We're back from Collision 2023, and we'd like to share our thoughts with you

We had the opportunity to participate in Collision as part of the Québec investment delegation, which was made up of startups and partners from Québec. Once we got off the bus (organized by Startup Montréal), all that was left to do was immerse ourselves in the excitement of the business world.

The Quebec booth at Collision 2023.

Collision is one of the most dynamic events for businesses, bringing together speakers, media, and tech companies from all over the world. For three days, in the heart of Toronto, more than 36,000 people gather in one place to network, find inspiration, and learn.

We spoke with nearly a hundred Quebec startups, hoping to convince as many as possible of their growth potential. And we can confirm: there are plenty ofpromising companies out there!

Quebec talent truly shone during a pitch session organized by Investissement Québec, featuring 10 participating startups. The jury—composed of CIBC Innovation, Mars, and Boreal Ventures—named Haply Robotics the winner 🎉.

Haply Robotics won the pitch competition.
We should also mention two startups that made it to the semifinals of the pitch competition organized by Collision: Acrylic Robotics and Vope Medical.

For people working at a company, Collision is a whirlwind of encounters of all kinds. Whether or not we participate in the organized pitches, we always have to be ready to describe our project… often in well under a minute. In short, everyone wants to get to know each other, and no one wants to waste their time listening to yet another pitch filled with the same buzzwords.

This influx of people and quick conversations, however, comes with an unforeseen factor: the noise, which is constant. Let’s just say that the hustle and bustle of Toronto city life seemed like birdsong compared to the constant pounding on the floor of the expo.

Beyond mental preparation, having the right gear is crucial: comfortable walking shoes will be your best allies as you tackle your 20,000 daily steps. And why not bring some earplugs to block out the ambient noise?

The booth is essential for ensuring visibility and a steady stream of new visitors. However, the majority of exhibitors we spoke with told us the same thing: it was the off-site events that stood out the most. Masterclasses, networking cocktail parties, after-hours parties, the Collision mobile app, the (all-too-long) lines for coffee, the food truck, the bar, or even the walk back to the hotel: each of these occasions provided opportunities for meeting people and networking. We should also mention the partners’ exclusive evening events, which are sure to yield fruitful conversations.

There was talent galore.

Joining an organized trade mission like the one organized by Investissement Québec significantly increases our chances of success. The connections we make are business relationships that often develop into meaningful personal relationships.

In fact, we noticed that companies participating through their accelerator were more likely to succeed and connect with the right people. We also had the opportunity to discuss Quebec’s various support programs with companies that came to Collision on their own. Let’s hope this leads to some great collaborations!

Networking, networking, and more networking!

After all, there are a staggering number of organizations that guide businesses at various stages and for various reasons. Not taking advantage of this to accelerate growth would be a missed opportunity.

At Collision, we discovered that many regions around the world were there to showcase their successful companies. Talent is everywhere, and we learned even more about how to grow a startup ecosystem. But here in Quebec, we have an undeniable advantage: our strong collaborative network.

and we were delighted to see this network shine at the Quebec Pavilion.

So, will we see each other again at Collision 2024?

A classic: a team photo in front of the crash barrier.

— Guillaume and Merryl @ Collision 2023