It is time to #BuildinMTL with ambition, passion, and impact on the world
You’ve likely felt the frustration: generic networking events and conferences where your most valuable asset – your time – feels, well, wasted. After 15 years building the Canadian tech entrepreneurship ecosystem, Ilias Benjelloun knows this reality all too well. That’s why, in this clip, he cuts straight to the chase about the "semaine des portes ouvertes" in Montreal, explaining its profound shift from traditional networking. Ilias, a 3x entrepreneur and co-founder of MTL NewTech, asserts that true value isn't found in passively consuming content at a large conference. Instead, the power lies in targeted, distributed micro-events. Forget the 1000-person ballroom; think focused gatherings of 60 to 300 individuals, precisely curated around specific themes like health tech, AI, or climate innovation. This isn't just a calendar of events; it’s a strategic agenda designed for entrepreneurs, founders, and new arrivals to intentionally choose interactions that align with their specific needs and maturity level. This approach transforms your week. Rather than hoping for a chance encounter, you actively select impactful sessions with key investors, experienced mentors, or peers tackling similar challenges. It’s about moving beyond mere inspiration to concrete action and execution. This intentionality, Ilias emphasizes, is at the heart of revitalizing Montreal’s tech community post-COVID, fostering genuine belonging and tangible progress. It’s business philanthropy in action, where giving time and knowledge creates real bridges for the next generation. If you’re ready to stop wasting time and start building meaningful connections that accelerate your journey, dive into the full video to understand the strategic vision behind this revolutionary approach to ecosystem building. Discover how to leverage targeted opportunities to truly integrate, grow, and make an impact.
Stop Wasting Time at Networking Events. Do This Instead.
You’ve likely felt the frustration: generic networking events and conferences where your most valuable asset – your time – feels, well, wasted. After 15 years building the Canadian tech entrepreneurship ecosystem, Ilias Benjelloun knows this reality all too well. That’s why, in this clip, he cuts straight to the chase about the "semaine des portes ouvertes" in Montreal, explaining its profound shift from traditional networking. Ilias, a 3x entrepreneur and co-founder of MTL NewTech, asserts that true value isn't found in passively consuming content at a large conference. Instead, the power lies in targeted, distributed micro-events. Forget the 1000-person ballroom; think focused gatherings of 60 to 300 individuals, precisely curated around specific themes like health tech, AI, or climate innovation. This isn't just a calendar of events; it’s a strategic agenda designed for entrepreneurs, founders, and new arrivals to intentionally choose interactions that align with their specific needs and maturity level. This approach transforms your week. Rather than hoping for a chance encounter, you actively select impactful sessions with key investors, experienced mentors, or peers tackling similar challenges. It’s about moving beyond mere inspiration to concrete action and execution. This intentionality, Ilias emphasizes, is at the heart of revitalizing Montreal’s tech community post-COVID, fostering genuine belonging and tangible progress. It’s business philanthropy in action, where giving time and knowledge creates real bridges for the next generation. If you’re ready to stop wasting time and start building meaningful connections that accelerate your journey, dive into the full video to understand the strategic vision behind this revolutionary approach to ecosystem building. Discover how to leverage targeted opportunities to truly integrate, grow, and make an impact.
The 'Nobel Prize of AI' Winner is Coming to Montreal. Here's Why.
Dans la logique de la semaine portes ouvertes à Montréal (18 au 24), qui vise à recréer de l’élan post-COVID et à transformer la “consommation de conférences” en rencontres utiles, cette séquence met en lumière un levier puissant: l’arrivée de Yoshua Bengio, souvent présenté comme l’un des “pères” du deep learning, l’équivalent du prix Nobel de l’IA en sciences informatiques. L’enjeu, selon Ilias, n’est pas juste d’avoir un grand nom à l’affiche. C’est de comprendre que Montréal est déjà un des plus gros hubs IA au monde, et que des figures comme Bengio viennent nourrir une dynamique concrète autour de vraies questions de recherche et d’innovation à développer. Ilias insiste aussi sur l’importance de passer du “wow” à l’action: si vous êtes entrepreneur, fondateur, investisseur ou mentor, l’opportunité est de vous connecter à des programmes et initiatives existants, notamment autour des défis lancés dans le secteur (avec des éléments mentionnés comme des postes/plateformes à explorer). Pour les nouveaux arrivants ou ceux qui hésitent face à l’aspect “social” des événements, le message est clair: ici, la dimension humaine sert un objectif opérationnel—identifier les bons acteurs, construire des ponts, et accélérer des collaborations orientées impact. Pour saisir tout le mécanisme et savoir comment tirer parti de cette semaine distribuée dans toute la ville, regardez la vidéo complète.
