In November 2023, Centech won the French company’s tender and entered into a partnership with Safran, surpassing other Canadian incubators.
This partnership gives birth to the Safran Explore Canada program, which aims to support up to ten Canadian startups and growth companies offering technological solutions that address the challenges of decarbonization and digital transformation in the aerospace industry. This innovative six-month program offers privileged access to technical experts, personalized coaching, partnership opportunities with Safran, and a network of high-tech investors, with the aim of accelerating the development of innovative aerospace solutions.
Future collaborations between Safran and these emerging companies could lead to fruitful partnerships and positive technological and environmental advances for the industry.
Collaborating with technology startups to accelerate innovation and revolutionize the aerospace industry
To meet the challenge of decarbonizing the industry, major transformations are needed, especially through innovative technology collaborations between local startups and major corporations, facilitated by programs like Safran Explore Canada.
Safran has long been committed to this transition, and is stepping up its technological innovation efforts.
“We are proud to launch this pan-Canadian program with Safran. This partnership will accelerate collaborations between emerging companies and Safran to address aerospace industry challenges. We hope that other major companies will choose Quebec and Canada to launch their startup initiatives in the coming years.” – Julian Lucchesi, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Centech
A successful mission to France
In October 2022, the Ville de Montréal and Centech organized a mission to France with six young Quebec-based companies, in collaboration with CRIAQ and with the support of Aéro Montréal, MEIE and the Délégation générale du Québec à Paris (DGQP). The aim of the mission was to help Quebec startups establish international partnerships with key players in the aerospace sector in Toulouse and Paris. The Délégation générale du Québec à Paris played a crucial role in facilitating the connection between Centech and Safran, a global player in aerospace and defence.
Safran and Canadian startups
Quebec and Canadian technology companies offer a unique combination of innovation, expertise, access to new markets, and government support, making them attractive partners for companies looking to stay at the cutting edge of technology and boost their growth.
In 2022, Safran launched an equivalent program in France, focused on hydrogen-related technologies, and six startups were selected to be supported by Group companies in maturing their technologies. Quebec startup Calogy Solutions was one of the participants.
“Canada, with its innovation-friendly environment and rich technological ecosystem, was a natural choice to launch our startup program. Quebec, with its concentration of talent and organizations dedicated to entrepreneurship, proved to be an ideal partner for this ambitious program. We are convinced that our collaboration with Centech will enable us to boost innovation and actively participate in the economic development of the region and beyond.” – Sylvain Boisvert, General Manager, Safran Canada
About Centech
Centech is an ecosystem that propels technological innovation and entrepreneurship projects from science and engineering. Open to all, Centech was founded in 1996 by the École de technologie supérieure. Thanks to its Acceleration and Propulsion programs, Centech acts as a real instrument of growth, thus creating one of the largest concentrations of technology entrepreneurs in the start-up phase in Quebec and Canada. Since 2018, Centech has its own open innovation hub, the Collision Lab, where large companies are supported in their open innovation initiatives in collaboration with technology startups.
About Safran
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defence and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92,000 employees and sales of 23.2 billion euros in 2023, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and innovation roadmap.
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Centech Press contact
Geneviève Lacoursière : genevieve.lacoursiere@centech.co
Safran Press contacts
Catherine MALEK : catherine.malek@safrangroup.com
Isabelle JAVARY : isabelle.javary@safrangroup.com
Charlène COLLARD : charlene.collard@safrangroup.com
Submit your application before April 29, 2024!
