Co-organizers, ÉTS and McGill, hope to draw inspiration from best practices around the world for the Quartier de l'innovation in Montreal
MONTREAL, Oct. 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The institutions behind the Quartier de l'innovation (QI), which is now taking shape south of Montreal's downtown core, are hoping to find inspiration in similar projects around the world. In that spirit, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and McGill University have invited representatives of projects such as MaRS in Toronto and 22@Barcelona to participate in the 2nd edition of the Montreal Summit on Innovation, which will focus on the theme of innovative districts.
The summit opens today, Tuesday, October 30, at ÉTS, 1100 Notre-Dame West in Montreal. Organized by ÉTS and McGill with support from the City of Montreal, the event, held in the heart of the QI, brings together international experts from various disciplines who are interested in the development or revitalization of urban districts.
Today's discussions will feature experts from innovative districts in Brazil, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Russia. Presentations will explore three themes: the creation, leadership and operation, and evaluation of innovative districts.
The public presentations on October 30 will be followed by an in-camera session at McGill University on October 31 with international experts from innovative districts.
"Montreal, a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, takes pride in the initiatives it is undertaking to consolidate its outreach as a world-class city of knowledge and creativity. The mission of the Quartier de l'innovation is to develop a diversified high-quality urban district that brings together a dynamic, creative and committed community, actively collaborating with the universities to stimulate interest in and foster the growth of innovative companies and the establishment of academic and scientific programs of worldwide scope that are adapted to meet the needs of the milieu," said Yves Beauchamp, CEO of the ÉTS.
"This second edition of the Montreal Summit on Innovation, with its focus on innovative districts, presents a tremendous opportunity for ÉTS and McGill University to connect with our international peers and learn from best practices on similar projects," added Professor Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill. "A better understanding of the successes and challenges experienced by other innovation districts worldwide will make us better equipped to lay the foundations for the Quartier de l'innovation and make Montreal an international innovation destination."
Building on the complementary strengths of ÉTS and McGill, the QI is designed to promote synergy between institutions and companies to enhance the potential for creativity, innovation and applications in what is meant to be a "living laboratory." The QI will be located just a few steps from downtown Montreal, in an area that includes the Griffintown district.
The mission of the Quartier de l'innovation goes beyond its industrial, scientific and technological impact to focus as well on urban, social and cultural innovation. The objective is for the district to move not only at the pace of companies that set up shop there, but also at the pace of people who live there. The project is designed to create a diversified, high-quality living environment that will attract more residents, local shops, cultural activities and modern public services.
To view the MSI program:
www.smi-msi.com/districts
About ÉTS
École de technologie supérieure is one of nine institutions in the Université du Québec network. ÉTS trains engineers and researchers who are known for their practical and innovative approach, development of new technologies and business applications. Nearly one in four Quebec engineers hold degrees from ÉTS, which has 6,500 students, including more than 1,350 at the graduate level. The School, which specializes in applied training and research in engineering, has a unique partnership with the business and industrial communities. For further information, go to: http://www-eng.etsmtl.ca/.
About McGill University
Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill is Canada's leading university, with two campuses, 11 faculties, 11 professional schools, 300 programs and more than 37,000 students, including 8,300 at the graduate level. McGill welcomes students from more than 150 countries, with 7,200 foreign students making up 20 per cent of the student body. For further information, go to: www.mcgill.ca.
SOURCE: ECOLE DE TECHNOLOGIE SUPERIEURE, UNIVERSITE DU QUEBEC
Olivier Audet
Information officer
ÉTS
514 605-2942
[email protected]
Julie Fortier
Associate Director, Media Relations
McGill University
514 884-1587
[email protected]
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