AÉRO MONTRÉAL APPLAUDS MEASURES PROPOSED IN THE QUÉBEC RESEARCH AND INNOVATION STRATEGY

$100 million for the super-cluster in artificial intelligence

Montréal, May 12, 2017 — Aéro Montréal, Québec’s aerospace cluster, today welcomed the measures unveiled in the just-released report on the Québec Research and Innovation Strategy (QRIS). These measures include $585 million for additional initiatives by 2021-22.

Of this amount, $267.1 million will be allocated for research and innovation initiatives. Another $100 million will be earmarked for the development of the super-cluster in artificial intelligence. The super-cluster will have five areas of intervention: talent attraction and retention; consolidation of the critical mass of world-class researchers; a favourable business environment; company start-ups and access to venture capital; and social acceptability of artificial intelligence.

“Advances in artificial intelligence make up part of the opportunities that companies need to seize. To ensure their leading position in global markets, our companies must adapt and invest to offer increasingly innovative solutions and products,” explains Suzanne M. Benoît, President of Aéro Montréal. “Montréal is already positioned as the epicentre in terms of artificial intelligence. Accordingly, Aéro Montréal, an industry-led think tank, is positioning itself as a key player in the operation of this super cluster to provide our companies with all the support they will need to face these new challenges.”

The aerospace sector generated sales of $14.4 billion in 2016 and is comprised of more than 200 specialized companies. More than 70% of Canadian aerospace R&D is performed in the Greater Montréal area. Finally, with approximately 80% of aerospace production exported from Canada, our industry is Québec’s biggest industrial exporter and ranks among the leaders in the global market. “Government support is necessary to maintain this leadership and ensure that our innovative companies and future jewels can achieve real growth,” concludes Ms. Benoît.

About Aéro Montréal
Created in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that groups all major decision makers in Québec’s aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, as well as associations and unions.
Aéro Montréal’s mission is to engage Québec's aerospace cluster with a view to increasing its growth and expansion on the global scene. Its vision is to become a benchmark in global aerospace. To this end, it champions the following values: excellence, engagement, collaboration, versatility and innovation.

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Gwenaël Brisé
Manager, Communications and Media Relations
Aéro Montréal
Off.: 514 987-9395 | cell.: 438 497-3857
gwenael.brise@aeromontreal.ca