Centech has announced the creation of an entrepreneurial cohort dedicated to medical technologies (Med Tech), the first of its kind.

Seven startups have already joined the inaugural cohort, with entrepreneurs hailing from a variety of sectors. Steven Arless will be in charge of supervising the founders, mentoring participants with lessons learned from his own success as a Med Tech entrepreneur.

The Med Tech program will last 12 weeks and allow selected companies to benefit from a rigorous structure that will allow them to verify and measure the commercial potential of projects, lay the groundwork for a solid business model, and understand the different dimensions that go into a successful business. A syllabus customized to provide a deep understanding of the specific issues related to this industry will be provided.

Founded in 1996 by the École de Technologie Supérieure, Centech is a start-up company launcher dedicated to technological tools and other advanced technologies with high growth potential. Its two pre-existing programs, Acceleration and Propulsion, have already proven to be successful at fostering and contributing to the city’s thriving tech ecosystem. The program’s partners, the Brandbourg agency, Deloitte, the BCF law firm, Tak Design, and National Bank, all offer advice and support to participants in Centech.

Alumni of Centech include micro optical switch provider AEPONYX Inc., which raised a $4.3 million seed round in December, and SPARK Microsystems, which received $2.2 million from the SDTC to develop its mobile device technology in November.

“With the creation of a medical technology cohort, we are responding to a strong demand in the Montréal market place,” said Richard Chénier, Centech General Manager. “Currently, 25% of start-up companies at Centech are in this activity sphere.”

The unique program will give Med Tech entrepreneurs access to a specialized network of experts within Montreal, including the Research Chairs at ÉTS and other university medical institutions, as well as successful medical and technological company leaders and entrepreneurs from different Faculties of Medicine. The program will build on the already strong ties that have emerged between Montreal’s tech sector and Montreal’s medical community.

“This new program has concretized our vision of bringing together a concentration of the best Med Tech start-ups under one roof. We will be developing a true community of expertise in this field, here in Montréal.”

The new Med Tech cohort is open to all medical innovation entrepreneurs, regardless of origin or university affiliation. Interested parties should apply by the next deadline for submitting projects, on April 6. It’s important to note that Centech will not acquire any interest or equity in any of the companies it supports.

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