Author: Fatima

Since 2021, the Observatory of Responsible Consumption (OCR) and its GreenUXlab, led by Professor Fabien Durif, have been working with the City of Laval to transform the territory into a living lab for urban innovation. The goal: to experiment with new business models aligned with Society 5.0, support the revitalization of commercial corridors, and enhance the citizen experience.

🔬 A Micro-Commerce Concept at the Heart of Laval

The Lab Achetons plus ici (Lab API) is a transitional, connected, and eco-responsible micro-commerce initiative. It tests frictionless payment technologies such as Scan & Go and RFID checkout systems, automated logistics solutions, and tools that promote local purchasing through certifications like Les Produits du Québec and Bien fait ici. The Lab API offers an innovative customer experience while supporting merchants in their digital transition.

🤝 A Collective Effort

This project is backed by a strong coalition of partners, including the Government of Québec, Rona, Les Produits du Québec, UQAM, the City of Laval, and researchers from the Lab Ido and the SDG Innovation 5.0 Network. Experts such as Ygal Bendavid and Yasmina Maïzi contributed to the implementation of frictionless payment methods and interactive product technologies.

🌱 A Social and Economic Mission

Beyond technology, the Lab API aims to reinvigorate local commerce, stimulate the regional economy, and offer a seamless, accessible, and responsible shopping experience. Laval is positioning itself as a model ecosystem for innovation and an international reference in commercial space revitalization and sustainable urban mobility.

📍 Save the Date

The Lab API is active on Boulevard des Laurentides from September 5 to 28, 2025.

On September 12, 2025, the SDG Innovation Network held a strategic meeting at ÉTS, bringing together representatives from the eight partner universities. The objective: to review the state of the network and define a common vision for the 2025–2030 period.

🕊️ A morning focused on reflection

The discussions assessed the progress made, particularly in terms of projects and funding. They confirmed that the network is built on solid foundations, ready to support its future ambitions. On this occasion, the new website was unveiled, structuring projects around six key sectors.

🔎 An afternoon dedicated to sustainability

Deliberations focused on long-term strategies, with an emphasis on diversifying funding sources and strengthening partnerships with the private sector. The idea of a major unifying project, involving all universities, was also explored.

🎯 Concrete actions for tomorrow

The day concluded with the identification of action pathways, including consolidating existing committees and organizing events focused on skills development, particularly for SMEs.

🌱 Towards an intelligent, digital, and sustainable society

The SDG Innovation Network continues its journey with determination, driven by a shared vision and a strong commitment to impact. The future is being built collectively—with rigor, ambition, and dedication.

📸 Some moments captured at Lac à l’Épaule

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Montreal welcomed H.E. Ambassador Nabil Mekki, Dr. Hany Moustapha (Director of the SDG Innovation Network), and researchers from Polytechnique Montréal, UQAM, UQTR, and ÉTS to mark the launch of a collaborative project with Galala University (Egypt).

The project is led by Christophe Danjou (Polytechnique Montréal), Yasmina Maïzi (UQAM), Ygal Bendavid (UQAM), Tasseda Boukherroub, Eng. (ÉTS), Neila El Asli (UQTR). Funded by the Government of Quebec, the initiative aims to:

• Train Galala University students in IoT, simulation, and artificial intelligence technologies applied to medicine.

• Offer two fully funded master’s scholarships in Canada to top-performing Egyptian students.

The event was also attended virtually by a representative of the Government of Quebec. Dr. Ahmed Gaber, Egyptian Cultural Counselor, congratulated the team and reaffirmed his support for future initiatives on a larger scale.

👏 A significant step forward in academic and technological cooperation between Quebec and Egypt!

The 3rd International SDG Innovation™ Forum was held on June 19, 2025, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, bringing together over 400 participants around the theme:
🎯 “Innovating for a Greener Future: Digital Solutions for SMEs.”

Researchers, business leaders, government officials, students, and international partners gathered to discuss key issues in sustainable innovation, in a spirit of collaboration and real-world impact.

🔹 Highlights of the Day

✔️ Opening Ceremony
Featuring remarks by Hany Moustapha, Yaoyao Fiona Zhao, Mohamed Cheriet, Patrick Hamelin (MEIE), and Tamara Arutyunyants (University of Stuttgart – TRACES), showcasing the progress of the SDG Innovation Network since its launch in 2019.

✔️ Panel on Smart and Green Air Mobility
ADM, Wisk, and ÉTS shared their vision for a cleaner, more autonomous, and connected future in aviation.

