The businesses are required to meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

For more information about the criteria, objectives and advantages of the Open Innovation Challenge: Greenhouses, join the Green Economy Week webinar on May 19.

The Open Innovation Challenge: Greenhouses is presented by Hydro-Québec and Cycle Momentum, with the collaboration of Écotech Québec, the Zone Agtech and Bonjour Startup Montréal.

Quotes

“As part of the economic recovery, the Quebec government recently unveiled the 2020-2025 Greenhouse Growth Strategy, which aims for greater food independence in Quebec. The initiative of Cycle Momentum and Hydro-Québec makes a concrete contribution to this vision through the deployment of innovative and clean technologies that create wealth and allow our greenhouse companies to improve their energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases.” –Jonatan Julien, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Government of Québec.

“In recent years, food self-sufficiency has become a key issue for Quebecers. The Challenge will help us to stimulate innovation in the greenhouse farming industry in Québec and therefore help to meet that goal as part of the energy transition.” Simon Racicot-Daignault, President of InnovHQ, a Hydro-Québec subsidiary that was created to stimulate innovation and develop business opportunities designed to accelerate the energy transition.

“With the Challenge, we have the opportunity to create a catalyst for the innovation and development of groundbreaking technologies in a rapidly growing sector—greenhouse farming. To do so, we are collaborating with Écotech Québec, Zone Agtech and Bonjour Startup Montréal, who will help promote this business opportunity among talented entrepreneurial teams that develop technologies in the greenhouse sector.” -Patrick Gagné, President and CEO of Cycle Momentum

About Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and ranks among the world’s largest hydropower producers. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. It uses mainly renewable generating options, in particular large hydro. Its research facilities, collectively called Institut de recherche d’Hydro-Québec (IREQ), conduct R&D in energy-related fields, including energy efficiency and storage.  InnovHQ, a Hydro-Québec subsidiary, was created to stimulate innovation and develop business opportunities designed to accelerate the energy transition.

To learn more: hydroquebec.com

About Cycle Momentum

Cycle Momentum (formerly Accélérateur Ecofuel) offers acceleration and open innovation programs dedicated to the cleantech ecosystem. Founded by Cycle Capital, Cycle Momentum offers entrepreneur training workshops, networking sessions and mentorship, and collaborates with established companies to stimulate technology acquisition and integration. The company facilitates networking between investors and entrepreneurs to promote the development of the most promising cleantech companies.

Cycle Momentum can count on the financial support of Energy Transition Québec, the Green Fund, Cycle Capital, Fasken, the City of Montreal and ScaleAI. Cycle Momentum also benefits from the collaboration with Écotech Quebec, Zone Agtech and Bonjour Startup Montreal. Cycle Momentum is part of the innovative Cycle Capital family.

SOURCE Hydro-Québec

For further information:

Cycle Momentum
Catherine Bérubé
cberube@cyclecapital.com
+1 514 629-1022

 

The Ecofuel Accelerator unveils its 13th Cleantech cohort

Montreal, April 21st, 2021 – The Ecofuel Accelerator, a specialized and personalized accelerator in the cleantech sector, announces the five companies of the Sprint 2021 Cohort. Selected amongst thirty applicants, they’re the participants of the thirteenth cohort of the Ecofuel Accelerator. This cohort will take place in addition to the Agtech Acceleration cohort announced last week.

Over the next three months, the entrepreneurs and executive teams from AquaVerti, Enerprox, GM Technologies, RailVision and Unbound Chemicals  will experience an acceleration program tailored to their needs, which was already a success factor for many companies in the past years. They will receive mentorship and advice from about forty experts and mentors who are references in the cleantech sector, business, global markets and entrepreneurship.

