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The Government of Québec is investing nearly $42 million in AgTech incubator Zone AgTech to establish an innovation centre in L’Assomption, a city approximately 50 kilometres north-east of Montréal. 

Zone AgTech said the funding will facilitate the creation of the new innovation center as well as the relocation of its activities from Carrefour Industriel et Experimental de Lanaudière (CIEL), a research hub specializing in the integrated management of horticultural crop pests in operation. 

CIEL board president Michel Faford said the new facilities will consolidate its research capabilities and intensify its reach into the agricultural industry. 

The new innovation centre will include laboratories, technological workshops, conference rooms, and training rooms, to innovative companies in Québec, Zone AgTech said in a statement. There will also be specialized infrastructure and equipment for research and development, such as growth chambers, wet labs, and drones. 

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In a statement, André Lamontagne, Québec’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, said the centre is aimed at responding to key challenges in the agriculture sector, including the fight against harmful pests and the availability of essential cultivated plants to adapt to climate change.

Zone AgTech says it has supported the technological development of over 150 Québec companies in the agricultural and plant bioproducts sector. The incubator looks to improve the economic and environmental performance of agriculture with a focus on technologies for indoor production and field crops, such as vertical farming, aquaponics, or autonomous robots. 

Companies working in Zone AgTech have access to experimental greenhouses and plots, real condition demonstration zones, and personalized consulting services and networking activities through its incubator space in L’Assomption. Zone AgTech counts Québec research centres, universities, and accelerators among its partners, including cleantech accelerator Cycle Momentum. 

Zone AgTech says the new facility will be used to accelerate startups with specialized training and innovation programs, showcase new technology to help transition solutions to agricultural producers, and host international buyers. 

Feature image courtesy Zone AgTech.