✔️ Health and Artificial Intelligence
An interdisciplinary discussion on the role of AI and digital twins in enhancing healthcare services.

✔️ Green Digitalization in Québec
Launch of the White Paper on Eco-Responsible Digital Transformation, presented by Nadine Bou Orm (ÉTS) and Youssef El Hjaji (MEIE).

✔️ SME Projects and Frugal Innovation
Concrete initiatives from the Digital Transformation Offensive (OTN) and inspiring examples of sustainable innovation in Quebec’s SMEs.

✔️ Student Workshops & 180-Second Pitch Contest
Workshops led by students from the CREATE program, followed by a dynamic final round where young researchers presented their projects in just 3 minutes.

🏆 Student Pitch Contest – 2025 Winners

• 1st Prize – Charles Beaulieu
• 2nd Prize – Daniel Amoshie & Xavier Zwingmann
• 3rd Prize – Jean-Thoms Sexton & Manuel Chastenay

🙏 Acknowledgments
Thank you to our institutional and industrial partners:
MEIE, Pratt & Whitney, ADM, Alstom, CAE, and the University of Stuttgart (TRACES).
Special thanks to our academic partners: ÉTS, McGill, UQAM, Université Laval, Concordia, Université de Sherbrooke, Polytechnique Montréal, and UQTR.
And of course, a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, facilitators, and coordination teams.

This forum reaffirmed the importance of building bridges between research, technological innovation, and sustainable engagement.

At IAMOT 2025 in Montreal, the SDG Innovation Network — official sponsor of the event — had the honor of welcoming Danny Di Perna, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Alstom, as a keynote speaker. In a powerful presentation, he shared how Alstom manages to move over 108 million passengers every day by leveraging a unique combination of technological innovation, operational resilience, and sustainable commitment.

True to Alstom’s philosophy, Danny Di Perna emphasized: “Not technology for technology’s sake” — a reminder that technology only matters when it brings real, meaningful transformation to our societies.

From connected trains and artificial intelligence to predictive maintenance and hydrogen solutions, Alstom demonstrates how the railway sector is adapting to major global trends such as rapid urbanization, climate challenges, and digital transformation.

His presentation strongly echoed the core values of the SDG Innovation Network: innovation that serves both people and the planet.

A heartfelt thank you to Alstom for their inspiring presence and global leadership in sustainable mobility.

On May 28, 2025, we had the pleasure of taking part in the Salon Connexion at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. It was an energizing day focused on digital innovation and practical solutions for businesses. We extend our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy of Québec (MEIE) for the invitation and the opportunity to contribute to this key event.

Our participation was marked by meaningful discussions, inspiring encounters, and promising collaboration opportunities. We’re grateful to all the organizations that stopped by to exchange ideas on digital transformation challenges and solutions.

The event was also a great opportunity to showcase our expertise and demonstrate how we help companies integrate the right technologies to accelerate growth and increase their impact.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and exploring new paths toward sustainable innovation—together.

On May 27, as part of the Grand Rendez-vous de la recherche, Minister Christopher Skeete visited Université Laval’s research factory, led by Professor Jonathan Gaudreault, Director of the Lab-Usine and faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. The visit highlighted several industry-collaborative research projects, many of which are supported by the OTN initiative of the SDG Innovation Network and highly valued by our industrial partners.

On May 26, 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Working Group of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for a reception co-organized with the Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie of Quebec and the Advanced Air Mobility Institute.

This special event brought together international representatives, ICAO experts, and members of Quebec’s ecosystem to collectively reflect on the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible integration of advanced air mobility into global airspace.

Beyond the technical discussions, the reception was an opportunity to highlight Quebec’s expertise in this emerging sector, build strategic connections, and spark new avenues for international collaboration.

We are proud to contribute to this global movement shaping the future of sustainable air mobility — for innovation, society, and future generations. 🌍🤝

The SDG Innovation™ Network has been recognized as a key player in innovation in Quebec in the book Innovation Québec, published by the Quebec Innovation Council with the support of Global Village Publishing Inc. This recognition, announced on May 13, 2024, highlights the network’s strategic role in digital transformation and sustainable development. Through its academic leadership and industry collaborations, the SDG Innovation Network actively contributes to research, training, and the implementation of innovative solutions in key sectors such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0/5.0. Its commitment to a smart, digital, and sustainable society strengthens its impact at both the provincial and international levels.