Two iREx Students Awarded First Prize in L’Impact Millénium Québecor Grand Finale

Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb and Laurie Dauplaise, iREx graduate students from the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Arts and Science, clinched the grand prize of $10,000 at the Grand Finale of the L’Impact Millénium Québecor for their program, InitiaSciences.

InitiaSciences is a project dedicated to demystifying scientific research for high school and CEGEP students by providing mentorship from young researchers (master’s, doctorate, or post-doctorate). Through an 8-months-long immersive hands-on experience, students gain access to cutting-edge research projects and develop unique skills with personalized support from their mentors.

The two students received their prize on November 23, 2023 at the Grand Finale held in front of the public in the Atrium of the MIL Campus of the Université de Montréal. On this occasion, 5 teams of UdeM students and recent graduates faced off in front of a jury. The jury, made up of six prominent graduates recognized for their entrepreneurial achievements, recognized the InitiaSciences team as the most promising entrepreneurial initiative.

Congratulations, Caroline & Laurie!

About the Grand Finale of the L’Impact Millénium Québecor competition

The Grand Finale of the L’Impact Millénium Québecor entrepreneurial competition, presented by the Université de Montréal, features 5 teams of UdeM students and recent graduates competing against each other in front of a jury. This year’s event was hosted by Fabrice Vil, founder of the Pour 3 Points organization. The jury was made up of Pelra Azondekon, Director of Development and Entrepreneurial Strategy at Québecor (HEC 2009), Christine Breton, President and CEO of Opto-Réseau Inc, Cadleen Désir, Executive Director of the Centre de pédiatrie sociale de Laval (psychology 2002), Jean-Simon Fortin, President and Founder of Paperplane Therapeutics Inc. (medicine 2011 and family and emergency medicine 2013), Lucie Hénault, President and Founder of Flair et Cie (veterinary medicine 2000), Fabio Zeppilli, Founder and Vice-President USA of Bad Monkey popcorn (law 2010).

About InitiaSciences

InitiaSciences offers high school and CEGEP students the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge scientific research projects with the personalized support of university students and young researchers. iREx is proud to have been a partner of the initiative since its inception. To learn more about InitiaSciences, check out their website.