Creation of the center for teaching and research in digital creation

Almost six years ago, at the instigation of the digital creativity industries, the Ministry of Higher Education created SYNTHÈSE with the aim of developing alignment between all key players in the sector, namely academic institutions, research, businesses, and the sector associations that represent them.

The Îlot Balmoral project, led by SYNTHÈSE, aims to bring together under one roof the digital creation teaching and research activities of two universities (UQAC and UQAT), five CEGEPs (Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne, Dawson College, Cégep Limoilou, Cégep de Matane, Cégep du Vieux Montréal | Campus ADN) and a College Center for Technology Transfer (CDRIN), close to industrial players.

A strong sector in Quebec

With 500 companies and revenues of $2.5 billion, the digital creation sector, which includes video games, visual effects, animation, and digital experiences, is well established and has a constant need for skilled labor. This sector must be able to rely on research and innovation to maintain its enviable position on the international stage.

An anchoring project to strengthen SYNTHÈSE's actions

This announcement of funding for the rental and fitting out of the Îlot Balmoral premises marks an important milestone for SYNTHÈSE, as this physical location is now becoming a reality. Îlot Balmoral, with its collaborative and shared spaces, is a flagship project that will strengthen SYNTHÈSE's activities.

Since its creation, SYNTHÈSE has implemented several promising networking initiatives to forge links between businesses, CEGEPs, and universities in order to provide Quebec with a skilled workforce and innovative projects. SYNTHÈSE also works closely with the Ministry of Higher Education to review programs, as well as with the 39 institutions in the province that offer 117 programs in digital creation.

A place that promotes collaboration and innovation

With the opening of this physical space, we now have access to a unique platform to further encourage these collaborations. This new space will offer exceptional opportunities for students, researchers, artists, and professionals to meet, exchange ideas, and work together. It will be a place where ideas will be transformed into concrete projects and where innovation will find fertile ground.

Position Quebec as an international leader in digital creation

SYNTHÈSE thus reaffirms its role as a catalyst for innovation and talent development in the digital creation industries. Under the auspices of a governance committee composed of Mylène Boisclair, Executive Director of Cégep du Vieux Montréal, Vincent Rousson, Rector of UQAT, Jean-Jacques Hermans, Executive Director of La Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec, Christine Maestracci, Executive Director of the Quebec Film and Television Council (BCTQ), Jeanne Dompierre, Executive Director of Xn Québec, and Myriam Hamelin, Director of Regional Interventions at the Ministry of Higher Education, we are determined to continue supporting this momentum, promoting the emergence of new skills, and consolidating Quebec's position as an international leader in this sector.