Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs

The first Pierre Péladeau Bursaries, named in memory of our founder, a man known for his vision, determination and entrepreneurial drive who inspired generations of Quebecers, were handed out in 1999.

The five Pierre Péladeau Bursaries, worth $75,000, $50,000, $35,000, $25,000 and $15,000, are handed out to stimulate business startups in Québec. All Québec university students are eligible. The financial support helps young entrepreneurs start up a business, carry out their business plan, and develop their products and markets, regardless of their field of study or the nature of their venture.
 

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Recipients of the Pierre Péladeau bursaries

2024

First Prize – $75,000

  • Recipients 
    Simon-Pierre Deschênes, Dominic Baril and Pierre-Hugo Vigneux | Université Laval

  • Project
    Tessellate Robotics brilliantly combines robotics and autonomous navigation technology to increase productivity in a variety of niche markets, such as agriculture, defense, and mining. In particular, the company has developed an automated field inspection solution enabling farmers to better identify the needs of their fields, increase yields, and move towards more sustainable and responsible agriculture.

 

Second Prize – $50,000

  • Recipients
    Alexandre Savard and Nicolas Jourdan-Gassin | Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

  • Project
    Encore! Biomatériaux develops and markets 100% compostable packaging made from upcycled agri-food waste. Its solutions empower businesses to replace single-use plastic components with packaging with a decomposition rate tailored to the product’s lifespan.

 

Third Prize  – $35,000

  • Recipients
    Fiona Milano and Maxime Dimidschstein | Polytechnique Montréal

  • Project
    Phoenix Impact's mission is to reduce plastic waste from the life sciences industry by over 80%. The company has designed an innovative industrial washer to recondition laboratory consumables which provides a sustainable alternative to incineration through reuse.

 

Fourth Prize  – $25,000

  • Recipients
    Julia Kolta and Dhandre Weekes | HEC Montréal

  • Project
    Armonía markets an innovative software solution for the beauty and hairdressing industry. Its customer-accessible digital platform offers a simple and convenient way to identify and book personalized services. At the same time, its business management software enables companies to reach a wider audience while optimizing their activities, adding value for both SMEs and consumers in the sector.

 

Fifth Prize  – $15,000

  • Recipients
    Hippolyte Lapierre, Madeleine Philardeau, Eric Saikali and Victor Keroulle | McGill University

  • Project
    BoundaryAi develops a platform leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance employee engagement and well-being within an organization and improve the educational experience in academic environments. The company's solution aims to transform data from qualitative feedback into decision-making information, through optimized management and precision analysis.

See all recipients

Members of the Pierre Péladeau Bursaries jury

  • Pelra Azondekon
    Managing Director, asterX and Director, Corporate Venture Capital, Quebecor
  • Jean B. Péladeau 
    Vice-President, Operational convergence, Quebecor
  • Chanel Damphousse 
    Partner, MacKinnon Bennett & Co. (MKB)
  • Sylvie Lalande
    Chair of the Board of Quebecor and Groupe TVA, Corporate director
  • Marc Leroux
    President, Priorat Capital inc.
  • Érik Péladeau
    President, Publication Alpha inc.

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