Concordia’s District 3 is celebrating 10 years of innovation

For the past decade, District 3 Innovation Hub has served as a dynamic incubator within Concordia University, supporting a community of students, alumni and entrepreneurs as they transform bold ideas into impactful solutions.

Founded in 2014, District 3 has grown into a vital part of Quebec’s startup ecosystem, helping launch more than 1,200 companies across industries like technology, health and sustainability. Its programs aim to bridge academia and industry, combining entrepreneurial support with practical guidance, mentorship and resources to develop and scale ideas with purpose.

As District 3 marks 10 years, director Anna Ehrhardt reflects on the incredible achievements of the innovation hub’s community and its commitment to fostering collaborative and interdisciplinary solutions.

‘It’s about fostering a mindset where people from various disciplines collaborate to solve real-world issues’

What role has District 3 played in Concordia’s mission over the past decade?

Anna Ehrhardt: District 3 has been fundamental to Concordia’s goal of making education relevant and applied. By giving students and researchers a space where they can transform ideas into businesses or social projects, District 3 empowers them to apply their skills in ways that directly impact the community.

The centre isn’t just for startups; it’s about fostering a mindset where people from various disciplines collaborate to solve real-world issues. And that collaboration extends to partners from outside academia — companies, industry leaders and sometimes even policy-makers.

What would you say sets District 3 apart from other university-based incubators?

AE: District 3 stands out because it’s embedded in Concordia’s “next-generation” approach to education. The centre encourages an entrepreneurial mindset but also makes room for social impact and interdisciplinary work. We bring in experts from different fields — technology, healthcare, sustainability — so participants learn from a variety of perspectives, not just business or tech.

How has District 3 adapted to changes in the innovation landscape over the years?

AE: The innovation landscape has evolved rapidly, especially with technology advancing so quickly, and we have had to keep up with that. We do so by being very agile and constantly evolving our programs. Whether it’s through new tech resources, adapting to remote collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic or launching accelerator programs focused on specific issues like climate or artificial intelligence (AI), we’re always thinking ahead.

How do you think District 3 has influenced the wider Quebec startup ecosystem?

AE: District 3 has built a community that includes alumni, faculty and industry professionals, all coming together to drive innovation in the province. The startups that have come out of District 3 have added to Montreal and Quebec’s reputation as a tech and innovation hub, and many of them continue to give back by mentoring or partnering with current participants.

What are you most excited to see from District 3 in the next few years?

AE: I’m excited to see how District 3 continues to evolve its influence. There’s a lot of momentum around climate tech and AI right now, so it’ll be interesting to watch the centre dive into those areas even more. And I think our model of collaborative innovation is going to keep gaining traction, both in Quebec and beyond. I’m also looking forward to seeing more students get involved and take on leadership roles.

In your view, what is District 3’s legacy as it celebrates its 10th anniversary?

AE: I think it will be in how it has redefined what a university innovation centre can be. District 3 is not just a place where people come to build startups — it’s a place where they learn to think differently, to prioritize impact alongside innovation. The centre has shown that an academic institution can play a leading role in addressing global issues by equipping students and researchers with the tools they need to make changes. That’s a legacy that I think will last well beyond the next decade.

District 3’s 10-year journey is marked by numerous success stories, with these seven standout ventures making a significant impact across various industries:
 

• RNA Technologies & Therapeutics
  Focused on RNA-based solutions, this company is pioneering personalized medicine to address complex health challenges. They are advancing RNA therapies that aim to transform precision medicine.
  
  
• Triple Hair
  This Canadian biotech firm develops treatments for hair loss, including Therapy-07, a promising new drug for androgenic alopecia currently undergoing regulatory review.
  
  
• Gray Oncology Solutions
  Gray Oncology’s smart scheduling platform, GrayOS, optimizes operations for cancer care centres by reducing wait times and improving patient management through real-time adaptive scheduling.
  
  
• Clinia Health
  Clinia’s AI-powered health navigation solutions enhance patient experience by helping users find appropriate care options. Supported by a Series A funding round, Clinia’s infrastructure is designed for health-related searches.
  
  
• Culture Creates
  Culture Creates empowers arts organizations with digital tools like Artsdata.ca and Footlight, enhancing the online discoverability and presence of Canada’s arts sector.
  
  
• Centre des musiciens du monde
  A nonprofit based in Montreal, CMM celebrates global musical traditions, promoting cultural diversity through performance, education and research in a collaborative setting.

Do you have an innovative idea in the area of health care, biotech, high tech or social innovation? Learn about District 3’s free programs.