Desjardins invests $400,000 to boost climate technology startups in Quebec with Cycle Momentum
Montreal, February 20, 2025 – Desjardins Group and Cycle Momentum announce a $400,000 strategic partnership to propel the Cleantech Consortium’s “Lab-à-la-Start-up” project. Through its GoodSpark Fund, Desjardins’s contribution focuses on Quebec's entrepreneurial growth in climate technologies and makes Desjardins the first financial institution in Quebec to join this innovative project.
A strategic alliance
This partnership plays an essential role in identifying and supporting innovative startups, guiding them through every key step from project selection and market validation to co-founder training, financing, and transfer of intellectual property. By making the most of resources and expertise, “Lab-à-la-Start-up” propels climate technologies and stimulates Quebec’s socioeconomic development.
Cycle Momentum's unique model adapts international methodologies to Quebec’s environment to promote solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Desjardins’s commitment marks a significant step forward in creating new businesses from university research and reaffirms its support in the fight against climate change.
“This partnership with Desjardins is an essential step for Cycle Momentum,” said Patrick Gagné, CEO of Cycle Momentum. “Together, we’re accelerating the creation of a new generation in climate technology startups coming out of Quebec university research. Desjardins’s commitment shows how important strategic collaborations are for overcoming environmental challenges while also stimulating the local economy.”
“By supporting Cycle Momentum, we’re reaffirming our vision of a sustainable future for Quebec,” said Isabelle Garon, Desjardins’s Executive Vice-President, Marketing, Communications, Cooperation and President’s Office. “We’re not just promoting innovation by investing in climate technologies; we’re also encouraging a new generation of entrepreneurs to build a better world.”
“Lab-à-la-Start-up” project: An innovative and collaborative approach that benefits Quebec
Inspired by internationally-recognized methodologies, the “Lab-à-la-Start-up” project is a first for Quebec. The objective of this project is to quickly generate more climate solutions by collaborating with Quebec universities and research centres to draw on cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial innovation. It aims to become a driving force for creating climate technology businesses while also spotlighting the universities and research centre as sphere of excellence to ultimately help attract new talent to their regions.
The project brings together three key players: 2 Degrés, Cycle Momentum, and IVÉO. Together, they benefit from significant funding provided by the Quebec government through the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie.
About Cycle Momentum
Cycle Momentum is an international acceleration and innovation platform. Since 2015, its mission has been to identify cutting-edge technologies and support their development to address humanity’s major ecological challenges. As a member of the Cycle Capital platform, Cycle Momentum offers programs that support entrepreneurial growth, financing, and commercialization of climate technologies. Cycle Momentum invests through Origo, a co-investment program supported by the Government of Quebec.
For further information (media inquiries only):
Public Relations
514-281-7000 or 1-866-866-7000. ext. 5553436
media@desjardins.com
Cycle Momentum
Thibault Beudin, Communication officer
438-779-7176
tbeudin@cyclemomentum.com