Speaking
volumes
Paul Lirette, Chairman
of the Board of Directors,
and Frank Béraud, CEO of
Montréal InVivo, discuss
their overall impressions
of 2015 and their aspirations
for the future.
WHAT PROJECTS MOSTLY MARKED 2015?
Paul Lirette: It was the opening of NÉOMED Laval, an organization
that represents a new research and development model in Quebec.
It should also consolidate initiatives like this one, which represent
genuine hubs for SMBs and start-ups. And if I may make a foray
into 2016, there’s also the allocation of funds for Early Stage
Clinical Trial (ESCT), which should help Quebec and Montréal
stand out in the international arena.
Frank Béraud: Although many projects are integral to our efforts,
the most significant for me is the Early Stage Clinical Trial (ESCT)
Initiative. This project served as a driving force for members of the
cluster and Life Sciences Working Group (LSWG), who selected it as
a priority project.
FB: For me, it’s probably the lack of a large Quebec LSHT company.
Organizations of this magnitude have enormous project and
talent drawing power for any region. We must do everything we
can to develop one this size in Greater Montréal.
MR. BÉRAUD, YOU TOOK THE REINS OF MONTRÉAL INVIVO IN
JULY 2015. IF YOU HAD TO SUM
UP THIS YEAR IN ONE WORD,
WHAT WOULD IT BE?
FB: I would say “intensity“. It was
an intense year on a personal level
because of my new role, of course,
but our sector, too, was firing on
all cylinders. Montréal InVivo was
one of the organizations to play an
active role in the LSWG. In particular,
we fueled a number of data projects
and studies, which contributed to
debate and discussion.
WHAT MAKES YOU THE
PROUDEST?
FB: Our team! I am particularly
proud that Montréal InVivo can
count on a pool of diverse skills.
Whether it’s about science,
business, management or
marketing, our team has the ability
to meet the multiple needs of our
cluster. Good company is always worth seeking when it comes
to achieving your goals!
WHAT IS THE LSHT SECTOR’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE TODAY?
PL: The factors that make any city attractive are mainly based
on three cornerstones: talent, a competitive cost structure and
market access. Out of them, the most troubling — and the biggest
challenge for me — is to ensure, as an industry, we have the talent
we need to develop the cluster and the next generation of LSHT
success stories.
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WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?
FB: Five success factors are, in my opinion, necessary, including
a complete funding chain — from the start-up stage to
commercialization — a skilled workforce, favourable public policy,
an entrepreneurial spirit and positive public opinion. It would also,
needless to say, take a little luck!