When it comes to cleantech companies, access to capital is definitely important, but so is access to markets. Cleantech start-ups want to know how they can find a testing ground in order to trial their innovation in a real-life setting. That's why we, at Écotech Québec, really push for public contracts to fulfil that role as well. By that, I mean contracts with government and public organizations, as well as semi-public government bodies. That includes a multitude of corporations and organizations, dealing with outdoor recreation and cottages all the way up to conference facilities. They are all public or semi-public organizations and they can play a role when it comes to accommodating new technology and testing it.
Post-testing, these organizations become technology showcases, which tech companies need in order to market their technology to potential customers. When trying to sell their technology abroad, companies are often asked where the technology is being used in their home country, in Canada. And when that technology isn't being used here, at home, it cuts them off at the knees. So it's important to have a testing ground, a technology showcase and, certainly, support for commercialization both here and abroad.