Saint-Hyacinthe biotech hub named best emerging research/science park

Saint-Hyacinthe, QC – The City of Agrifood, Veterinary and Agroenvironment Biotechnology in Saint-Hyacinthe, QC has been named Best Emerging Research/Science Park Award during the Association of University Research Parks’ AURP 2011 Awards of Excellence.

The award is presented each year to an emerging science park that excels in its ability to translate technology derived from applied research into economically viable business activities, while generating investment and promoting the growth of jobs and public revenues.

“The strength of a university research park is its impact on the community and its ability to drive economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life,” said Harold Strong, the association’s president. “It is a pleasure to announce that Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole was named the AURP 2011 Emerging Research Park. We know that the progress of the park has only just begun and we look forward to the continued success and community impact of Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole.” he added.

The City of Biotechnology site is already home to more than 30 private companies. More than $600 million has been invested by both public and private sources.

The City of Biotechnology’s general manager, Mario De Tilly, accepted the award with immense pride. “This recognition reflects on our entire region. Saint-Hyacinthe has once again demonstrated the high calibre of its high-end research activities and the international positioning it enjoys. No longer can there be any doubt that the City of Biotechnology stands out as a major centre of innovation and development for the biofood industry in Quebec and Eastern Canada,” he said.

The City of Agrifood, Veterinary and Agroenvironment Biotechnology in Saint-Hyacinthe works exclusively in the biofood industry. Its development is centred on two institutions: the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal and the Food Research and Development Centre. It also relies on three business incubators and the expertise of 22 chairs and research centres, as well as 17 support organizations, all connected to the agrifood industry.