  • AquaVerti Farms is Quebec’s first commercial vertical farm specialised in the production of high output, locally and sustainably production of leafy greens. AquaVerti also develops robotics, software and hardware for the vertical farming industry. – aquavertifarms.com
  • Enerprox : Engineering & Manufacturing company specializing in Solar Energy & HVAC Solution – 100% electric, designs and manufactures exclusive and innovative solutions aimed at replacing fossil fuels for heating institutional, commercial and industrial buildings. – enerprox.com
  • GM Technologies produces power converter’s actionable insights to reduce unplanned downtime for the Wind and Solar farm industry. – gmtech.ca
  • RailVision : advanced data analytics in the rail industry, for the purpose of maximizing efficiency, performance, and monitoring of rail equipment and its management. – railvision.ca
  • Unbound Chemicals develops technology, processes, and equipment to create a circular economy for pharmaceutical waste. – unboundchem.com

 

About the Ecofuel Accelerator
The Ecofuel Accelerator is a specialized and personalized accelerator dedicated to the cleantech startups. Founded by Cycle Capital, the accelerator works with entrepreneurs that develop and commercialize clean technologies to help build globally competitive companies. The Ecofuel Accelerator offers entrepreneurs a specialized and personalized program of training workshops, networking sessions, experienced mentors and gives access to the investors to some of the most promising Canadian cleantech ventures.
In addition to the funding provided by the Quebec Government, the Ecofuel Accelerator benefits from the collaboration of Transition énergétique Québec, the Green Fund, Écotech Québec, Fasken and the City of Montreal.

 

Information:
Morgan Guitton
Director of operations
mguitton@ecofuelaccelerate.com
+1 514 409-2173
Web site: ecofuelaccelerate.com
Twitter: @ecofuelstartups
LinkedIn: Ecofuel

Ecofuel Accelerator unveil its first Agtech Acceleration Program – Powered by Zone Agtech

Montreal, April 14th, 2021 – The Ecofuel Accelerator, a specialized and personalized accelerator in the cleantech sector, announces the six companies of the very first cohort of the Ecofuel Agtech Acceleration Program – Powered by Zone Agtech in partnership with Bioentreprise Corporation. This intensive and immersive program will help ensure the successful commercialization of agtech companies by focusing on the quality of the innovations, operational deployment with agricultural user-partners, and financing the commercialization of these technologies.

Over the next three months, the entrepreneurs and executive teams from Alliance Solutions, BioIntelligenza, Blanc de gris and Larvatria will experience an acceleration program tailored to their needs, which was already a success factor for many companies in the past years. They will receive mentorship and advice from about forty mentors who are references in the cleantech sector, business, global markets and entrepreneurship.

 

On top of the companies taking part in our Agtech Acceleration Program, a second initiation cohort takes place this Spring:

  • Algomegaconverts the agricultural residues into high-added value products for the agri-food and energy industries.
  • Soluna Bioceuticalsproduces a quality organic Superfood product line, to provide the ultimate nutritious food to the market. – https://www.solunabio.com/

 

About the Ecofuel Accelerator 

The Ecofuel Accelerator is a specialized and personalized accelerator dedicated to the cleantech startups.Founded by Cycle Capital, the accelerator works with entrepreneurs who develop and commercialize clean technologies  to help build globally competitive companies. The Ecofuel Accelerator offers entrepreneurs a specialized and personalized program of training workshops, networking sessions, experienced mentors and gives access to the investors to some of the most promising Canadian cleantech ventures. 

In addition to the funding provided by the Quebec Government, the Ecofuel Accelerator benefits from the collaboration of Cycle Capital, Écotech Québec, Fasken, and the City of Montréal.

For more info: www.ecofuelaccelerate.com

About Zone Agtech

An incubator for know-how, entrepreneurship and innovation, Zone Agtech is located in the regional county municipality of L’Assomption, Quebec. It is a dedicated geolocated zone that brings together the entire local ecosystem to propel new agriculture, enabling both SMEs and large companies associated with it to successfully position themselves and reap unique competitive advantages. Strategically situated on the North Shore of Greater Montréal, the Zone provides direct access to a metropolitan logistics hub with research teams, a business network, advisors, training, research facilities, and visibility platforms all within a single location.

Since its launch by the MRC de L’Assomption in 2020, Zone Agtech has distinguished itself as a key player in the development of the agtech and plant bioproducts industry in Quebec. Zone Agtech has already established several networks, developed international partnerships, created four consortiums, and, through its organized events, reached more than a thousand vital actors in the sector. Some forty companies are also setting up in the geolocated zone. In less than a year, it has brought together more than 175 Quebec companies and organizations within the agtech community, more than 1,600 scientists representing 24 complementary areas of expertise, ten financial partners, and three accelerator partners.

