Québec Region – September 21, 2020 | Today, the winners of the Quebec Canadian Export Challenge Pitch Competitions for the startup and scale-up categories were announced. DeLeaves was named the winner of the Quebec CXC Pitch Competition for the startup category, taking home $2,500. The scale-up category winner, LFAnt Medical, left with $5,000. Both businesses will have the opportunity to compete head-to-head against the other regional finalists for the grand prize, and the national title!
Région du Québec – 21 septembre 2020 | Aujourd’hui, les gagnants des concours de pitch du Défi des exportations canadiennes du Québec pour les catégories startup et scale-up ont été annoncés. DeLeaves a été nommée gagnant du concours de pitchs CXC du Québec pour la catégorie startup, remportant 2 500 $. Le gagnant de la catégorie de scale-up, LFAnt Medical, est parti avec 5 000 $. Les deux entreprises auront l’occasion de s’affronter face à face avec les autres finalistes régionaux pour le grand prix national!
Sherbrooke-based business DeLeaves, headed by Guillaume Charron, is rethinking the technology behind plant sampling. Using the latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), DeLeaves works with top forestry companies and leading research groups to sample previously unreachable plants and trees.
L’entreprise de Sherbrooke DeLeaves, fondée par Guillaume Charron, repense la technologie derrière l’échantillonnage des plantes. En utilisant le dernier véhicule aérien sans pilote, DeLeaves travaille avec les plus grandes entreprises forestières et les principaux groupes de recherche pour échantillonner des plantes et des arbres auparavant inaccessibles.
“It was a great opportunity for us to pitch in front of such a high-quality panel,” said Guillaume Charron of DeLeaves. “DeLeaves is going global right now and the timing of this contest is perfect to help us take our first step towards exporting.”
Based in Dorval, LFAnt Medical has revolutionized point-of-care detection and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Headed by Mark Kumhyr, LFAnt Medical has developed ‘The Compact’, a portable tool that accurately and rapidly detects chlamydia and gonorrhea from the comfort of your own home – drastically reducing the workload of STI diagnostic clinics.
Basée à Dorval, LFAnt Medical a révolutionné la détection et la prévention des infections sexuellement transmissibles. Fondé par Mark Kumhyr, LFAnt Medical a développé «The Compact», un outil portable qui détecte avec précision et rapidement la chlamydia et la gonorrhée dans le confort de votre domicile – réduisant considérablement la charge de travail des cliniques de diagnostic des IST.
“From the panelists to the participants, it was a pleasure to experience first-hand the thriving entrepreneurial community in Quebec and Canada,” said Mark Kumhyr, CEO of LFAnt Medical. “I’m incredibly grateful for CXC’s support of LFAnt Medical and our vision to democratize STI testing. I look forward to sharing our plans to go global with the rest of Canada in this year’s CXC Finals.”
“DeLeaves and LFAnt Medical are incredible examples of Canadian entrepreneurs advancing the technology in their sectors to bring innovative and thoughtful solutions to market. These ideas will no doubt catalyze global innovation both within the natural resources industry and healthcare sector,” said Kayla Isabelle, Executive Director at Startup Canada. “We are thrilled to see Guillaume and Mark represent entrepreneurs from the Quebec region at the Final Showdown in October.”
Presented by Startup Canada in collaboration with UPS, Export Development Canada, the Trade Commissioner Service, Mastercard, Scotiabank, Innovation Canada, CIPO, OSME, and Mitacs and powered by Google, last year’s Canadian Export Challenge showcased and supported more than 1,750 businesses to go global. This year, it’s going even further digitally to support rural and remote entrepreneurs from coast to coast to coast.
Guillaume Charron and Mark Kumhyr are set to represent global companies from Quebec on October 20th, where they will have the opportunity to pitch to win the grand prize.
If you missed it, watch the Quebec Regional Canadian Export Challenge here.
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Lauren Hicks
Media Relations, Startup Canada
905-531-1670
lauren.hicks@startupcan.ca
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is the national rallying community and voice for Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs. Since launching in 2012, Startup Canada has grown to represent more than 200,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots communities from coast to coast to coast. Through digital programs and flagship events, Startup Canada is the network promoting, inspiring, educating, connecting and giving a voice to Canada’s entrepreneurs; supporting them to start, operate and scale businesses that build a better Canada for the world today and for future generations. For more information, visit www.startupcan.ca.