The Axel Center is celebrating its first anniversary

January 30th marked the first anniversary of the Axel Centre. On this occasion, more than 60 people came to learn about the achievements of this first year of activities.

During 2018, the following activities were carried out:

• 5 discussion workshops to enable managers, partners, clinicians, researchers, and members of the private sector to explore the potential of new technologies in mental health research.
• The launch of the Collectif, a network and space for exchange and collaboration among various mental health stakeholders.
• The IDÉE Competition, an acceleration program for the implementation of researchers’ technology projects, leading to validated and potentially marketable prototypes. Three projects were supported as part of the first cohort.
• Participation in Hackerfest 2018, a 24-hour co-development marathon. Three research teams were able to join this event.
• Participation in Coopérathon 2018, a 25-day open innovation competition taking place in seven different cities. The Axel Challenge, launched during this event, recognized Compos Mentis as the company that successfully completed this mental health challenge.

For Stéphane Guay, co-director of the Axel Centre, “this first year provided an opportunity to position the Axel Centre within a vibrant ecosystem that brings together stakeholders from the private, community, and academic sectors. All these stakeholders aim to find solutions to new challenges.

The year 2019 therefore represents a year of growth for the Axel Centre and an opportunity to further promote the use of new technologies in the field of mental health.