About Bioenterprise Corporation

Bioenterprise is Canada’s Foodtech & Agtech Engine, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience and a national and international network of research institutions, academia, mentors, experts, government, and industry players nationwide to help small and medium-sized businesses in the sector to connect, innovate, and grow. Through its experienced service partner network, Bioenterprise offers a wide range of expertise and support to its clients. In partnerships with other industries we open doors to new technologies and platforms to help food and agri-tech businesses innovate and grow. 

For more info: www.bioenterprise.ca

Contact

Catherine Bérubé

cberube@ecofuelaccelerate.com

514 629-1022

Ecofuel Accelerator launches the Partner Funds’ Circle: Investors join the Circle to support cleantech accelerated companies

Montreal, January 28, 2021 – The Ecofuel Accelerator, a specialized and personalized accelerator in the cleantech sector, announces the creation of the Partner Funds’ Circle. The initiative, which aims to increase investors participation in the acceleration program, attract even more investments in the accelerated companies and stimulate entrepreneurship within the cleantech sector, regroups Cycle Capital and its impact watertech fund BleuImpact Fund, Export Development Canada, Anges Québec and Second Muse Capital Montreal.

As members of the Circle, the investors will participate to the selection process and have access to curated strategic market intelligence on specific cleantech subsectors, exclusive conferences, and private meetings with the Ecofuel Accelerator alumnis.

In return, members will provide mentorship and review investment opportunities presented by the accelerated companies in the purpose of investment.

More partner funds will be added in the coming months.

Quotes

– “The Ecofuel Accelerator is committed to further grow the cleantech ecosystem. The Partner Funds’ Circle, for which additional partners have already expressed their interest, aims to mobilize the financial ecosystem around the most talented cleantech entrepreneurs to support their growth strategy” – Patrick Gagné, President and CEO, Ecofuel Accelerator

– “As Founders of the Ecofuel Accelerator, we’re proud to see some of our Limited Partners join the Partner Funds’ Circle. At Cycle, we are convinced that a very closed-knit investors ecosystem is key to drive growth in the sector and this announcement embodies the Board’s strategic decision to provide acceleration programs that will benefit to the whole ecosystem” – Andrée-Lise Méthot, Founder and Managing Partner, Cycle Capital, Chairwoman of the Ecofuel Accelerator

– “This strategic alliance provides entrepreneurs with the tools and capital required to enable the commercial deployment of their environmental solutions at scale” – Simon Olivier, Senior Partner at Cycle Capital and Lead of the BleuImpact Fund powered by Cycle Capital.

– “Cleantech is a strategic priority for EDC and we are proud to be joining Ecofuel Accelerator’s group of partners in helping to accelerate the growth of Canadian cleantech companies. In 2020 alone, EDC supported close to 285 Canadian Cleantech companies with financial solutions and is committed to continue to work with the cleantech ecosystem to create more of Canada’s future trade opportunities.” – Sophie Dumoulin, Director Cleantech, EDC.

– “Anges Québec is proud to formalize its collaboration with Ecofuel, since the appetite of our angel investors for the clean technology sector has been growing strongly for several years. Not only is their interest in this sector strong, many have expertise to share with entrepreneurs. ” – Geneviève Tanguay, CEO of Anges Québec.

– “I’m happy to actively support the Ecofuel Accelerator  a key actor in Quebec for the development of Green Tech startups. We collectively need serious efforts towards a decarbonized economy, and entrepreneurial innovation is a great path towards that goal. I hope that SecondMuse Capital’s CLIO Fund and its environmental and social impact ambitions will multiply the positive outcomes for Montreal and the world. The future economy, benefiting people and protecting the planet, starts now.” – Sylvain Carle, Senior Director, SecondMuse Capital Montreal.

About the Ecofuel Accelerator

The Ecofuel Accelerator is a specialized and personalized accelerator dedicated to the cleantech startups. Founded by Cycle Capital, the accelerator works with entrepreneurs who develop and commercialize clean technologies to help build globally competitive companies. The Ecofuel Accelerator offers entrepreneurs a specialized and personalized program of training workshops, networking sessions, experienced mentors and gives access to the investors to some of the most promising Canadian cleantech ventures.

