momentumPI: Making intellectual property a driver of growth for Quebec startups

This morning, the Mouvement des accélérateurs d’innovation du Québec (MAIN) presented the terms and conditions of the momentumPIservice, offered in collaboration with Axelys and Quebec accelerators and incubators. Made possible by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's ÉleverlaPIprogram,momentumPIwill provide support to high-growth potential companies with intellectual property (IP) needs.

By March 2026, MAIN plans to roll out nearly 1,000 IP interventions that will enable at least 600 startups to develop an IP strategy or implement part of one at low cost. The service also plans to conduct awareness-raising and training activities on the issues and challenges of intellectual property management for businesses and support organizations.

The creation of customized intellectual property strategies, closely aligned with business strategy, is a key ingredient in the success of our companies. momentumPIwill help make intellectual property a true driver of growth, far beyond a simple defense mechanism.

Partnerships for optimal support and guidance for businesses

To carry out this ambitious project, MAIN is drawing on the existing skills and capabilities within Quebec's innovation ecosystem. First and foremost, its partnership with Axelys, a company responsible for accelerating the development, IP management, and transfer of high-potential innovations from public research in Quebec, will enable it to offer strategy creation services to a large number of companies across all sectors.

In addition, following a public call for proposals, four consortiums of accelerators and incubators have been granted partner status to ensure the effective delivery of momentumPIservices to businesses in certain strategic sectors:

• life sciences and health technologies, led by Montréal InVivo;
• cultural and creative industries, tourism, and sports, led by MT Lab, La Piscine, and Mont X;
• environment and clean technologies, led by the 2 Degrees incubator in partnership with Cycle Momentum;
• deeptech, led by INO/Quantino—this consortium will help make Quebec a true center of excellence in advanced technologies.

MAIN will also collaborate with selected accelerators and generalist incubators that support a large volume of companies, so that the momentumPI service fits naturally into the startup support pathway and builds on existing intellectual property resources.

For more information about the momentumPIservice and its potential impact on your business or support organization, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Quotes

Investing in intellectual property and innovation is crucial to propelling our economy to new heights. By supporting businesses in creating strong intellectual property strategies, we are strengthening our economy for the long term while paving the way for sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness for our Canadian businesses," said the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

"Axelys is proud to collaborate with momentumPI. Startups and SMEs with a well-established intellectual property strategy are more competitive, export more, and have access to greater financing. Supporting this approach is not enough; it must be closely integrated into the company's business model. One cannot be worked on without the other, which is the basis of the support Axelys offers," Jesse Vincent-Herscovici, President and CEO, Axelys.

"The rollout of momentumPI continues MAIN's commitment to encouraging collaboration and the pooling of resources and targets among players in Quebec's startup ecosystem. By working together and focusing specifically on intellectual property, we will give wings to more than 600 companies with strong growth potential, while strengthening our front lines of service, particularly in key innovation sectors. Collective action allows us to imagine even more ambitious support to ensure the long-term success of Quebec startups on the international stage," said Louis-Félix Binette, Executive Director of MAIN.