CRIQ signs deal with CME to boost 3D printing in Quebec

May 5, 2016 – The Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ) and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) have concluded a partnership agreement that promises joint knowledge-sharing about additive manufacturing and assistance for Quebec companies to finance research and development projects.

The partnership will also pave the way for collaborative projects, offer preferred rates for Réseau Québec-3D members to attend CME events and promote the activities of both organizations on their respective additive manufacturing platforms: www.reseauquebec3d.ca and www.canadamakes.ca.

Finally, CRIQ and CME representatives will sit on the Canada Makes Additive Manufacturing Advisory Board and the Réseau Québec-3D coordination committee. Their presence on these committees will allow CRIQ and CME to work together to acquire the resources to help Quebec businesses adopt 3D printing, say the parties.

“This agreement demonstrates CRIQ’s determination to work with the best partners to offer a range of services that will speed up the adoption of additive manufacturing by businesses in the Quebec manufacturing sector,” said CRIQ CEO Denis Hardy.

“Additive manufacturing is a critical part of the industrial revolution that is knocking at our doors right now. The partnership announced today will allow Quebec manufacturing firms to take part in joint R&D projects with firms elsewhere in Canada and access a wide array of additive manufacturing training activities,” added Martin Lavoie, executive director of Canada Makes.

The agreement between CRIQ and CME was hailed by the president of Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ), Éric Tétrault, who commented that “this partnership reflects the MEQ’s leadership in making innovation the critical issue for the government and businesses of Quebec.”