Optech’s 2012–2019 Report Is Positive

Optech’s 2012–2019 Progress Report

In 2012, both in terms of expertise and infrastructure, Optech’s service offering was limited. Our projects lacked the critical mass needed to build a coherent offering in terms of equipment, know-how, and expertise. It was difficult to establish synergies between projects, clients, and partners. In terms of recognition, Optech was relatively unknown. In short, the sustainability of the organization was far from guaranteed.

To address these challenges, the Optech team drafted the 2012–2017 Strategic Plan. Today, we can proudly report that we have achieved many of the objectives outlined in that document, significantly strengthening our organization.

Driven by this planning effort, we secured two NSERC RI projects worth a total of $4.6 million over six years, which proved to be a tremendous development lever. We also obtained two CFI grants totaling nearly $3 million, enabling us to expand our laboratories at the same pace. These grants had a powerful structuring effect.

The Optech team is now mature and experienced. It grew by about 33% between 2012 and 2019, with a staff retention rate approaching 100%. Our business development team is strong and dynamic. Client projects and funding are growing steadily, and our efforts to build long-term client relationships have paid off.

Our service offering is now coherent and clear. Our expertise has been refined and strengthened in the areas of optical fibers, fiber sensors, imaging, illumination, metrology, and microsystems. At the same time, our instrumentation capabilities have expanded significantly. Today, Optech’s expertise and equipment not only support the dynamism of our research activities but also make it possible to provide new specialized services (measurements, prototyping, photometry, etc.), creating an additional source of revenue for the center.

Through these projects, Optech has also contributed to the training of highly qualified personnel and the next generation of scientists. Each year, we have hired and supervised numerous interns, helping them integrate into professional environments with our clients. We have also involved several college instructors in our projects, enabling them to deepen their expertise and enhance their courses. In addition, we have contributed to the upgrading of various programs within the college community.

Between 2012 and 2019, Optech experienced significant growth:

• 245% increase in total revenues, including a 475% increase in client revenues
• 340% increase in the number of clients
• Contribution to the development of 450 innovative projects

Through applied research projects, Optech has contributed dynamically to the advancement of knowledge and the creation of value for our clients, the college community, society, and Québec’s economy.