Saint-Hyacinthe, December 5, 2024 – Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with MAIN aimed at rolling out a new suite of services for innovative entrepreneurship in the Agri-Food Innovation Hub and the greater Saint-Hyacinthe region.
This project, titled Agri-food continuum, will enable personalized follow-up for ten startups, meaning high-growth-potential startups in the Maskoutain region. As such, companies identified by the Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole team will receive support and will be able to take full advantage, at no cost, of the referral services offered by MAIN. These services address the needs at every stage of the innovative entrepreneurial journey and connect participating companies with the incubation and acceleration resources best suited to their growth.
Although it is specifically designed for entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector, the program is also open to all innovative companies that qualify as startup, regardless of its industry. Launched as a pilot program, it will be available until September 30, 2025, subject to availability.
“This partnership with MAIN allows us to strengthen our mission of supporting local entrepreneurs by giving them access to high-quality resources to drive their growth. By implementing this program, we also hope to be able to add an even stronger suite of support services for business innovation activities to our agri-food innovation ecosystem,” emphasizes Karine Guilbault, Executive Director of Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole.
“The collaboration between Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole and MAIN was a natural fit, since we operate as a network, just as they do, to optimize resources in the agri-food sector. “In our effort to give entrepreneurs access to the best resources, creating a continuum of specialized activities will ensure that those willing to take risks in the agri-food sector have every opportunity to succeed,” he said. Louis-Félix Binette, CEO of MAIN.
About MAIN
MAIN is committed to building an inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem, designed by and for entrepreneurs. Its renewed mission is to empower entrepreneurs to take risks by promoting simplified, relevant, and timely access to support resources, strengthening collaboration among ecosystem stakeholders, and developing tools that support their long-term impact.
About Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole
Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole is the organization responsible for economic development within the MRC des Maskoutains. Its mandate is to attract new businesses to the region, whether industrial or commercial. In particular, it oversees the operation and development of the largest agri-food innovation hub in Québec and coordinates the establishment of the Saint-Hyacinthe agri-food innovation zone. It also promotes and develops tourism—particularly business tourism—as well as the agri-food sector and immigration.