2 Degrés, Cycle Momentum and Vallée de la Transition Énergétique join forces to accelerate the energy transition.

A unique initiative in Quebec: Launch of an energy transition continuum to propel 100 innovative startups in 3 years

2 Degrés, Cycle Momentum and Vallée de la Transition Énergétique (VTE) are proud to announce the launch of an energy transition continuum, a first-of-its-kind initiative exclusive to Quebec that tackles the challenges of the energy transition head-on.

This continuum brings together the complementary expertise of three key players in the industry: 2 Degrés, a cleantech incubator, Cycle Momentum, a cleantech gas pedal, and Vallée de la Transition Énergétique, an energy transition innovation zone. It follows on from the funding announced last year for the Cleantech Consortium, supported by 2 Degrés, Cycle Momentum and IVÉO, by adding concrete, measurable advances with high impact potential.

Thanks to a collaborative model, this strategic partnership aims to help 100 innovative technology startups emerge over a three-year period, through a comprehensive support chain ranging from the laboratory to marketing and investment. This integrated, concrete and structuring approach has been made possible by the support already confirmed for the partner organizations by the governments of Quebec and Canada.

By pooling their resources, the three organizations are helping to stimulate the creation of innovative startups, accelerate the commercialization of their solutions, and generate significant environmental and economic benefits for the whole of Quebec.

"Today, more than ever, we need to join forces and establish strategic partnerships to better meet the challenges of the energy transition. By pooling their expertise, these three key industry players are helping to create an ecosystem conducive to the innovation and commercialization of clean technology solutions, such as batteries. This sector remains a priority for our government, and today's announcement demonstrates that it is still a growth sector." -Christine Fréchette, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region

"VTE is proud to join forces with 2 Degrés and Cycle Momentum to launch this high-potential Energy Transition Continuum. This initiative takes an integrated, collaborative approach to entrepreneurial support, financing and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure. With this Continuum, we wanted to offer a structured pathway to support energy transition entrepreneurship, foster innovation from idea to market, and create collective wealth for Quebec." -Alain Lemieux, General Manager, Vallée de la Transition Énergétique

A program to accelerate the creation of research-based startups

The first component of the Cleantech Consortium, run jointly by 2 Degrés, Cycle Momentum and IVÉO, the Lab-à-Startup program aims to create companies from research.

This program identifies and validates promising research projects in terms of environmental and economic impact, and aims to turn them into viable, successful businesses. By pairing researchers with highly experienced entrepreneurs, the program accelerates the transition from research to market.

An incubation program dedicated to energy transition startups

The incubation program run by 2 Degrés will support startups from the earliest stages of their development: ideation, market validation, prototyping and initial testing. With specialized, personalized support, access to industry experts and a co-creative environment, startups will be positioned to build a solid foundation.

"A partnership that gives a big boost to the growth of startups and the creation of a strong ecosystem focused on energy transition throughout Quebec. In perfect alignment with our mission at 2 Degrés, this structuring collaboration reinforces the importance of coming together to meet today's challenges and opportunities. Today, by joining forces in this way, we categorically reject status quo and silos. Together, we are creating a unique continuum and enabling even more energy transition companies to be born, to take root, to grow and to transform Quebec." -Alexandre Guindon, General Manager and Founder, 2 Degrés

An acceleration program for scaling up

Cycle Momentum's acceleration program will support companies ready for growth by accelerating their seed phase, while providing them with appropriate financing, in collaboration with its partner funds.

"This partnership embodies our ambition to specialize our approach around themes close to key industries in Quebec. As VTE focuses on hydrogen and the industrial decarbonization of heavy transportation, the battery industry and the electrification of transportation, we will concentrate on solutions capable of transforming Quebec's energy future." -Patrick Gagné, President and CEO, Cycle Momentum

About Cycle Momentum

Cycle Momentum is an international acceleration and innovation platform bringing together entrepreneurs, companies, investors and innovators. Our mission is to enable the identification and development of cutting-edge technologies to combat the climate crisis. As a member of the Cycle Capital platform, Cycle Momentum offers entrepreneurs acceleration programs to support their growth. We also offer investment and collaboration opportunities through our extensive network of investors and industry partners.

About Energy Transition Valley

The Vallée de la Transition Énergétique (VTE) is an innovation zone that aims to create a world-class ecosystem of collaborative research and innovation in the energy sectors of batteries, electrification of transportation, hydrogen, and decarbonization of industrial ports and heavy transportation. This development is achieved by bringing together entrepreneurs, industrialists, municipalities and the world of knowledge in attractive, sustainable living environments in Trois-Rivières, Bécancour and Shawinigan.