AQT Launches the 2025–2027 Cohort of the Tech Startup Program
AQT Launches the 2025–2027 Cohort of the Tech Startup Program
A one-of-a-kind accelerator to support Quebec’s emerging tech leaders
Longueuil (Quebec), August 28, 2025 – The Quebec Technology Association (AQT) officially announces the launch of the 2025–2027 cohort of its Tech Startup Program, an 18-month accelerator designed to support growing Quebec tech startups.
This exclusive program will welcome up to 12 technology companies, including six recipients who will benefit from enhanced advantages. It offers strategic guidance, exclusive networking opportunities with more than 400 CEOs, and hands-on activities tailored to the real challenges of startups.
A structured 18-month journey
Valued at more than $10,000, the Program includes:
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Participation in two editions of Vision PDG, the annual summit for tech CEOs
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8 practical peer-to-peer meetings between young companies
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Co-development and strategic exchange sessions
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A psychometric assessment of the entrepreneur
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Personalized mentoring by experienced CEOs (for recipient companies)
At the heart of AQT’s mission
“The Tech Startup Program is at the very core of AQT’s mission: helping CEOs take key steps forward and build a solid network. This 2025–2027 cohort will provide emerging tech businesses with invaluable resources and the strength of the collective,” says Nicole Martel, President and CEO of AQT.
Tangible impact for entrepreneurs
Since its creation, the Program has propelled several companies that are now recognized leaders in Quebec’s tech ecosystem.
“I would recommend the Program to any young entrepreneur who wants to gain in one year the business expertise it usually takes ten. The grant allowed me to meet entrepreneurs at events that would have otherwise seemed out of reach.”
— Olivier Brassard, CEO of Tooly, 2023 Program Recipient
“When we joined AQT, we were still in the startup phase with about ten employees. The Tech Startup bursary gave us access to services and advice we probably couldn’t have afforded otherwise. Today, Nexapp has nearly 100 employees, and this opportunity was a real accelerator.”
— Jonathan Lessard, CEO of Nexapp, 2018 Program Recipient and AQT–National Bank CEO of the Year 2025
Eligibility criteria
To apply, companies must:
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Be incorporated in Quebec or Canada and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register
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Operate in the digital technology sector
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Have existed for 18 months to 5 years
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Generate a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue
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Be recommended by an AQT member (CEO or partner)
📌 Application deadline: September 30, 2025
About the Tech Startup Fund
The Program is made possible through the Tech Startup Fund, supported by AQT member companies and entrepreneurs. Their collective commitment provides bursaries and multiplies the Program’s impact for Quebec’s next generation of tech leaders.
We thank our 2025 contributors:
DEVOLUTIONS INC. · EXPLORANCE · ALITHYA · AVERNA · CROESUS · CYBERSPECTIVE · CYSCA · DEVICOM · DRUIDE INFORMATIQUE · EXPLORAI · GENIUS SOLUTIONS · GESTISOFT · GIRO · GLOBALIA · GTO Gestion Informatique · INTEGRIM · JOVACO · LEVIO · MEDIACLIP · Michel Lacasse · Michel St-Amour · MICRO LOGIC · NMÉDIA · Rafik Berzi · TLM · ULTIMATETECH · UMBRELLA · VIGILANCE SANTÉ · WORKLEAP
About AQT
The Quebec Technology Association (AQT) is a community of tech CEOs and entrepreneurs united by the ambition to build a strong, sustainable legacy for Quebec. More than individual company growth, we share a larger vision: advancing collective prosperity and resilience. AQT’s member companies represent a major economic force, driving digital transformation across all sectors, both locally and internationally.
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