On May 30, 2024, from 8:00 am to 11:30 am, we had the pleasure of organizing a joint event with BioQuébec. For the occasion, we welcomed a prestigious discussion panel featuring Benoit Larose, CEO of BioQuébec, Véronique Dugas, Vice-President of CQDM, Claude Leduc, CEO of RNA Technologies and Yvan Côté, CEO of Neopharm.
Laurent Lecanu, Director of Business Development, Pharma Division, was also on hand to lead the discussion on the strategic use of non-dilutive financial levers available in Quebec and Canada to grow and anchor life sciences companies in Quebec.
The questions posed by the audience gave rise to very constructive and fruitful discussions: from concerns about the difficulty of navigating the murky waters of funding opportunities, to the absence of a program that would fund 100% of a given project, to the evolution of the SR&ED program.
Concluding remarks underlined the need for biotech/pharmaceutical/medical companies to make IP strategy and use the SR&ED Tax Credit Program a top priority. And despite the obstacles identified, the multiplicity and depth of funding programs, Quebec is both a unique and attractive location.
To illustrate this, Laurent Lecanu posed the following question: “I know the answer, but I have to ask if there’s reason to be optimistic about the life sciences industry in Quebec”.
The panelists unanimously answered “Yes”. Like them, he shares this opinion: “Quebec has all the resources – human, scientific, manufacturing and logistical – to become a major player in innovation and a key partner in the international life sciences sector. If you are developing an R&D project in the life sciences sector, contact our experts to find out which programs are eligible for your company.“
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Find out more about our speakers:
Benoit Larose: Benoit is the Chief Executive Officer of BIOQuébec, the association representing the life sciences industry in Quebec. With over 35 years of experience in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical technologies, he has held several leadership roles, including at Medtech Canada. He holds an MBA from HEC Montréal and is recognized for his expertise in strategic development, government relations, and healthcare innovation.
Véronique Dugas: Véronique is the President and CEO of CQDM, a non-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium. She holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Université de Montréal and an MBA from ESG-UQAM. With recognized expertise in biomedical innovation and collaborative research funding, she assumed leadership of CQDM in April 2025 after holding various executive roles within the organization. Her contributions include strategic initiatives such as the Health Collaboration Acceleration Fund (FACS) and the development of Quebec’s RNA hub.
Claude Leduc: Claude is the Co-founder, President, and CEO of RNA Technologies & Therapeutics Inc., a Montreal-based company specializing in the design and production of messenger RNA (mRNA) for innovative therapeutic applications. With over 38 years of international experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, he has held leadership positions at companies such as Syntex Labs, Serono Labs, Biomatrix, and Genzyme Biosurgery. A serial entrepreneur, Claude has led multiple startup ventures, raising over $70 million to support projects in regenerative medicine and biopolymers. Under his leadership, RNA T&T plays a pivotal role in advancing RNA-based therapeutic solutions in Quebec.
Yvan Côté: Yvan is an experienced executive in the life sciences sector, with over 30 years of expertise in laboratory services, genetics, and business development. He has held leadership positions at Dynacare and Neopharm Labs, and currently serves as President and CEO of C3i Center, a Quebec-based health innovation hub. Known for his strategic leadership, he also sits on the board of the Association des microbiologistes du Québec.