In addition to the funding provided by the Quebec Government, the Ecofuel Accelerator benefits from the collaboration of Cycle Capital, Ecotech Québec, Fasken, and the City of Montréal. For more info: www.ecofuelaccelerate.com

Information

Catherine Bérubé
VP, Sustainability, Investor Relations and Public Affairs
cberube@ecofuelaccelerate.com
+1 514 629-1022
Web : ecofuelaccelerate.com
Twitter : @ecofuelstartups
LinkedIn : Ecofuel Accelerator

Zone Agtech and the Ecofuel Accelerator Announce the Creation of an Acceleration Program 100% Dedicated to the Agtech Sector in Collaboration with Bioenterprise Corporation

MRC de L’Assomption, January 22, 2021 – In partnership with Bioenterprise Corporation, the Ecofuel Accelerator and Zone Agtech are officially launching the Ecofuel Agtech Acceleration Program – Powered by Zone Agtech, the first acceleration program 100% dedicated to the commercialization of Quebec’s agricultural innovations. This initiative will provide concrete solutions to agricultural producers to help them adapt to climate change while supporting Quebec’s food self-sufficiency. This dynamic collaboration brings us one step closer to greener, more efficient, and more profitable agriculture. 

As part of the Ecofuel Agtech Acceleration Program – Powered by Zone Agtech, five companies, offering innovative pre-seed and seed agricultural technologies, will benefit from various forms of support as well as proximity to the agricultural environment in which they commercialize their technology. This intensive and immersive program will help ensure the successful commercialization of agtech companies by focusing on the quality of the innovations, operational deployment with agricultural user-partners, and financing the commercialization of these technologies.

The call for applications for the Ecofuel Agtech Acceleration Program – Powered by Zone Agtech officially goes out today, and a first cohort will get under way in early March. Powered by Zone Agtech, this program is offered to innovative agricultural companies whose solutions reduce GHGs, increase food autonomy or promote adaptation to climate change. Companies must also be located in the Agtech Zone or commit to locate there at the end of the program. For more details: ecofuelaccelerate.com/agtech-program/

This initiative is part of a broader three-year partnership between Zone Agtech, Bioenterprise Corporation—the Canadian food and agtech engine — and the Ecofuel Accelerator. Relying on an investment of $570,000, this alliance will propel the development of innovative agricultural technologies in Quebec and further Zone Agtech’s broader mission.

“Initiatives like these help us build the agriculture of tomorrow, while generating significant economic benefits,” says Sébastien Nadeau, Mayor of L’Assomption and standard-bearer for Zone Agtech within the Council of Mayors of the MRC de L’Assomption. The agtech sector is a promising field for Quebec. With Zone Agtech and its ecosystem, we have the potential to become a world authority in the field. By supporting it, we are actively contributing to its appeal and influence.”

“In addition to accelerating the development of innovative agricultural technologies that have a positive impact on the environment, the involvement of the Ecofuel Accelerator will help enhance the quality of projects and increase their chances of success when the time comes to move from idea to market,” emphasizes Patrick Gagné, President and CEO of the Ecofuel Accelerator. In this way, Quebec agriculture will be able—sooner rather than later—to make an ecological transition that is innovative and in line with the global reality.”

“Our new partnership with Zone Agtech and the Ecofuel Accelerator represents a considerable expansion of Canada’s foodtech and agtech network. It also allows us to make our expertise and resources available to companies and organizations in Quebec,” explains Bioenterprise CEO Dave Smardon. “At the same time, we will have the opportunity to contribute to the export of promising food and agri-tech innovations from Québec to the rest of Canada and to establish new funding partnerships as well as regional and national collaborations.”

About Zone Agtech

An incubator for know-how, entrepreneurship and innovation, Zone Agtech is located in the regional county municipality of L’Assomption, Quebec. It is a dedicated geolocated zone that brings together the entire local ecosystem to propel new agriculture, enabling both SMEs and large companies associated with it to successfully position themselves and reap unique competitive advantages. Strategically situated on the North Shore of Greater Montréal, the Zone provides direct access to a metropolitan logistics hub with research teams, a business network, advisors, training, research facilities, and visibility platforms all within a single location.

Since its launch by the MRC de L’Assomption in 2020, Zone Agtech has distinguished itself as a key player in the development of the agtech and plant bioproducts industry in Quebec. Zone Agtech has already established several networks, developed international partnerships, created four consortiums, and, through its organized events, reached more than a thousand vital actors in the sector. Some forty companies are also setting up in the geolocated zone. In less than a year, it has brought together more than 175 Quebec companies and organizations within the agtech community, more than 1,600 scientists representing 24 complementary areas of expertise, ten financial partners, and three accelerator partners.

