Montréal (QC), May 25, 2022 – The MT Lab is strengthening its Tourism Acceleration and Opportunity Program with a $500,000 non-repayable contribution from Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions. The aim of this two-year financial agreement is to build bridges between startups and the tourism industry, and find answers to their innovation challenges.

This support will provide additional leverage for the post-pandemic recovery of Quebec’s tourism economy. The initiative also aims to make Quebec more attractive, competitive and, as a result, more competitive in the international tourism market.

DÉVELOPPEMENT TOURISTIQUE DU QUÉBEC
This project will enable startups in different regions of Quebec to benefit from the expertise and resources of MT Lab, which will act as an intermediary, coach and manager of innovative projects. This open innovation approach will be a key element in the growth and acceleration of Quebec tourism businesses. With the support of MT Lab, they will be able to align their ideas with the needs of the local industry, while saving time and costs in research and development.

QUOTES

“In just five years, the MT Lab has become a key hub for entrepreneurship and open innovation. The Quebec start-ups it supports
are able to adapt and position themselves advantageously in the field – whether in tourism, culture or entertainment. As Member of Parliament for Laurier-Sainte-
Marie, I couldn’t be prouder of MT Lab’s immeasurable contribution to the entire Quebec innovation ecosystem.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, MP for Laurier-Sainte-Marie and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

“Our government is committed to supporting innovation in all regions. The MT Lab has positioned itself as a leader during the pandemic by responding to the new needs of
tourism companies, which were heavily impacted by this exceptional situation. It was able to propose solutions tailored to the tourism industry, and the whole sector came out a winner. We need players like MT Lab to ensure the recovery of our economy, which we want to be greener, more resilient, fairer and stronger for all.” – The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, MNA for Brome-Missisquoi, Minister of Sports and Minister responsible for CED

“We are very proud to announce this agreement today, which recognizes the importance of innovation in the growth and revitalization of the tourism, culture and entertainment industry. Thanks to this financial contribution, the MT Lab will be able to continue supporting even more startups in their development. We sincerely thank the Minister responsible for CED, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, for this important contribution to MT Lab and the Quebec tourism industry.” – Mr. Pierre Bellerose, President of MT Lab

“Even though tourism, culture and entertainment were at the heart of the health crisis, the need for innovation has never ceased to be in demand. We’re delighted that CED is supporting our projects to speed up the recovery and make Quebec’s tourist destinations more competitive.” – Martin Lessard, MT Lab General Manager

ABOUT MT LAB

The first startup incubator dedicated to tourism, culture and entertainment in North America, MT Lab was created in 2017 by UQAM and Tourisme Montréal. It receives support from UQAM for its premises located in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles. MT Lab is a proud partner of the City of Montreal. Part meeting place, part startup gas pedal and part exchange platform, MT Lab supports companies with innovative solutions for major industry players.

ABOUT DEC

CED is the key federal partner for regional economic development in Quebec. Through its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies companies, support organizations and all Quebec regions towards the economy of tomorrow. The funds were granted to MT Lab under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, which is aimed at entrepreneurs who rely on innovation to grow their businesses and make them more competitive. The program is also aimed at regional economic players who help create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, in every region.