The second and third-place finishers were Julo and DrGym. Julo, a free application promoting activities organized by various suppliers of family recreation services, won the Silver Prize, valued at $32,000 in cash and services. The Bronze Prize, valued at $18,000 in cash and services, was presented to DrGym, a mobile application providing access to personalized high-level training programs.
These three prizes are made possible thanks to the support of Devtech 50’s sponsors (Business Development Bank of Canada/BDC, CLD de Québec, Deloitte, Teralys Capital and Fasken Martineau).
“In creating Devtech 50, Quebec International wanted to offer technology startups a chance to excel. It’s mission accomplished since each finalist emerges a winner from this experience. Today, these young entrepreneurs are ready to conquer new markets with even more confidence. They’ve shown that they have the talent, energy and commitment they need to reach the highest heights,” said Carl Viel, president and CEO of Quebec International.
“BDC is proud to serve as a major partner of the 2013 edition of Devtech 50. By supporting such initiatives, we are contributing directly to the success of promising entrepreneurs whose determination and ambition continue to be sources of inspiration. Their success is the main focus of our actions and we are pleased to place our expertise at the service of Quebec’s entrepreneurial community,” said Dany Grimard, BDC vice-president and area manager for Eastern Quebec.
SoftLayer’s Catalyst program
During the grand finale, Quebec International also announced that the nine finalists had been granted admittance into the Catalyst program. Organized by SoftLayer (an IBM company), this program provides access to hosting and technology infrastructure services for one full year, in addition to strategic product, marketing and operating advice. This award, valued at $12,000, is presented under a partnership agreement between Quebec International and SoftLayer.
“Through its partnership with Devtech 50, SoftLayer, an IBM company, is proud to support startups in Quebec City. At one time, SoftLayer was a young company as well. It decided to create the Catalyst program in order to support startup tech companies in various aspects of their business with a view to contributing to their success and speeding their growth, in addition to promoting innovation,” said Rita Radi, Community Development Manager (Canada/LATAM) at SoftLayer.
Still a chance to win thanks to La Ruche
Even though the grand finale is now over, the nine finalists of Devtech 50’s 2013 edition are still in the running for the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented during the Quebec City UnConference at Espaces Dalhousie on December 3. Introduced this year, the People’s Choice Award is an original concept established under an innovative partnership with La Ruche, a participatory financing platform. Members of the public are invited to purchase voting rights via La Ruche and to select their favourite entrepreneurial project. All profits will go to the company that obtains the most votes. To date, the campaign has raised $2,420 via 25 contributors. The fundraising campaign for the People’s Choice Award will end on December 2. The nine finalists are Artisans du Passage, Constructeur Virtuel, Développement Sportif HiTrainer, DrGym (Cortex Media), Immune Biosolutions, Julo Ltd., Lumed, Todöm and WeSeekYou. For further information, please visit www.laruchequebec.com.
About Devtech 50
Devtech 50 is a competition involving high-tech startup companies. It is structured along the lines of major entrepreneurial competitions such as MIT 100K and Waterloo’s LaunchPad 50K. Thanks to the participation of Quebec International’s regional partners and sponsors, the winning teams share more than $180,000 in cash and services.
About Quebec International
Quebec International contributes to regional economic development and promotes Quebec City’s international standing. As the region’s pre-eminent economic development agency, Quebec International fosters business growth, supports key economic clusters and attracts talent and investment. For further information, please visit www.quebecinternational.ca.
