For the occasion, none other than Bernard Landry, former premier of Québec and an adjunct professor in the Department of Mathematical and Industrial Engineering at Polytechnique, and Lorne M. Trottier, co-founder and President of Matrox, discussed the issue of innovating in Québec and succeeding internationally. Drawing on their expertise, they spoke in turn to highlight the importance of the next generation of entrepreneurs.

"I want to talk to you about an extraordinary adventure: the Québec economy," Mr. Landry said at the beginning of his speech. He painted a picture of the Québec economy of the past and present, referring to key periods such as the Quiet Revolution. He also emphasized the importance of culture: "I have never thought that the economy was the primary value of a nation. It's culture that saves us, just as culture has saved our national adventure." Mr. Landry took the opportunity to address the many students in attendance, telling them that the most important elements in creating wealth comes from three sectors: science, technology and education.

Mr. Bernard Landry, former premier of Québec and an adjunct professor in the Department of Mathematical and Industrial Engineering at Polytechnique

Mr. Trottier spoke next, explaining the history of the company he founded in 1976. Matrox has become a true industry leader in the field of hardware and software solutions. Mr. Trottier shared the keys to his success with the students in the audience: "Having a good idea to start with, aiming for underdeveloped segments, targeting outside markets, holding both technological competence and creativity, working hard, continually innovating, keeping up good annual profitability, and lastly, having a bit of luck."

M. Lorne M. Trottier, co-founder and President of Matrox

Thierry Warin, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering and the person responsible for the three orientations of Ingénieur manager, said he is happy with the contribution that the Ingénieur manager program makes to the training of future engineers: "Ingénieur manager is a strength at Polytechnique."

Luckily, Polytechnique students who have business ambitions don't have to go far to get relevant training. The Ingénieur manager program gives students in all undergraduate engineering programs the opportunity to complete their specialty training while learning more about the world of management by choosing one of three proposed orientations: technological innovation, management tools or international projects. These 12-credit options aim to help future engineers to acquire managerial skills and knowledge.


To find out more about these opportunities, click here.