For more info: www.zoneagtech.ca 

About the Ecofuel Accelerator 

The Ecofuel Accelerator is a specialized and personalized accelerator dedicated to the cleantech startups.Founded by Cycle Capital, the accelerator works with entrepreneurs who develop and commercialize clean technologies  to help build globally competitive companies. The Ecofuel Accelerator offers entrepreneurs a specialized and personalized program of training workshops, networking sessions, experienced mentors and gives access to the investors to some of the most promising Canadian cleantech ventures. 

In addition to the funding provided by the Quebec Government, the Ecofuel Accelerator benefits from the collaboration of Cycle Capital, Écotech Québec, Fasken, and the City of Montréal.

For more info: www.ecofuelaccelerate.com

About Bioenterprise Corporation

Bioenterprise is Canada’s Foodtech & Agtech Engine, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience and a national and international network of research institutions, academia, mentors, experts, government, and industry players nationwide to help small and medium-sized businesses in the sector to connect, innovate, and grow. Through its experienced service partner network, Bioenterprise offers a wide range of expertise and support to its clients. In partnerships with other industries we open doors to new technologies and platforms to help food and agri-tech businesses innovate and grow. 

For more info: www.bioenterprise.ca

Contact

Zone Agtech

Kassandra Martel

kmartel@zoneagtech.ca

514 816-2692

Ecofuel Accelerator

Catherine Bérubé

cberube@ecofuelaccelerate.com

514 629-1022

The Ecofuel Accelerator unveils its 12th cohort

Montreal, October 26th, 2020 – The Ecofuel Accelerator, a specialized and personalized accelerator in the cleantech sector, announces the five companies of the Fall 2020 Cohort. Selected amongst thirty applicants, they’re the participants of the twelfth cohort of the Ecofuel Accelerator.

Over the next three months, the entrepreneurs and executive teams from Circulus Agtech, CSAR, FTEX, Geosapiens and Repowered Batteries will experience an acceleration program tailored to their needs, which was already a success factor for many companies in the past years. They will receive mentorship and advice from about forty mentors who are references in the cleantech sector, business, global markets and entrepreneurship.

  • Circulus Agtech: valorizes manure from fish and chicken farmers, using a unique bioreactor technology and worms to produce liquid organic fertilizer suitable for hydroponics – circulusagtech.com
  • CSAR Energy: develops and commercializes electric reactors producing clean fuels and renewable chemicals. csarenergy.com
  • FTEX: designs and builds power management systems that increase the range of small electrical vehicles by up to 30%. – tristarmulticopters.com
  • Geosapiens: offers a web platform to help municipalities and insurance companies to better assess and manage flood risks. – geosapiens.ca
  • Repowered Batteries: takes batteries that have reached their end of life in commercial vehicle applications and put them back to work storing energy. They are working at bringing a new capacity-based rental model to the battery world. repoweredbatteries.ca

On top of the companies taking part in our twelfth cohort, a second initiation cohort takes place this Fall:

  • Bello Solutions: develops the first water dispenser that helps you create your own pure and personalized water. – bello-solutions.com
  • Moduly: helps families to become independent of their electricity grid by giving them control of their energy ecosystem by promoting the environmental impact, by the self-consumption of renewable and sustainable energy. – moduly.io

 

About the Ecofuel Accelerator
The Ecofuel Accelerator is a specialized and personalized accelerator dedicated to the cleantech startups. Founded by Cycle Capital, the accelerator works with entrepreneurs that develop and commercialize clean technologies to help build globally competitive companies. The Ecofuel Accelerator offers entrepreneurs a specialized and personalized program of training workshops, networking sessions, experienced mentors and gives access to the investors to some of the most promising Canadian cleantech ventures.
In addition to the funding provided by the Quebec Government, the Ecofuel Accelerator benefits from the collaboration of Transition énergétique Québec, the Green Fund, Écotech Québec, Fasken and the City of Montreal.