Why I'm Fighting to Keep Talent in Montreal
Dans la conversation autour de la semaine des portes ouvertes à Montréal, il y a un fil rouge : recréer une dynamique d’appartenance et d’intégration pour que les entrepreneurs tech ne fassent pas que “passer” par la ville, mais y construisent vraiment. Dans ce highlight, Ilias Benjelloun pose un diagnostic sans détour : il y a aujourd’hui beaucoup moins d’entrepreneurs qu’il y a une quinzaine d’années, et surtout, une partie importante des talents qui arrivent à Montréal ne reste pas. Pour lui, c’est un vrai enjeu de développement d’écosystème, parce que Montréal offre une richesse unique qui va bien au-delà de la startup—culture, créativité, et surtout cette combinaison rare entre intensité de travail et plaisir de vivre. Ce moment est important parce qu’il relie l’attraction à la rétention. Montréal a une “mixité” Amérique du Nord/Europe qui permet de profiter d’une qualité de vie tout en bâtissant des projets ambitieux. L’objectif, affirme-t-il, est de retrouver cette dynamique et de redonner des repères d’appartenance, afin que les nouveaux arrivants et les fondateurs puissent s’installer, se connecter, et s’enraciner. Si vous voulez comprendre comment concrètement recréer ce lien—par des événements ciblés, du mentorat et un passage de l’inspiration à l’action—regardez la vidéo complète et explorez la programmation de la semaine portes ouvertes.
Beyond Buzzwords: What Real Diversity and Inclusion Looks Like
In this segment of the discussion on Montreal's 'Open House Week,' Ilias Benjelloun dives deeper into the foundational philosophy behind the initiative, moving beyond mere event organization to underscore the critical importance of intentionality in building a thriving tech ecosystem. He emphasizes that with 70 events and 4000 registrations, the goal isn't just numbers, but a deliberate effort to seek out individuals who bring genuine 'care' and 'productivity' to Quebec's economy. This isn't about passive participation; it's about actively identifying and integrating diverse talent. Ilias reflects on past approaches, noting that while earlier efforts like hackathons brought energy, the current strategy is marked by a profound shift towards 'more intentionality, more inclusion.' This evolution is crucial for cultivating a robust culture of calculated risk-taking, groundbreaking innovation, meaningful networking, and profound generosity – qualities essential for any entrepreneur looking to make a lasting impact. For entrepreneurs, founders, and especially newcomers navigating the Canadian tech scene, this message is a powerful endorsement of genuine connection over superficial networking. It assures participants that the 'Open House Week' is meticulously designed to create bridges and opportunities, ensuring that valuable contributions from all backgrounds are recognized and integrated. This intentional drive for diversity and inclusion means tapping into a wider pool of talent and perspectives, ultimately strengthening the entire ecosystem. It's about ensuring every valuable voice is heard and every potential contributor finds their place, fostering an environment where real value is created and shared. Don't miss the full conversation to understand how this visionary approach is redefining community building and impact in Montreal's tech landscape.
The Most Important Lesson an Entrepreneur Can Learn
The core message, "We learn a lot from failure, or, ideally, from the failures of others," delivered by Ilias Benjelloun, cuts to the chase of what it takes to thrive in the demanding world of tech entrepreneurship. This pivotal insight anchors the spirit of the "semaine des portes ouvertes" in Montreal, an initiative Ilias champions to reignite community and propel founders from mere inspiration to concrete action. In a post-COVID landscape where "sterile tensions" have replaced vibrant collaboration, Ilias stresses the urgent need for real, actionable learning. For tech entrepreneurs, founders, and especially newcomers navigating the Canadian ecosystem, this isn't just a philosophical musing; it's a strategic imperative. Why reinvent the wheel, or worse, repeat costly mistakes that others have already endured? The "semaine des portes ouvertes" is meticulously designed to connect you with seasoned mentors and successful entrepreneurs – those "qui ont fait" – who share their hard-won wisdom, including their setbacks. This targeted mentorship, facilitated through intimate micro-events rather than generic conferences, provides direct access to invaluable lessons learned through experience. Ilias, with his assertive yet engaging authority honed over 15 years as a 3x entrepreneur and ecosystem builder, emphasizes "business philanthropy" – the act of giving time and knowledge to build bridges for the next generation. Learning from others' missteps is the ultimate shortcut, reducing wasted time and capital, and accelerating your path to impact-driven innovation, whether in AI, climate tech, or health. It’s about leveraging a curated network for concrete outcomes, fostering a culture of generosity and resilience within Montreal’s unique blend of North American dynamism and European quality of life. Don't just consume information; convert it into execution by drawing on the collective experience of those who've walked the path before you. For a deeper dive into how you can tap into this unparalleled network of mentorship and avoid common pitfalls, watch the full video.
