Because research and innovation are the keys to the future, a wide range of measures have been introduced in Québec to foster R&D. Reflecting a long-standing commitment to strengthening the various facets of the economy, these measures have been in place for more than 25 years!
Québec boasts a number of centres of excellence, especially in the advanced ground transportation sector. The main centres are the following:
BlueSolutions Canada and CRSNG–Phostech Lithium
InnovÉÉ (french website)
Innovation in the field of electric power is the core of the InnovÉÉ’s mission. Thanks to its many support and funding measures, InnovÉÉ is contributing to the realization of numerous collaborative projects related to the electricity sector and transportation electrification. It also provides an opportunity for industry partners and research establishments to pool their expertise and resources to advance this promising domain.
Hydro-Québec's research institute (IREQ)
IREQ, which has been investing in R&D for 40 years and holds over 1100 patents and 100 licences with international partners has developed world-renowned expertise in the field of lithium and lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery materials. In collaboration with its partners, IREQ has filed North American, European, and Asian patents on a lithium iron phosphate cathode material used to increase the stability and safety of lithium-ion batteries and reduce their cost.
To ensure large-scale, high-quality production, Hydro-Québec licenses various partners to manufacture the advanced materials IREQ has developed.
Innovative Vehicle Institute (IVI)
The mission of the Innovative Vehicle Institute is to reduce transportation’s environmental footprint through technological solutions. IVI supports businesses and organizations in applied research and the development, testing and implementation of innovative transportation technologies. The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec awarded the 2016 Prix Génie innovation to IVI for its assistance to The Lion Electric Co. in designing the eLion electric school bus.
For the third year in a row, Karim Zaghib of Hydro-Québec was named one of the world’s most influential scientists by Clarivate Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters) in The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds, one of the most prestigious lists in this area.
This distinction is awarded to the scientists who have been cited most frequently by their peers during the last 11 years and are exceptionally influential in their research area.
The Chair specializes in the synthesis and characterization of materials used for energy storage and conversion. Its goal is begin the process of identifying new energy storage materials and pave the way for large-scale production and application.
Productivité innovation website (in French only)
Compétivert(in French only)