Canada’s Hidden Tech Gem: Inside Québec’s Rapidly Rising Triangle Corridor

Québec has cultivated a strong and dynamic startup ecosystem, fueled by world-class research institutions, government support, supporting organizations and vibrant innovation hubs across the province. Long recognized as a powerhouse in innovation that ranks 39th in the world in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Montréal, the metropolis, is home to approximately 85% of startups in the province. 

But while Montréal may be the province’s best known and largest center for tech and startups, the Triangle Corridor stretching between Montréal, Sherbrooke, and Québec City is home to lesser known but significant clusters of technology and expertise that contribute to a robust and diverse innovation ecosystem. Throughout the province of Québec, there are many ERACs (regional acceleration and growth spaces) that act as innovation leads, specific to regional efforts. Québec’s tight-knit, collaborative ecosystem — amplified by a strong French-speaking culture and a high quality of life — makes it a prime landing zone for tech firms and investors.

The total value of the Montréal startup ecosystem, including the Triangle Corridor’s $2.3 billion contribution, is $28.9 billion. The Corridor’s 35 early-stage funding deals from H2 2022 - 2024 have brought $221 million into the ecosystem, fueling startup growth, attracting top talent, and strengthening the province’s global competitiveness in key innovation sectors.

Québec’s Triangle Corridor: Strengths and Headwinds 

Geographically compact, the corridor provides companies with easy access to a deep pool of highly-educated technical talent and easy networking between clusters. Besides Montréal’s world-class AI talent, the area’s universities have produced a workforce with particular strengths in genomics and quantum computing as well. 

A well-developed network of nonprofits and startup support organizations, including Québec City tech accelerator LE CAMP, Sherbrooke-based technology business incubator-accelerator ACET, and  Montréal-based incubator Centech support companies in the area. 

Québec Tech runs a highly selective program to catalyze high-potential tech startups in the region. “We are very selective and choose to showcase only the best companies,” Richard Chenier, General Manager at Québec Tech, says. “We then put them in the window, producing marketing materials and connecting them globally to fast-track great relationships.”

In 2024, five Québec Tech standout companies were selected and supported. In 2025, 15 more will be selected. They benefit from customized action plans, targeted marketing strategies, and international outreach, resulting in a fivefold increase in media coverage. This hands-on, curated approach gives Québec startups visibility and traction both at home and abroad.

In addition, strong government support further bolsters the larger regional innovation ecosystem. “The economy is tough worldwide, but one big positive in Québec is that our main organizations are well-aligned to tackle different challenges” Chenier reports. “The proximity between government, not-for-profit organizations, and startups is close, with everyone working together to align their strategies to be stronger collectively.”

The regional culture, relatively low cost of living compared to other North American tech hubs, and world famous quality of life provide additional draws. Time Out recognized Montréal as among the 50 best cities in the world in 2025, citing its cultural attractions, including 120 festivals and close to 50 museums.

Québec’s four Innovation Zones — centered around Aerospace, quantum science, semiconductor manufacturing, and Climatetech — serve as strategic hubs that concentrate research, industry, and investment to accelerate the province’s global innovation leadership.

Rooted in collaboration, the zones bring together a unique blend of ecosystem players. Local support organizations like Québec Tech continue to develop and tie together this larger regional innovation cluster.

Advancing the Triangle Corridor

The larger Québec ecosystem consists of four innovation zones with particular specializations in advanced technologies. 

Montréal’s Espace Aéro

Montréal is focused on developing the city’s growing aviation cluster with the Espace Aéro Innovation Zone. Espace Aéro, officialized in 2024, brings together world-leading firms, SMEs, research centers, and academic institutions to drive cutting-edge advancements in aviation and space technologies. What makes Espace Aéro unique is its dense concentration of industry leaders and its collaborative ecosystem that spans the full aerospace value chain. By fostering R&D, accelerating commercialization, and promoting sustainable aviation, Espace Aéro is advancing transformative technologies that position Québec as a global hub for aerospace innovation.

Sherbrooke’s DistriQ

Sherbrooke’s DistriQ Innovation Zone focuses on quantum science and technology, cultivating a highly-collaborative environment that unites academic institutions, startups, and industry partners. Its uniqueness lies in its proximity to cutting-edge research at the Institut quantique de l'Université de Sherbrooke and its commitment to translating breakthroughs into commercial applications. By supporting the development of quantum computing, communications, and sensing technologies, DistriQ is propelling Québec to the forefront of the global quantum race and creating a fertile ground for Deep Tech entrepreneurship.

Bromont’s Technum Québec

Bromont’s Technum Québec Innovation Zone is dedicated to next-generation semiconductor manufacturing and microsystems, anchored by global players and advanced R&D facilities. Its specialization in advanced packaging, microelectromechanical systems, and integration technologies, supported by a strong supply chain and talent pipeline, provide a strong base for sector growth. By accelerating innovation in chip design and fabrication, Technum Québec plays a critical role in reinforcing North America’s semiconductor resilience and positioning Québec as a strategic hub in the global tech ecosystem.

Trois-Rivières’ Energy Transition Valley

Trois-Rivières’ Energy Transition Valley Innovation Zone is focused on clean energy and decarbonization technologies, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and startups to drive sustainable industrial transformation. What sets it apart is its strategic location within a major industrial corridor and its emphasis on applied research in bioenergy, hydrogen, and electrification. Energy Transition Valley is positioning Québec as a key player in the global green economy by fostering innovation in renewable energy solutions and low-carbon manufacturing.

Building a Strong Future

“The four Innovation zones are dedicated to technologies that will have an impact in the future,” says Richard Chenier, General Manager at Québec Tech. “Their main goal is to support, attract, and extend the reputation that we have in Québec in these sub-sectors.” The battery technology-focused cluster in Trois-Rivières, for example, builds on Québec’s global leadership in Cleantech — the province is the number one renewable energy producer in North America.

Meanwhile, the quantum-focused cluster in Sherbrooke exemplifies the power of a high-tech focus to accelerate cluster growth. “Québec is one of the major places in the world for quantum technologies,” Chenier says, and government and key partners from the private sector are supporting the creation of its strategic infrastructure. In 2023, leading French quantum computing company PASQAL announced plans to open a new flagship factory in Sherbrooke to serve as its North American base. 

Low Profile, but High Tech

While the larger Québec ecosystem has many strengths to build on, like many ecosystems around the world, it also faces challenges. The uncertain global economic climate and trade tensions with the U.S. are providing headwinds, but are also pushing the ecosystem to diversify its markets and international connections. This provides opportunities for global players looking for high-tech partners. 

A shortage of investment is another key concern in the Triangle Corridor. “Québec and Canada in general have great people and great investors, but they can’t support all of the companies because there is so much competition. We need more smart money and more local and international investors,” says Chenier. 

The need for additional capital is a concern of founders, but it is an opportunity for investors. Québec offers a rare mix: world-class talent, government backing, a lower cost of living, and emerging leadership in key sectors. For investors, the time to engage is now.