Laval University celebrates ⁣Scientific Entrepreneurship, Innovative Startups

QUEBEC CITY, April 11, 2025 – Laval University recently concluded its ​year-long scientific entrepreneurship promotion campaign with a closing event held April 10 at the Centrale-Entrepreneurial Space⁢ within the Maurice-Pollack pavilion. The initiative, a key ​component of the university’s 2023-2028 Institutional Plan, aimed to foster innovation and translate‌ scientific research into viable business ventures.

The⁢ event ⁢drew approximately 50 attendees⁤ and featured speeches, a⁢ conference, ‍and a review of the campaign’s​ achievements. ​A highlight was the presentation⁣ of awards recognizing about 20 young entrepreneurs‍ and scientific innovators affiliated‍ with Laval University, including current ⁤students and recent graduates. Faculty members who provided mentorship and support⁢ to⁣ these emerging companies were also honored.

Inscott: Turning Waste into Opportunity

Among the startups recognized was‌ Inscott, a company focused on developing novel ‍methods for managing animal waste from farms and food processing facilities. Their approach centers on using black soldier fly larvae to convert waste products, such as pork manure and downgraded eggs, into valuable ingredients for animal feed and fertilization.

In early 2022, Inscott emerged as one of the ‍first north American companies to explore the entotechnological valorization of animal-origin agri-food ⁢residues.⁢ Officially incorporated ‍in 2023, the company was founded by agronomist Jean-Michel⁢ Allard Prus, biologist Jérémy ⁣Lavoie – both​ Laval⁢ University alumni – and Mariève Dallaire-Lamontagne, a doctoral student in animal sciences. ‌Scott Cover, a major poultry producer generating notable‍ organic waste, is the primary shareholder.

Mariève Dallaire-Lamontagne said Inscott offers consultation services to assist food industry companies in optimizing their waste management. “Through technical ⁤support, our goal is to help companies like slaughterhouses and farms in establishing a system for enhancing their residues⁤ directly ⁣on the farm,” she said.

Dallaire-Lamontagne​ noted that agri-food waste, including manure‍ and carcasses, is rich in‌ nutrients, particularly proteins. ⁢”In an industrial-scale breeding environment, black soldier fly larvae feed on⁢ this organic waste, accumulating larval biomass,” she explained. “This biomass can then be used as feed, especially for hens, either in dried form or as a powder.”

faculty Support: A Key Ingredient

Marie-Hélène Deschamps, a professor in the ‌Department of Animal Sciences and head of the ‍Leadership Chair in teaching in production and primary processing of⁢ edible insects, has been instrumental in supporting student entrepreneurial projects.

“My‍ role was to ensure everything was in place to make ‍the project viable,” Deschamps said. “This involved assessing‍ the challenges, working with ⁢mariève and her team to clarify expectations, and securing ⁢funding to support the project.”

Deschamps emphasized the natural synergy between her research and Inscott’s mission, given her prior relationships with the company’s co-founders, who were former students. ⁣This facilitated a transfer⁣ of knowledge and biological resources between‌ the university and the startup.

“I collaborate with industry on research and development, as ‍do many faculty members,” ​deschamps said. “Though, supporting ⁣a student’s independent business ⁤venture was a new experience for me. We⁢ anticipate that the partnership between the chair and Inscott will continue after Mariève completes her doctorate.”

Reaching Out: The Importance of Engagement

The scientific entrepreneurship promotion campaign was a collaborative effort involving the university’s entrepreneurship incubator,two vice-rectorates,and various faculties.

Justine de Rico,head of communications and marketing with​ Ulaval entrepreneurship,emphasized the importance of direct engagement. “We had the opportunity to go into the field,” de Rico⁢ said. “It was crucial⁢ for us⁣ to connect with students and speak with them personally.”

The campaign included faculty tours, visits to departments and ‌research ⁤centers, participation in career days,⁣ and the creation of videos. These diverse communication activities reached over 600 individuals, including ⁣students, alumni, faculty, university staff, and members of Quebec’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

De Rico ‌said the campaign aimed to⁢ demonstrate that scientific entrepreneurship can be a rewarding career path for students with advanced degrees. She defined⁣ scientific entrepreneurship as “the valuation of a research result.”

Other initiatives highlighted during the year ⁣included tessellate Robotics, which is developing a ‍vehicle to automate crop inspection, and Ivano Bioscience, which creates biological reagents and tools for combating infectious diseases. Video profiles featured ‍ferreol Technologies, a manufacturer of alpine skis, and Anima, which markets oral health products for pets.

the “Jasons Entrepreneuriat Scientific”⁤ social media campaign​ generated over 80 posts, resulting in 61,000 impressions. additionally,a panel discussion⁢ organized by Ulaval entrepreneurship at the Faculty of Forestry,Geography and geomatics showcased Sokïo Industry,a⁣ manufacturer of prefabricated solid wood construction systems.