Quantino, the high-tech business incubator powered by INO, and the CERVO Brain Research Centre are partnering to provide Quebec City with a full range of specialized incubation services for startups working in neuroscience and mental health. The goal is to accelerate the growth of innovative companies that develop high-tech products in areas such as psychiatric and nervous system diseases, memory, learning, and the development of new therapies.

                                                                                        The sharing of expertise, laboratories, clean rooms, entrepreneurial services, and research platforms will help attract or kick-start companies that will develop exciting innovations and revolutionary high-tech products in Quebec City. It will also allow the province to expand its range of solutions for treating neurological diseases, which are becoming increasingly common due to the aging population.

 The partnership between the two organizations is a chance for Quantino to broaden its offer—initially designed for optics, photonics, hardware, and quantum technology startups—by providing easier access to facilities and services. CERVO’s experts will assist in selecting and guiding businesses with projects in the fields of neuroscience and mental health. The partnership complements an earlier agreement with Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec to support companies developing solutions to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular and respiratory diseases (including the COVID-19 virus and other emerging viruses), as well as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

“The association between Quantino and the CERVO Research Centre is excellent news and will help develop Quebec City’s expertise in neuroscience and mental health and promote our region across the province and abroad,” said Jean-François Simard, MNA for Montmorency. “It will also bring solutions and hope to those affected by neurological and psychiatric diseases and their families. I would like to congratulate everyone behind this innovative project.”

“This partnership between two high-level scientific bodies working together to better meet the needs of emerging businesses is proof of the benefits of the partnership approach Ville de Québec promotes to economic development stakeholders,” said Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Quebec City. “The announcement highlights the importance of Groupe des incubateurs-accélérateurs de Québec, coordinated by Ville de Québec. We are convinced that this partnership will help develop world-renowned innovations that will boost the region’s economy. ”

Alain Chandonnet, President and CEO of INO, added that “this confirms the major role that Quantino plays in the development of innovative new medical companies. Companies that, like INO, will change lives.”

“This partnership is a huge advantage for medical startups,” said Yves De Koninck, Director of the CERVO Research Centre. “Canadian and international specialists now have every reason to come to Quebec City to grow their businesses thanks to access to leading experts and state-of-the-art research platforms for developing innovative solutions.”