{"id":8947,"date":"2026-10-27T14:26:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T18:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/?p=8947"},"modified":"2026-10-27T14:33:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T18:33:16","slug":"quebec-rna-therapeutics-ecosystem-arena","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/news-and-events\/quebec-rna-therapeutics-ecosystem-arena\/","title":{"rendered":"Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s RNA therapeutics ecosystem comes together to accelerate growth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On October 22, more than 120 members of the RNA therapeutics ecosystem gathered in Montr\u00e9al for the annual AReNA event. The strong turnout reflects the momentum of this strategic sector and, above all, the importance of collaboration in accelerating its development.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Led by Axelys, CQDM and Montr\u00e9al InVivo, AReNA, Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s RNA Hub, aims to strengthen Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s RNA therapeutics sector by fostering connections, networking and collaboration among ecosystem stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two Years of Building and Growing the RNA Ecosystem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the event, the CEO of CQDM, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/veronique-dugas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">V\u00e9ronique Dugas<\/a>, presented a review of AReNA\u2019s first two years and highlighted the progress achieved collectively in building and growing this strategic ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The evening also provided numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, experts and ecosystem partners to connect and exchange ideas. A pitch competition showcasing five innovative companies, a panel discussion on the key drivers of growth in the RNA sector, and networking activities all helped spark new connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"967\" height=\"935\" data-id=\"8932\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Nanofacile.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8932\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Nanofacile.png 967w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Nanofacile-300x290.png 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Nanofacile-767x742.png 767w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 967px) 100vw, 967px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"660\" data-id=\"8920\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/6-1024x660.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8920\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/6-1024x660.png 1024w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/6-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/6-766x494.png 766w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/6.png 1398w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1157\" height=\"868\" data-id=\"8936\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/7-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8936\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/7-edited.png 1157w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/7-edited-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/7-edited-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/7-edited-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1157px) 100vw, 1157px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"674\" data-id=\"8934\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pitch-1024x674.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8934\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pitch-1024x674.png 1024w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pitch-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pitch-767x505.png 767w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pitch.png 1416w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"8922\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/012-TZA_7929-copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8922\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/012-TZA_7929-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/012-TZA_7929-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/012-TZA_7929-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/012-TZA_7929-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/012-TZA_7929-copy-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"625\" data-id=\"8930\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Panel-2-1024x625.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8930\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Panel-2-1024x625.png 1024w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Panel-2-300x183.png 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Panel-2-766x468.png 766w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Panel-2.png 1297w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beyond Funding: Building a Network as Strong as The Science<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One key message emerged from the discussions: <strong>funding remains essential to the growth of biotechnology companies, but funding alone is not enough.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To support the next generation of Qu\u00e9bec success stories in RNA therapeutics, the ecosystem also needs a critical mass of talent, specialized expertise, complementary partners and more opportunities to connect. <strong>For startups, a strong network can be just as critical to growth as scientific excellence.<\/strong> This statement captures, in editorial form, a central message that emerged from the discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By bringing these strengths together around a shared ambition, AReNA is helping create the conditions for collaboration and the advancement of RNA therapeutics innovation in Qu\u00e9bec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CQDM thanks the speakers, participating companies, partners and all members of the ecosystem who are helping make Qu\u00e9bec a place where <strong>science, expertise, entrepreneurship and collaboration<\/strong> can come together to accelerate the development of RNA therapeutics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arenapole.ca\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about AReNA, Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s RNA Hub<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"660\" data-id=\"8942\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-1024x660.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8942\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-1024x660.png 1024w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-768x495.png 768w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1.png 1537w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"677\" data-id=\"8938\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2-1024x677.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8938\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2-1024x677.png 1024w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2-767x507.png 767w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2.png 1530w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" data-id=\"8944\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/3-1024x679.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8944\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/3-1024x679.png 1024w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/3-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/3-767x509.png 767w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/3.png 1533w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"560\" data-id=\"8940\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/4-1024x560.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8940\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/4-1024x560.png 1024w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/4-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/4-766x419.png 766w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/4.png 1423w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On October 22, more than 120 members of the RNA therapeutics ecosystem gathered in Montr\u00e9al for the annual AReNA event. The strong turnout reflects the momentum of this strategic sector and, above all, the importance of collaboration in accelerating its development. Led by Axelys, CQDM and Montr\u00e9al InVivo, AReNA, Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s RNA Hub, aims to strengthen&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8948,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8947","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","category-our-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8947","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8947"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8947\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8950,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8947\/revisions\/8950"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8948"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8947"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8947"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8947"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}