Back to news

January 23, 2019 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

Innovative Quebec start-ups are invited to participate in the CED Fast Forward Challenge

The Government of Canada will award up to $500,000 to innovative Quebec start-ups

January 23, 2019 – Montréal, QuebecCanada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The audacity and ingenuity of young innovative entrepreneurs is key in propelling Quebec into the economy of tomorrow.

It is for this reason that the Government of Canada is launching a new initiative today aimed at helping these young entrepreneurs realize their business projects: the CED Fast Forward Challenge. The Challenge will allow dynamic young entrepreneurs to seize opportunities presented by ever-changing economic and technological conditions.

The Challenge is being launched today by the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Gr'ce—Westmount, who is extending an invitation to young people across Quebec who have entrepreneurial flair and who work in the high-tech sector to submit their business plans to Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) between February 8 and April 1, 2019.

In May 2019, 20 finalists will be invited to present the most promising projects to a panel of experts. The 10 businesses with the best projects will each receive a $50,000 award to carry out their business projects.

Details regarding the Challenge can be found at canada.ca/ced-fast-forward-challenge.

Quotes

“Talent, particularly entrepreneurial talent, is a great resource. We aim to foster the emergence of new businesses by investing directly in the development of Quebecers' talent and skills. Through this initiative, our government will help young people from across Quebec launch their businesses and make their projects a reality.”

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Gr'ce—Westmount and Minister of Transport

“Initiatives such as the CED Fast Forward Challenge give innovative businesses the boost they need to carry out their projects. Through its Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions, the Government of Canada has adopted an ambitious approach aimed at stimulating innovation and growth for everyone. It represents a firm commitment to contribute to the development of a culture of innovation and, ultimately, the creation of more quality jobs for Quebecers.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

  • Today's announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.

  • The CED Fast Forward Challenge is an initiative that stems from the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions. Spearheaded by CED, and involving the participation of other federal departments, the Strategy targets 4 priorities and 14 areas of intervention aimed at fostering the adoption and development of innovative practices and ensuring the inclusive growth of all the Quebec regions.

  • The funding was provided under CED's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. For more information about CED and its priorities, refer to the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.ced-dec.gc.ca.

  • For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action targeting the growth of Quebec's regions and businesses.

https://www.canada.ca/en/economic-development-quebec-regions/news/2019/01/innovative-quebec-start-ups-are-invited-to-participate-in-the-ced-fast-forward-challenge.html

On the same subject

  • DEFENDING DEMOCRACY EVENT SUMMARY - Confronting Cyber Threats

    February 4, 2019 | Local, C4ISR

    DEFENDING DEMOCRACY EVENT SUMMARY - Confronting Cyber Threats

    Over the past decade, the cyber security of elections and democratic institutions has become a critical issue both at home and globally. Canadian elections have proved to be relatively robust so far. Be that as it may, in 2017 Canada's Communications Security Establishment reported a series of major threats to the country's electoral system, including media manipulation and data privacy. Moreover, the urgency of addressing cyber security is clear from incidences of interference in countries as diverse as the United States, Kenya, Estonia and Latvia. This day-long workshop sponsored by the Royal Military College of Canada, SERENE-RISC, the CDA Institute and the Telfer School brought scholars and experts in the field together at the University of Ottawa to explore the range of security challenges posed by new and emerging technology, what solutions are out there and what role Canada's defence community can play in combating these new threats. The CDA Institute provided rapporteurs to record the day's proceedings and their summaries can be found here. https://cdainstitute.ca/17931/

  • Gen. Eyre: Liberals provided more money to military, so it’s time to push a more positive message

    June 23, 2024 | Local, Land

    Gen. Eyre: Liberals provided more money to military, so it’s time to push a more positive message

    Wayne Eyre tells officers a new PR strategy should push positive message about Canadian Forces because of a funding boost from government.

  • Government of Canada announces information technology investment for Canada's military

    January 30, 2019 | Local, C4ISR

    Government of Canada announces information technology investment for Canada's military

    Three contracts to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' integrated IT systems OTTAWA, Jan. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is providing its women and men in uniform with the equipment they need to do their jobs and protect Canadians, while maximizing economic benefits to Canadians. Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, has awarded three contracts, with a combined value of $621.5 million, to General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada. The contracts will provide support over five years for the Land Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (LC4ISR) system. The Canadian Army depends on these communications and information systems to inform and direct land operations. This includes: Cyber Security Engineering Support: contract valued at up to $56.5 million to support the protection of data information systems from theft and damage to the information they contain Engineering and Integration Support: contract valued at up to $367.25 million to fully integrate the LC4ISR system Transition Software Support: contract valued at up to $197.75 million to provide software support that helps integrate various data points, such as GPS-based position reporting, into a single system to allow for timely and informed decision-making The three contracts combined will help sustain approximately 494 highly skilled jobs in Ottawa, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta. Quotes "These contracts are yet another example of how our government is building a more agile, better-equipped military, while providing meaningful economic opportunities for Canadian businesses. The Canadian Armed Forces carry out important missions on behalf of all Canadians and require the latest technologies to better understand their operating environment and to detect incoming threats." The Honourable Carla Qualtrough Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility "Through our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, we are ensuring that our women and men in uniform are well equipped to do the important work we ask of them. The LC4ISR system is a foundational component by which Canadian Army troops stay in touch with each other, our allies and headquarters. These contracts are about ensuring the Canadian Army has what it needs to successfully carry out operations both now and into the future." The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan Minister of National Defence "These defence contracts will bring highly skilled jobs and foster economic benefits to Canadians while supporting the operations of the Canadian Army. These investments exemplify our commitment to deliver on the vital goals set out in Strong, Secure, Engaged." Chandra Arya Member of Parliament for Nepean "Our government is ensuring that Canadians have the support they need to access highly skilled jobs and to benefit from a prosperous economy. These contracts will enhance equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces, increase skills development and grow Key Industrial Capabilities in cyber resilience." The Honourable Navdeep Bains Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Quick facts The Canadian Army's LC4ISR capability is a highly integrated tactical system comprised of interconnected networks of digital communications and information systems that primarily support the Land Forces in operations. These contracts were awarded through fair, open and transparent procurement processes. The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to these projects, creating jobs and supporting key industrial capabilities in Canada. Related products National Defence's Defence Capabilities Blueprint website Tender notice – LC4ISR – Cyber Security Engineering Support Tender notice – LC4ISR – Engineering and Integration Support Tender notice – LC4ISR – Transition Software Support Defence Procurement Strategy Investing in the Canadian Armed Forces Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-announces-information-technology-investment-for-canada-s-military-816325030.html

All news