CQIB x Fondation Armand Frappier for the creation of the CQIB Fund

The Armand-Frappier Foundation and the Quebec Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology Join Forces to Support the Advancement of Health for Quebecers

Laval, August 28, 2026 – The Armand-Frappier Foundation (FAF) and the Quebec Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology (CQIB) announce the creation of a historic partnership uniting these two key players of Laval’s Biotech Hub.

This announcement was made public on August 27, 2026 during the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the CQIB’s creation and the 13th edition of the Annual Life Sciences BBQ on the campus of the Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) in the presence of board members and the senior management of the FAF and the CQIB.

True to its mission of perpetuating Dr. Armand Frappier’s legacy by supporting scientific research and development to advance knowledge and improve public health, the Foundation will now support innovation and entrepreneurship among the next generation of scientists, as well as the development of the new biotech companies in Quebec.

As Canada’s first biotechnology incubator and one-stop shop for services facilitating the acceleration, growth, and success of the next generation of life sciences companies, the CQIB perfectly embodies the values that guided Dr. Armand Frappier’s actions throughout his life: innovation in the service of health, an entrepreneurial spirit in service of society, and a deep commitment to the common good.

“The Armand-Frappier Foundation is proud to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Armand Frappier—a visionary dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge for the benefit of the community—by supporting the emerging companies of the CQIB, which represent so many hopes for improving public health. This collaborative partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in which philanthropy will work not only to support research, but also to develop concrete and tangible solutions.” — Luc Reny, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Armand-Frappier Foundation

“Firmly rooted in the biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem, the CQIB welcomes this partnership, which will foster the emergence and growth of innovative startups. This alliance represents a turning point for emerging entrepreneurs who aspire to transform an idea into a concrete solution, by giving them access to the resources needed to achieve this through this new fund dedicated to the CQIB’s mission.” — Pierre Lemieux, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Quebec Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology

"The Biotech City is one of the key factors that sets Laval apart within the metropolitan economy. Here, we have a unique ecosystem that brings together world-class research, innovative companies and high-quality jobs. This new partnership between the Fondation Armand-Frappier and the CQIB reflects the full vitality of this ecosystem and will help give rise, right here, to the next generation of life sciences companies. We can be proud of having built in Laval a hub of excellence whose influence extends well beyond our territory and that makes a concrete contribution to Québec's future." — Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of the City of Laval

This partnership was created with the ambition of generating a transformative impact for the Quebec society. By contributing to the Armand-Frappier Foundation’s new CQIB Fund, Quebecers will see their donations transformed into local businesses, jobs, Quebec intellectual property, and innovations likely to generate significant benefits in health, on the economy, and towards social development.

Acting as a strategic lever, this Fund will also enable startup companies supported by the CQIB to distinguish themselves on the international stage, while allowing the life sciences ecosystem in Quebec and Canada in general to retain and attract the most promising talent and entrepreneurs from the international next generation.

To contribute to the Armand-Frappier Foundation’s CQIB Fund, visit the website of the Fondation Armand-Frappier.

About Us

The Armand-Frappier Foundation (FAF): Established in 1978, the Foundation's mission is to perpetuate the legacy of Dr. Armand Frappier by supporting scientific research and development to advance knowledge and improve public health. Its annual activities include the Fête Champêtre, held in the spring, and the Parcours Champêtre, held in the fall.

The Quebec Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology (CQIB): The Quebec Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology (CQIB) offers turnkey solutions that facilitate the creation, growth, and success of the next generation of life sciences companies. Inaugurated in 1996 by the City of Laval and the Armand-Frappier Institute, the CQIB offers an ecosystem to support start-up companies, enabling them to achieve rapid, sustainable, and commercially viable development.

Information

Armand-Frappier Foundation: Maral Tersakian, Executive Director, maral.tersakian@fondationafrappier.ca

Quebec Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology: Mario Filion, Executive Director, mfilion@cqib.org

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