Special Project

PERSÉIS

The Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) and the Mouvement des accélérateurs d'innovation du Québec (MAIN) fund collaborative projects between researchers and entrepreneurs.

Project description

Supporting the environmental and ethical performance of digital start-ups

The digital sector is experiencing rapid growth, but it also generates a significant environmental impact and raises important ethical issues. In 2020, the digital sector already consumed over 5% of the world's primary energy, and some projections estimate that it could account for up to 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.

At the same time, companies are increasingly required to comply with ESG ("Environment, Social, Governance") standards, which are now essential to attract investors. Yet the support tools available are often non-existent, ill-suited to the Quebec context, or ill-adapted to the complex and innovative digital sector.

The project aims to fill this gap by creating a tailored support path and toolbox, enabling digital startups to improve their environmental and ethical performance, while drawing on scientifically robust approaches.

To achieve this, the project brings together researchers, incubators and startups:

  • CIRAIG (UQÀM and Polytechnique), experts in life cycle assessment and sustainable transition
  • HTF, a non-profit organization specializing in practical digital ethics
  • The Zú, Propolys and 2 Degrés incubators, which support innovative startups

Each partner contributes its own expertise, creating a solid bridge between research, entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation.

The "Transition" project

The "Transition" project was born out of the needs of the innovation community, and in particular the 2 Degrés incubator, which initiated the initial discussions. A team of researchers from three universities, as well as two other business gas pedals and incubators - Entrepreneuriat ULaval and Inkub Desjardins - soon joined the project, following the PERSÉIS workshops.

All the partners share a common objective: to link the support of scientific and innovative entrepreneurship in Quebec to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and thus contribute to the socio-ecological transition.

The Transition project takes into account the diversity of support initiatives in Quebec, and seeks to accompany each incubator and startup where it stands in terms of sustainable development, while helping it to progress.

The aim: to collectively accelerate the achievement of the SDGs by 2030, by promoting awareness, understanding and concrete implementation of these goals by incubators and their startups.

Spin-offs for the ecosystem

A more responsible digital world, a stronger ecosystem

Concrete benefits for startups, investors and the entire Quebec digital ecosystem.

Digital startups will benefit from best practices, boosting their competitiveness and positioning them as leaders in sustainable innovation.
The project will contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, in particular: responsible consumption and production, sustainable industry and innovation, and climate action.
It will help attract responsible investment to Quebec.
The recommendations and tools developed can also be used by all digital companies concerned by ethics and sustainability.

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