Polytechnique Montréal is strengthening its ability to turn research into impactful innovations by partnering with California-based global deep tech venture capital firm Celesta Capital. This strategic collaboration will provide research teams and emerging startups at Polytechnique with the tools they need to confidently navigate the long road to technology commercialization. 

The partnership agreement, signed jointly by Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Montréal, and Celesta Capital, aligns directly with the engineering school’s mission to transform research into concrete technological solutions. By sharing its expertise with Polytechnique teams, the venture capital firm will act as a catalyst to support the development and market transfer of projects stemming from Polytechnique’s research efforts. 

With more than 100 investments in early-stage technologies since its founding in 2013, Celesta Capital is partnering with Polytechnique Montréal as it prepares to expand its activities in Canada, including the upcoming creation of its first Canadian fund of $300 million. In this context, Polytechnique Montréal and Université de Montréal join McMaster University in Hamilton among Celesta’s canadian partners. 

According to François Bertrand, Director of Research and Innovation at Polytechnique Montréal, Celesta Capital’s expertise will complement the school’s already conducive innovation and entrepreneurship environment as exemplified by its research commercialization team and Propolys which is Polytechnique Montréal’s very own technology entrepreneurship incubator. “We are convinced that the human and financial contribution of Celesta Capital’s teams will serve as a powerful lever to accelerate the emergence of major innovations and amplify business success stories from Polytechnique,” he said, adding that the upcoming launch of the Lassonde Deeptech Institute will soon create an additional pool of promising projects that will benefit greatly from Celesta’s involvement. 

In a context where Quebec still struggles to convert discoveries into commercialized innovations, this agreement addresses a real need. By focusing on close support for it’s research teams, Polytechnique Montréal is consolidating its role as an innovation engine, capable of bridging fundamental science, applied engineering, and the creation of technology-based businesses.

To learn more

Website of the Lassonde Deeptech Institute
Press release from Celesta Capital