Gatineau invests $500,000 into CILEX partnership

The City of Gatineau has signed a formal agreement with the Language Technologies Research Centre (CILEX). 

A local non-profit company, CILEX acts as both an in-person consultant as well as an online incubation centre which promotes technological innovation in local start-ups and pre-established businesses.

Funding of $500,000 will be provided over a five-year period to consolidate the business incubation and accelerate services provided to assist local start-ups.

CILEX will help small businesses that may not have the financial means to develop and validate proper business models, establish financing programs, and assist in the presentation of preliminary work as well general research and development. Training and consulting services in legal, accounting, financial and technical fields as well as in intellectual property management will also be provided.

Local entrepreneurs will be able to propose their ideas to the firm in an attempt to obtain additional support and financing. Partnership agreements have already been concluded with UQO, Cégep de l’Outaouais and Heritage College to provide a common incubation structure and services.

“The City of Gatineau is supporting the establishment of an incubator and accelerator for start-ups and businesses on its territory. In fact, by adopting its program, the city council provides strong and innovative leadership in terms of economic development on its territory,” said councillor and co-Chair of the Economic Development Commission, Jean-François LeBlanc.

While touching upon local business, the city’s deal with the non-profit has a particular focus on the field of cyber-security.

According to Alain Bernardi, CEO of CILEX, “Gatineau is currently attempting to establish itself as a powerhouse in cyber-security and cyber-forensics and this deal will assist and attract entrepreneurs in an attempt to establish the city as a hotbed in said field.”

The memorandum of understanding concluded between Gatineau and the research and development specialist will be ratified at a future council meeting.