 

Information:
Morgan Guitton
Director of operations
guitton@ecofuelaccelerate.com
+1 514 409-2173
Web site: ecofuelaccelerate.com
witter: @ecofuelstartups
inkedIn: Ecofuel

 

The Ecofuel Accelerator appoints Patrick Gagné as President and CEO

The Ecofuel Accelerator’s Board of Directors announces that Patrick Gagné has been appointed as the new President and CEO of the Ecofuel Accelerator. Patrick will be responsible for strategic and operational management of Ecofuel Accelerator’s staff and acceleration programs, including the outreach in the local and international ecosystems.

“We are thrilled to have Patrick join the Ecofuel Accelerator’s team as we expand the acceleration programs and increase collaborations with partner venture funds and industrial partners. As a serial entrepreneur that has helped build multiple ventures, including in cleantech, Patrick has a deep understanding of the main challenges faced by cleantech entrepreneurs. He also has a proven track record in entrepreneurial ecosystems development and collaboration with industrial partners – a unique set of expertise to pursue the growth and expand the Ecofuel Accelerator’s outreach,” says Ecofuel Accelerator’s Chair and Founder Andrée-Lise Méthot, also Founder and Managing Partner of Cycle Capital.

“I am very happy to join the large family of Cycle Capital, a pillar in the cleantech sector. This decision is a logical continuation of my experiences as an entrepreneur in urban mobility, notably with Téo Taxi, and my involvement in the development of Montreal’s startup ecosystem. The growth of our economy will greatly depend on the development of startups and SMEs in the green economy sector and I am pleased to be able to contribute to this. The goal will be to make Ecofuel Accelerator the best startup accelerator in the world, in this sector, over the next few years,” says Patrick Gagné.

From developing startups (TAG Taxi) to growing national entities (TC), Patrick has been an asset to many organizations with his skills in business development and marketing strategy. He developed a passion for urban mobility since his involvement in the development of P$ Mobile Service, the mobile application developed for Stationnement de Montréal. He cofounded Téo Taxi in 2014 and became General Manager of the startup in 2017. Over the last two years, Patrick contributed to the development of the startup ecosystem in his role as CEO of OSMO (Notman House) and as Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Bonjour Startup Montréal.

He recently stepped down as CEO of OSMO and Co-CEO of Bonjour Startup Montréal to become, as of October, the first Entrepreneur-in-Residence of the organization he cofounded with Foundation MTL Inc.

Patrick was awarded multiple industry recognitions: Startup Canada’ Entrepreneurship Support Award, Prix de l’entreprise citoyenne Novae, Prix Créateur d’emplois du Québec, Prix du Choix du Consommateur, C2-MTL’s Emerging Entrepreneur Award, Mobiz, Boomerang, Les Grands Prix du Design.

Since Ecofuel Accelerator was launched in 2015, it has helped more than 50 startups in various cleantech subsectors such has energy, agtech, green chemistry and mobility. In the past few months, Ecofuel Accelerator has announced its collaboration with the Zone Agtech and, in cooperation with the City of Montreal, launched “Initiation” cohorts dedicated to seed stage companies. The Ecofuel Accelerator alumni have created 400 jobs and raised more than $150M in funding.

About the Ecofuel Accelerator
The Ecofuel Accelerator is a specialized and personalized accelerator dedicated to the cleantech startups. Founded by Cycle Capital, the accelerator works with entrepreneurs that develop and commercialize clean technologies to help build globally competitive companies. The Ecofuel Accelerator offers entrepreneurs a specialized and personalized program of training workshops, networking sessions, experienced mentors and gives access to the investors to some of the most promising Canadian cleantech ventures.
In addition to the funding provided by the Quebec Government, the Ecofuel Accelerator benefits from the collaboration of Transition énergétique Québec, the Green Fund, Écotech Québec, Fasken and the City of Montreal.

Information:
Catherine Bérubé
Head of Communications and Public Relations
cberube@ecofuelaccelerate.com
+1 514 629-1022
Web site: ecofuelaccelerate.com
Twitter: @ecofuelstartups
LinkedIn: Ecofuel

Ecofuel and Zone Agtech partner to support Quebec agtech businesses

MRC de L’Assomption, Wednesday, July 15th – Ecofuel and Zone Agtech have entered a partnership to further develop and accelerate emerging Quebec startups and seed stage companies in plant-based bioproducts and Agtech.

