From Local Hub to Global Gateway: Ax.c's Bold International Move

MONTREAL, QC – June 09, 2026 – In the heart of Montreal's bustling downtown, an ambitious experiment in innovation is celebrating its first anniversary not with a quiet reflection, but with a bold declaration of its future. Ax.c, the entrepreneurship space launched by École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), today announced a dual milestone that will significantly amplify its impact: a renewed $1.5 million funding commitment from the City of Montréal and a strategic international partnership with DMZ, one of the world's leading technology incubators.

This isn't just a birthday celebration; it's a strategic pivot. The announcements signal a new phase for the hub, transforming it from a promising local catalyst into a powerful international gateway for Quebec's technology startups. By securing financial stability and forging a direct corridor to major global markets, Ax.c is solidifying Montreal's role on the world's innovation stage, providing a tangible example of how targeted investment and cross-sector collaboration can shape a city's economic future.

A Vote of Confidence and a Financial Boost

The City of Montréal's decision to renew its financial support with an investment of $500,000 per year for three years is far more than a simple budget line item. It represents a significant vote of confidence in the Ax.c model, which brings entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and academic institutions under a single roof to accelerate growth. This funding is earmarked to "consolidate the hub, develop its community, strengthen the quality of its offering for startups and increase its capacity to generate concrete benefits," according to official statements.

This injection of capital is a direct component of the city's broader "Stratégie Montréal 2030," a long-term vision that identifies innovation and collaboration as core pillars of economic dynamism. The city's support aims to ensure Montreal remains a premier destination for tech talent and ambitious ventures. "Montreal must remain a destination of choice for entrepreneurs, talent and partners who want to build ambitious technology companies," stated Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montreal. "By renewing our support for Ax.c, we are supporting a place that contributes directly to the economic dynamism of the metropolis."

The renewed funding builds upon an initial $48 million in public investment from federal, provincial, and municipal governments that helped establish Ax.c in its 100,000-square-foot home at Place Victoria. This sustained financial backing is crucial for maintaining the high-quality infrastructure—from coworking areas to prototyping workshops—and for expanding the programs that directly benefit the startups it houses.

Forging a North American Innovation Corridor

While the municipal funding anchors Ax.c's local operations, the new partnership with DMZ launches it onto the international stage. DMZ, based in Toronto, is a global powerhouse with a proven track record, having helped over 2,600 startups raise $3.1 billion in capital and create more than 25,000 jobs. Its network extends to key innovation hubs, including New York and Tokyo.

This collaboration establishes a "support corridor," creating a seamless pathway for startups between these major cities. In practical terms, startups hosted at Ax.c will gain facilitated access to DMZ's physical spaces and extensive networks in Toronto, New York, and Tokyo. Reciprocally, DMZ-affiliated companies will have a dedicated landing pad in Montreal through Ax.c. This move is designed to dismantle geographical barriers, giving founders unprecedented mobility and access to new markets, investors, and strategic partners.

"Entrepreneurs need networks that extend beyond the borders of a single city," explained Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ. "By collaborating with Ax.c, we are creating a support corridor...that will enable startups to access new markets, relevant business communities and growth opportunities." This partnership moves beyond theoretical collaboration, offering a tangible framework for cross-pollination between two of Canada's most vibrant tech ecosystems and connecting them directly to global financial and technology capitals.

The Vision of a University-Powered Ecosystem

Underpinning Ax.c's success is the strategic vision of its creator, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), Quebec's largest engineering school. The hub is a direct manifestation of the university's commitment to applied research and its mission to translate academic knowledge into real-world economic impact. "Ax.c is a structuring project for Montreal and for Quebec," said Kathy Baig, Director General and CEO of ÉTS. "It perfectly embodies the role that ÉTS aims to play in the innovation economy: putting technology, entrepreneurship, talent and partnerships at the service of projects that have real impact."

In just one year, Ax.c has become what Baig describes as a "convergence point for those building the technology companies of tomorrow." Its ability to secure renewed city funding and a premier international partner is a direct result of its successful first year. It has validated its model of curated collision, where proximity between startups, established industry leaders like founding partners Google and Bell, and investors like Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Desjardins, genuinely accelerates innovation. For the startups within its walls, this means access not only to space but to mentorship, cutting-edge technology, and crucial training on topics like venture capital financing.

From Local Catalyst to Global Competitor

The convergence of new funding and a powerful international alliance marks a critical evolution for Ax.c. Its role is expanding from a central hub for Montreal's ecosystem to a strategic node in a global network. This has profound implications not just for the startups it hosts, but for the city and the country as a whole. For Montreal, it reinforces its attractiveness as an innovation metropolis and a gateway to North America.

For Canada, the partnership between Montreal's Ax.c and Toronto's DMZ builds a much-needed bridge between the country's two largest tech hubs. By encouraging cross-provincial collaboration, it helps create a more unified national innovation landscape, allowing startups to leverage the unique strengths of both cities—from Montreal's prowess in AI and creative industries to Toronto's dominance in finance and enterprise tech. This integrated approach enhances Canada's collective competitiveness on the global stage.

As Ax.c embarks on its second year, its mission is clearer and more ambitious than ever. "Our objective is clear: to offer technology entrepreneurs an environment where the right connections happen faster, where community creates value, and where Montreal becomes a true anchor point to the rest of Canada and the international stage," affirmed Geneviève Leclerc, Director of Ax.c. With a stable financial foundation and a direct line to the world's top markets, the hub is well-equipped to turn that objective into a reality.