Polytechnique Montréal
receives huge donnation

Pierre Lassonde, a catalyst for Transformative Technological Breakthroughs

By Andrew Burlone

March 18, 2025

Eminent Quebec entrepreneur and philanthropist Pierre Lassonde has made history at Polytechnique Montréal with an exceptional donation of $50 million. This unprecedented contribution represents the most generous financial support ever given to the institution and opens a new chapter in the evolution of scientific research and innovation in Quebec.

This exceptional $50 million gift represents the most generous financial support ever given to Polytechnique Montréal.

This financial support will allow Polytechnique Montréal to reach a decisive milestone in its development. The institution will be able to strengthen its position as a leader in the field of engineering and stimulate the emergence of breakthrough technologies. This bold initiative promises to catalyze innovation, train a new generation of talent, and propel Quebec to the forefront of scientific research on the international stage.

Objectives of the Donation

The impact will extend well beyond Polytechnique’s walls, breathing new life into Quebec’s entire research and innovation ecosystem. It demonstrates Pierre Lassonde’s long-term vision and deep commitment to advancing knowledge and technological progress for the benefit of society. This action highlights his transformative role and confirms the long-term impact of his contribution on technology research at Polytechnique Montréal.

Aiming to propel innovation and research at Polytechnique Montréal to new heights, the money will be wisely allocated to creating an institute specializing in disruptive innovation, as well as establishing an endowment fund to support research work by students and professors. Special attention will be given to the emergence of cutting-edge technologies, with a focus on the promising fields of semiconductors and photonic devices.

Pierre Lassonde’s Vision

Pierre Lassonde • Ordre national du Québec

Pierre Lassonde’s vision is clear: invest in human potential rather than physical infrastructure. He favours investing in brains rather than bricks and mortar, convinced that the most impactful innovations will arise from intelligence and creativity.

The ultimate ambition of this initiative is to stimulate the creation of high-value intellectual property, capable of generating wealth, creating jobs, and concretely improving society’s quality of life. This gift thus represents a strategic investment in Quebec’s technological and economic future.

An iconic figure in Quebec entrepreneurship, Pierre Lassonde has forged unbreakable ties with Polytechnique Montréal since obtaining his degree in 1971. His rise to the position of Chairman of the Board in 2020 only strengthened this deep attachment. His exceptional generosity towards his alma mater is part of a remarkable philanthropic tradition, marked by contributions that have exceeded $100 million over the years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to education and innovation.

‘The ultimate goal of this initiative is to stimulate the creation of high-value intellectual property, capable of generating wealth, creating jobs, and concretely improving society’s quality of life. ‘

Beyond this personal gesture, Lassonde hopes that his approach will inspire other wealthy individuals to follow suit and invest in forward-looking projects. His philosophy, deeply rooted in the idea that the true value of wealth lies in its beneficial use for society, resonates as a call to action. By stating that “the important thing is not to accumulate wealth, but rather to know how to use it positively,” Lassonde invites his peers to rethink their relationship with fortune and to consider their legacy in terms of the positive impact they can have on the world.

A transformative impact on Quebec research

The donation to Polytechnique Montréal promises to have a profound and lasting impact on the research landscape in Quebec. Maud Cohen, Director General of Polytechnique Montréal, highlights the critical importance of this contribution to the province’s technological future.

“The newly created institute, made possible by this ambitious gift, is destined to play a leading role in accelerating technological progress in Quebec. By concentrating resources and expertise in a dedicated centre of excellence, it will stimulate cutting-edge innovation and propel the high-tech sector to new heights.”

Polytechnique Montréal is already positioning itself as a centre of excellence dedicated to research and development in strategic fields such as semiconductors, photonics, and quantum engineering. One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to create an institute specializing in disruptive innovation and to train a new generation of highly qualified talent.

‘These future engineers and researchers will be equipped to tackle the technological challenges of tomorrow, ensuring Quebec’s competitiveness and leadership in the global digital economy.’

The institute will not operate in isolation but will aim to establish strategic partnerships with other major innovation centres in Bromont, Quebec City, and Ottawa. This collaborative approach will create a robust innovation ecosystem, maximizing the impact of research and development on both regional and national scales.

Designed to address current technological and socio-economic challenges, the institute will rely on state-of-the-art infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise. This space will foster collaboration among researchers, students, industry professionals, and SMEs, with the goal of transforming scientific discoveries into concrete, innovative solutions while accelerating their adoption by industry.

Feature image: Gerd Altmann – Pixabay

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