“This connection is very unifying and I’d invite all partners to join our project as Ecofuel did. Together we are going to go further, we are going to drive the future of agriculture.” – Sébastien Nadeau, Mayor of L’Assomption and Zone Agtech instigator within the MRC de L’Assomption’s Council of Mayors.

The Zone Agtech’s mission is to bring together, propel and promote innovative Agtech and plant-based bioproducts companies. It offers a business environment 100% devoted to industry, financing support, strategic support, business networking and experimentation, demonstration and implementation sites. Its objective? To accelerate the transition from idea to market, by offering first-class dedicated services.

“Ecofuel’s goal complements our mission very well: they want to help entrepreneurs build sustainable and revenue-generating business models in an environment stimulated by the entire Agtech ecosystem. We are convinced that this partnership will enable us to support high-potential companies or demonstrate high-value technologies.” – Marilou Cyr, Zone Agtech’s Director.

When MRC de L’Assomption launched Zone Agtech on February 6th, they wanted to stimulate the development of the future of agriculture. It does this by leveraging innovative agricultural technologies and plant-based bioproducts to address issues facing the agriculture and agri-food sector, including its vulnerability to climate change, the labor shortage and its desire to create efficient and cost-effective models with a lower carbon footprint.

Since then, Zone Agtech has created around thirty networks, developed two international partnerships, set up four consortia and reached more than 400 actors through its events. About twenty companies are also looking to settle in the geolocated area. In just five months, Zone Agtech has brought together more than 50 Quebec companies within the Agtech Community, more than 1,600 scientists representing 24 complementary expertise, 10 financial partners and three partners in acceleration.

“Innovation is at the heart of this partnership with Zone Agtech and the support of innovative start-ups and seed stage companies, a guarantee of success to move from idea to market. Ecofuel has recognized expertise and experience, a well-established support program and a diversified investment portfolio. Our involvement in the innovative agricultural technology sector will add to the partnership with Zone Agtech and will benefit all of Quebec” says Johanne Sévigny, VP startups at the Ecofuel Accelerator, responsible for this partnership.”

About Ecofuel

Ecofuel, powered by Cycle Capital, is a seed stage Venture Capital Fund and an Accelerator offering a specialized and customized program to clean technology companies. Ecofuel works with entrepreneurs to support them in the start-up of companies that will be internationally competitive.

 About Zone Agtech

Zone Agtech is a place of innovation to drive the future of agriculture. Bringing together 10 technology transfer centres, three research centres, a university, more than 10 financial partners and an agtech community of more than 50 Quebec companies in innovative agricultural technologies, it focuses on the development of cutting-edge solutions to support the transition of agricultural producers towards more sustainable production that is less vulnerable to climatic hazards and scarcity of labour.

Info :
Catherine Bérubé
cberube@ecofuelaccelerate.com
+1 514 629-1022
Site web : ecofuelaccelerate.com
Twitter : @ecofuelstartups
LinkedIn : Ecofuel

Kassandra Martel
Zone Agtech
kmartel@zoneagtech.com
+1 514 816-2692

Fall 2020 Cohort: The Ecofuel Accelerator currently recruiting!

Montreal, July 7 2020 – The Ecofuel Accelerator launches the recruitment for its Fall 2020 cohort. Seed and Early stage cleantech companies have until August 28th, 2020 to submit their application for the Accelerator’s 12th cohort that will start early October 2020.

The 4-months Ecofuel acceleration program offers access to training workshops, strategic business intelligence, networking sessions, over 40 mentors who are a reference in cleantech and/or their respective fields of expertise and the possibility to obtain a seed investment of up to $75,000.

Ecofuel’s goal is to help entrepreneurs build a sustainable and profitable business plan in an environment stimulated by the other companies in the cohort, the mentors and the broader clean technology ecosystem. In short, Ecofuel prepares the entrepreneur to refine their business plan and to raise the required financing to execute it.

Tu apply, please submit your application at ecofuelaccelerate.com/accelerateur/candidature/ or contact Morgan Guitton, Director of operations: mguitton@ecofuelaccelerate.com

Information:
Catherine Bérubé
Vice President, Sustainable Development, Government Relations and Public Affairs
cberube@ecofuelaccelerate.com
+1 514 629-1022
Site web : ecofuelaccelerate.com
Twitter : @ecofuelstartups
LinkedIn : Ecofuel