Strategic initiatives led by CQDM
In addition to its training and funding support for numerous R&D projects, CQDM also plays a crucial role in the design and implementation of several major strategic initiatives, thus significantly contributing to the development and influence of biopharmaceutical research in Quebec. In particular, these initiatives include:
- The launch of the mobilizing project Quebec – Innovation Hub for RNA-Based Therapies
- The creation of CATALIS to promote clinical research in Quebec
- Fonds d’accélération des collaborations en santé (FACS)
The launch of the mobilizing project Quebec – Innovation Hub for RNA-Based Therapies
On April 30, 2024, Quebec’s minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy (MEIE) announced funding of $20.3 M to support a mobilizing project of a total value of close to $40 M, which will allow a new industrial sector to be developed in the field of RNA-based therapies. The creation of AReNA, the RNA Hub in Quebec, is included among the 5 initiatives supported within the framework of the mobilizing project. AReNA brings together the main actors in the life sciences sector and aims to quickly promote and showcase all stakeholders involved in the RNA-based therapy sector in Quebec, at the provincial, national and international level.
AReNA’s mission consists of gathering, supporting and promoting key skills in the academic and industrial fields, in order to create a dynamic and integrated ecosystem, conducive to developing innovations. For more information, go to the website for AReNA, Quebec’s RNA-based Therapy Hub: www.arenapole.ca
Discover the call for solutions by the CELLULE. This new approach to supporting and funding innovations will accelerate the development of highly promising technologies with the potential to address critical industrial challenges that currently hinder the development and use of RNA therapies. The proposed technologies must specifically address the identified industrial challenges and meet the defined minimum performance criteria.
Creation of CATALIS
In 2017, CQDM launched the CATALIS initiative with the ambitious aim of placing Quebec at the forefront of clinical research around the world. Since its creation, CATALIS has played an essential role in mobilizing and coordinating various stakeholders, such as healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical businesses, patient associations, and patient partners. Together, they have identified challenges and implemented solutions to optimize the clinical research environment in Quebec, with the main objective of maximizing private investment and facilitating the development of innovative patient care.
Since 2019, CATALIS has evolved to become an independent entity, at the heart of which CQDM remains closely involved as a founding member on the Board of Directors. CATALIS continues to play a key role in advancing Quebec’s position as world leader in the field of clinical research, working for patients and the population of Quebec. With support from the Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy of the government of Quebec, as well as several larges pharmaceutical businesses, CATALIS works to create a positive environment in which to facilitate and simplify access to clinical trials in Quebec. For more information, go to the Catalis website: www.catalisquebec.com
Fonds d’accélération des collaborations en santé (FACS)
he 2017–2027 Quebec Life Sciences Strategy has enabled 75 million dollars in funding to be used within the framework of the Fonds d’accélération des collaborations en santé (FACS). This fund is aimed at supporting ambitious and strategic initiatives, which strive for collaboration between public and private partners and encourage players in the ecosystem to combine their efforts to build on each of their strengths. In addition, FACS projects contribute to making the life sciences sector in Quebec more competitive, particularly in some niches of excellence for Quebec, such as artificial intelligence, cancer, cardiology, infectious diseases, and neurosciences. The predicted benefits for Quebec include:
- Influencing public infrastructures, healthcare, and education.
- Improving efficiency in the health and social services network.
- Developing new concepts, products, tools, methods, practices, services or collaboration models for the benefit of the life sciences, healthcare system, and social services ecosystem, as well as Quebec’s economy.
- Increasing private investments in Quebec.
- Creating value and wealth for Quebec.
To view the list of recipients of FACS calls for proposal, click here.