NEWS
Lignin at the Heart of Quebec Innovation
CÉPROCQ has secured a new research project as part of the Fall 2024 call for proposals from the Support Program for Research and Technology Transfer (PART), under the Technological Innovation stream. This one-year project, funded at $95,000, will allow the team to explore the valorization of lignin across a wide range of applications, from green chemistry to composite materials. However, efficiently and sustainably extracting and fractionating lignin remains a key challenge.
Convinced of the crucial role lignin will play in the circular economy, the project is based on cutting-edge green technologies. Among these, the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES), activated by microwaves, appears particularly promising for optimizing the processes of lignin extraction and fractionation.
Toward a Hydrogen Future: Lignin at the Heart of Quebec Innovation
CÉPROCQ has just been awarded a major project in green hydrogen and bioenergy, as part of the inter-institutional and inter-order calls for proposals launched in June 2024, with support from Québec’s Ministry of the Environment. This two-year project, with funding of $202,000, is led by CÉPROCQ in partnership with Polytechnique Montréal.
Titled “Development of a Green Hydrogen Production Process from Lignin”, the project addresses a dual challenge: valorizing an abundant yet often overlooked natural resource—lignin—while actively contributing to the production of clean, renewable energy. As a by-product of biorefineries, lignin holds significant untapped energy potential. The team aims to transform this biomass into a sustainable hydrogen source, directly supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Through this initiative, a major part of Québec’s energy future is taking shape—driven by the synergy between applied research, environmental objectives, and a bold vision for sustainable development
ADRIQ 2023: Award for Collaboration with a College Centre for Technology Transfer and Innovative Social Practices
We are honored to announce that CÉPROCQ, in collaboration with TGWT Clean Technologies, won the prestigious ADRIQ Innovation Award yesterday. This distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and our ability to push the boundaries of applied research.
This recognition is particularly significant as it highlights the efforts of every member of our team to introduce innovative ideas and transform challenges into opportunities.
Read more
INTEGRATED PRECOMMERCIAL HALL: COLLÈGE DE MAISONNEUVE MOVES FORWARD
An ambitious project that will support innovation efforts for Quebec businesses!
NEW GRANT RECEIVED
CÉPROCQ and ITEGA have received a 5-year grant under the new CRSNG Mobilization program. This base funding (1.5 million over 5 years) will establish an integrated platform for the development of compostable bioplastics using renewable agroforestry biomass and agro-food processing residues. To support businesses at various development stages, the platform is deployed across 4 complementary areas: monomer production, polymer preparation, development of functional packaging, and home compostability of the produced bioplastics.
NEW GRANT RECEIVED – FRQNT
We are pleased to announce that the grant application for the “Development of Biosourced Lithium-ion Batteries” project has been approved by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies. This project, a collaboration of several partners, including CCTTs and UQTR, is supported by the Innovation Catalyst program. It will receive total funding of $291,390 per year for the next three years.
FINALIST AT THE 32ND ADRIQ GALA
We are excited to announce that CÉPROCQ’s application has been selected as a finalist in the 2022 PARTNERSHIP category at the ADRIQ Innovation Awards for the project “Development of Three Bio-Insecticide Formulations Based on Hydrophobic Fungal Spores.”
We are thrilled to share this with our partner, Anatis Bioprotection.
Congratulations to all the finalists. We look forward to the winner announcement at the 32nd ADRIQ Innovation Awards Gala, which will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the Palais des congrès in Montreal.
DISCOVERY
CÉPROCQ would like to highlight the participation of Mathieu Sarrazin, researcher in Bio-industrial Technologies, in a study on the full-cycle use of willow, which was featured among the 10 discoveries of 2021 in Québec Science. This study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Montreal, UQTR – Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Imperial College London, the Institute of Research in Plant Biology (IRBV), and the Montreal Botanical Garden.
CÉPROCQ COLLABORATES IN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL PRODUCTION
As a partner in the SAF+ Consortium, CÉPROCQ is among the players working to provide Canadians with a commercial sustainable solution for low-carbon aviation. SAF+ has made the first North American production of PtL (Power to Liquids) sustainable aviation fuel at its pilot plant located in eastern Montreal.
The Consortium aims to bring to market, by 2025-2026, synthetic jet fuel with a carbon footprint reduced by 80% compared to fossil jet fuel. Air Transat has committed to using 90% of the electro-fuel production by SAF+ over the next 15 years.
Partners in the SAF+ Consortium include Airbus, Air Transat, Montreal Airports, Aero Montréal, CCG, Parachem, Polytechnique Montréal, CIRAIG, CÉPROCQ, and Valorisation Carbone Québec Project. (Excerpt from the article Green Technologies to Discover, published on Les Affaires website on December 13, 2021)
EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE “PANIC ERIGÉ: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN QUEBEC MARKETS”
The high cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content of panic erigé (PE), comparable to that of wood, can be applied in biorefinery for producing various high-value molecules primarily for cosmetic, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food uses. Currently, CÉROM, in collaboration with the Centre d’études des procédés chimiques du Québec (CÉPROCQ), is working on optimizing extraction processes for various molecules from PE and the valorization of co-products, which will help develop the value chain for this crop. (Published in La Terre de chez nous, Vol. 31, N°5, October 2021, page B19)
Grant under the Horizon Europe 2020 project
Researcher Sanaz Safa has received a grant under the Horizon Europe 2020 project: the International Consortium for the Development of Battery Materials. This consortium brings together renowned institutions such as CÉPROCQ, UEF (University of Eastern Finland), IFE (Norwegian Institute of Energy Technology), LTU (Luleå University of Technology, Sweden), and TØI (Institute of Transport Economics, Norway), along with industrial partners like the Talga Group in Sweden and Performance BioFilaments Inc. in Canada. This project, funded by MERANET, aims to develop cutting-edge battery materials to meet the growing demands in energy storage technology.
