MONTRÉAL – Videotron and OSMO Foundation have formed a major partnership to support young entrepreneurs and web developers, as well as students and investors through the Notman House project. As founding partner, Videotron has pledged $2.5 million to back the creation of a hub of technological innovation and enterprise in Montréal that is dedicated to enhancing Montréal’s vibrant high-tech ecosystem.
“This is a big day for Notman House,” said Alan MacIntosh, President of the OSMO Foundation. “Videotron’s significant support will give entrepreneurship in Montréal a major boost, helping an entire community achieve its full potential and giving some of its amazingly talented members a chance to shine.”
Videotron says it will support the Notman House community in a number of ways: serving as a bridge between local developers and Videotron’s major partners, providing special access to practices developed by its engineering and product development teams, organizing exchanges with Videotron’s Android and Web experts, and testing the feasibility of some projects.
The Notman House project will start up this summer and those interested can visit the website or travel to Notman House at 51 Sherbrooke St. West, Montréal.
“The launch of the Notman House restoration project is the ideal occasion for us to announce the broad strokes of what promises to be a temple of enterprise and innovation in Québec,” said John Stokes, Secretary of the OSMO Foundation. “We are confident that it will provide a conducive environment for the emergence of bold creative spirits in Montréal,” added Mr. Stokes.
Quebecor President and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau, who has long been engaged with the entrepreneurial community, said the agreement will directly benefit creative young developers. “More than a generation ago, leaders mobilized and created Québec Inc. Today, it is our turn to join forces and support young startups that have the potential to become the flagships of Québec Inc. in the future.”
Robert Dépatie, President and CEO of Videotron adds that partnership will be an active one.
“Our efforts will be focused on supporting the next generation of developers, fostering the emergence of new talent outside our walls, and nurturing digital development in Montréal. Our entirely homegrown expertise will give these young entrepreneurs access to a unique pool of skills and knowledge. The fact that we are making an initial 10-year commitment to supporting Québec developers shows that we are in this for the long haul.”
