It was in 1991 that I joined École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) as a professor. Over the course of my teaching career, through the development of my research career and now, as CEO of ÉTS since 2019, I have been able to truly appreciate the extent to which this institution has evolved to become a major player in terms of innovation in Québec.

At ÉTS. training focuses on a unique learning experience provides our students with an opportunity to expand their horizons, develop ideas and explore new perspectives as they contribute to creating value for society. From undergraduate studies all the way to the incubation of start-up companies at Centech – which is ranked by UBI among the top 10 university business incubators in the world – and including the many student science clubs and true entrepreneurship and innovation laboratories, students at ÉTS are entering the world of high-level applied research and working in collaboration with industry, and quickly taking advantage of these newly created ties.

60% of our research activities at ÉTS are conducted in collaboration with organizations and companies located in Québec, in Canada and around the world, which goes a long way toward positioning ÉTS among the leading Canadian universities in terms of research intensity.

My own experience in research and in designing telecommunication systems has led to the establishment of close ties with businesses. Through careful attention, I have cultivated personal relationships, along with sustainable and renewable initiatives, with each of these industrial partners.

When it comes to ÉTS, my vision prioritizes personal interaction and synergy to accomplish our mission in connection with the technological and economic development of Québec. My goal is to guide ÉTS toward a significant and sustainable enhancement of its ecosystem of innovation. As we approach our 50th anniversary, we find ourselves entrusted by the Québec Government with the
creation of a unique entrepreneurial innovation space that will bring together key players in the incubation sector. This space, known as Ax-C, will constitute both the incarnation of our vision and a springboard for increasing and expanding the commitment that ÉTS has made to society as a whole.