$501,600 Grant for CÉPROCQ at Collège de Maisonneuve
A non-repayable financial aid of $501,600 will be granted to the Centre for the Study of Chemical Processes of Quebec (CÉPROCQ) at Collège de Maisonneuve as part of the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) program, to support the green transition of businesses.
CÉPROCQ and ITEGA awarded $2M NSERC grant for cannabis value chain innovation
Thanks to $2 million in funding over 5 years from the Government of Canada, the CÉPROCQ and the Institute of Packaging Technology and Food Engineering (ITEGA) at Collège de Maisonneuve will support businesses in their research and innovation efforts — from green and innovative extraction processes to preservation and packaging of cannabis-derived products. This ambitious applied research program addresses key technological challenges in an emerging sector with strong development prospects in both Quebec and Canada, particularly in producing target molecules, developing edible products, and ensuring the safe preservation and packaging of marketed goods.
Several companies are already involved, and more will be integrated over the next five years to build an innovative and high-performing cannabis value chain.
Green Technologies at Maisonneuve
The federal government also granted $469,610 to ITEGA and CÉPROCQ to continue their mission of supporting companies in reducing their environmental footprint through research and innovation.
The announcement took place at the 6220 Sherbrooke East campus, with the presence of Ms. Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga.
Cannabis Research License
CÉPROCQ obtained a license from Health Canada to conduct research on cannabis.
Finalist at the 29th ADRIQ Innovation Awards Gala
CÉPROCQ and its partner, Microbrasserie St-Pancrace, were selected as finalists in the PARTNERSHIP category at the 29th ADRIQ Innovation Awards Gala.
Contributing to Food Security in Algeria Through Mycorrhizal Agents
On September 8, 2019, the official launch of an Algerian-Canadian research and development project took place at the rectorate of Blida 1 University. This project is the result of a partnership between CÉPROCQ, Blida 1 University, and Algerian private company BFK FOOD, funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
The main goal is to enhance food security, productivity, and income for small Algerian farmers through bio-fertilization. The project also aims to pilot and disseminate a business model that supports the large-scale adoption of the bioinnovation (mycorrhization) in Algeria.
Participation in the Quebec Bioeconomy Innovation Forum (FIBEQ 2019)
CÉPROCQ participated in the very first Quebec Bioeconomy Innovation Forum, organized by CRIBIQ, on June 18–19, 2019 in Trois-Rivières.
CÉPROCQ Featured in Investissement Québec’s 2018 Manufacturing Initiative Video
Watch the video.
Canada’s Science Minister Visits CÉPROCQ
On April 27, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science of Canada, visited the CÉPROCQ at Collège de Maisonneuve. She met with College Director General Ms. Malika Habel and toured the labs with Director Mr. Yacine Boumghar.
She spoke with researchers and students in various labs and pilot units, including Canada’s only facilities for supercritical CO2 extraction — lab units, a 4-liter pilot unit, and a 50-liter pre-commercial unit. Researchers presented ongoing projects in bioindustrial and environmental technologies. Mr. Boumghar explained how CÉPROCQ supports the scale-up of green processes and assists businesses through pre-commercialization.
Ms. Duncan was highly impressed by the quality of the work and the equipment. She also expressed interest in the college’s two other research centers: ITEGA and the Institute for Research on the Professional Integration of Immigrants (IRIPI).
This visit highlighted the commitment of Collège de Maisonneuve’s three technology transfer centers, all part of the Transtech network, to bridging research and education to train future scientists and support SMEs.
Framework Agreement with Algeria’s Forum of Business Leaders (FCE)
On April 12, College Director General Ms. Malika Habel signed a framework agreement with Mr. Mehdi Bendimerad, Vice President of the FCE and President of its International Relations Commission. The agreement took place during a visit from a high-level FCE delegation, accompanied by Canada’s Ambassador to Algeria Ms. Isabelle Roy and the Algerian Consul in Montreal Mr. Abdelghani Cheriaf. The group received a presentation of the college and toured the research and training labs at the Sherbrooke East campus.
Mr. Boumghar presented the IPA (Institute for Process Automation) project. The objective is to:
- Train skilled technicians for a competitive and innovative industry;
- Create a positive, effective, and inspiring learning environment;
- Offer internationally recognized diplomas and certifications;
- Provide, in one location, both training and research/innovation services to support company development.
The framework agreement aims to encourage knowledge and expertise sharing in research and innovation, and the development of postsecondary technical and vocational training to support business growth.
The Forum of Business Leaders (FCE) is Algeria’s largest employers’ organization, representing over 3,000 companies that collectively generate more than $35 billion USD and employ more than 300,000 people.