The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) has confirmed that Saint-Hyacinthe will be hosting its North American Division’s annual conference in 2025.
Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole was picked to be the host organization for this important event, which will bring together the directors and representatives of 30-some major technology parks and areas of innovation from Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Central American countries that are members of the Association, as well as various organizations working in innovation and economic development.
The announcement was made yesterday by outgoing president of the IASP’s North American Division and vice president of Tech Parks Arizona, Carol Stewart, before members gathered at McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, on the outskirts of Toronto. The general manager of Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole, Karine Guilbault, was called to the stage next and briefly presented Saint-Hyacinthe as the site of the next conference and as a hub of agri-food innovation.
The conference, which will take place from May 28 to 30, 2025 at the Saint-Hyacinthe Convention Centre, will provide an opportunity to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration between managers and partners of areas of economic specialization, based on innovation, technology and science. Its aim is training and the sharing of best practices to ensure the development of prosperous ecosystems that stimulate technological progress and the economic growth of their environment.
“We will be very proud to welcome our North American colleagues to Saint-Hyacinthe in 2025. By entrusting us with this event, the IASP recognizes Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole’s importance as one of its oldest members, but also the scope and international influence of our agri-food ecosystem. We will of course take advantage of the visitors’ presence to highlight our model and the successes of our City of Agri-Food Innovation technology park, which we hope will soon be designated an area of innovation,” said Karine Guilbault.
In recent years, the event has been hosted by the cities of Monterrey in Mexico, Chicago, Boston, Austin and Ann Arbor in the United States and, of course, Hamilton this year.
“We are delighted that Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole, a valued IASP member since 1994, will host the 2025 IASP North American conference. This event will be the perfect chance for Saint-Hyacinthe to showcase its latest developments, highlighting its vital role in regional economic development. For a global network like ours, regional division activities are essential for fostering quality networking and strengthening regional connections. This conference will exemplify our dynamic ecosystem, promoting local innovation and growth while facilitating valuable exchanges among international science parks, areas of innovation and other innovation spaces,” said Ebba Lund, Chief Executive Officer of the IASP.
About the IASP
The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) is the world’s leading network of science parks, innovation districts and other areas of innovation. With members in more than 70 countries, it connects professionals from around the world who manage innovation ecosystems and provides services that stimulate their growth, knowledge sharing and internationalization. As a non-governmental organization, it has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
About Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole
Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole oversees the economic development of the greater Saint-Hyacinthe area (Quebec, Canada). It manages and develops the City of Agri-Food Innovation, a technology park focused on the food processing and animal health sectors. Spanning nearly 40 million square feet, it is home to a large number of industries, research centres, higher education institutions and technology transfer establishments specializing in agri-food. It employs more than 3,000 professionals in this field, including some 200 world-renowned researchers.
On the picture:
The outgoing president of the IASP’s North American Division and vice president of Tech Parks Arizona, Carol Stewart, and the general manager of Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole, Karine Guilbault.
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