What if the next major breakthroughs in diagnostics and therapeutics were shaped right here in Quebec, through meaningful connections, shared ideas and ambitious collaborations? On October 22, 2026, AReNA, Pôle ARN du Québec, will bring together the driving forces of the RNA ecosystem at the Grande Bibliothèque de Montréal (BAnQ) for its annual event, under the theme From Action to Collective Impact.
Researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, industry partners, support organizations and public-sector decision-makers will come together around a shared ambition: turning scientific excellence into real-world benefits for health, innovation and society.
On the program: a look back at AReNA’s first two years; the launch of new initiatives; a strategic panel moderated by Benoit Larose, CEO of BioQuébec; a 180-second pitch competition spotlighting five emerging Quebec companies; a presentation of a ROBIC study on oligonucleotide therapeutic delivery; and a networking cocktail to spark new connections.
The panel will bring together leaders advancing RNA, from fundamental research to the development of innovative companies: Mike Zimmer, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at RNA4RARE Therapeutics; Vince Forgetta, PhD, Chief Information and Bioinformatics Officer at 5 Prime Sciences; Éric Lécuyer, PhD, Principal Investigator and Director of the RNA Biology Research Unit at Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM); and Inès Holzbaur, PhD, Founder and Managing Partner at AmorChem. Together, they will explore the levers, strategic choices and challenges that can position Quebec among the world’s RNA leaders.
The pitch competition will showcase five promising companies from the RNA ecosystem. In just 180 seconds, each team will aim to capture the audience’s attention and present its vision, technology and potential to key life sciences stakeholders: Espoir Biosciences represented by Gilles Tossing, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer; Eder Therapeutics represented by Jared Rhines, Founder and CEO; RNOVA Tx represented by Sima Al Atout, PhD, Researcher; Sparx Genomics represented by Eloi Gagnon, Founder and CEO and Nanofacile represented by Ruben Lopez, Founder and CEO. The winning company will gain access to BIO International 2027 in Philadelphia, a unique opportunity to bring Quebec innovation to the international stage.
Join us to help accelerate the path from discovery to application, to support emerging companies and strengthen collaboration.
📅 Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 5 p.m.
📍 Location: Grande Bibliothèque de BAnQ, Montréal
🙏 Thank you to the Government of Quebec for its financial support and to Gowling WLG for sponsoring this event.
