Quebec-born businessman and philanthropist Pierre Lassonde is donating $50 million to Polytechnique Montréal to establish an institute dedicated to disruptive innovation. He emphasizes the importance of investing in homegrown talent, particularly as Canada navigates economic tensions with the United States, Global News reports.
His donation comes amid an ongoing tariff war between Canada and its largest trading partner, the US Lassonde believes Canada has long relied on this relationship—a dynamic that has shifted dramatically since Donald Trump took office.
“It was an easy relationship. Well, it isn’t anymore, and we have to wake up to that,” Lassonde said in an interview from his Toronto home, as reported by Global News.
A Polytechnique graduate and expert in mining and precious metals, Lassonde chairs the school’s board of directors. His name already appears on several campus pavilions thanks to previous donations. The engineering school, affiliated with the Université de Montréal, described the $50 million gift as the largest in its history, reports Winnipeg Free Press.
Lassonde said the idea for the institute took shape as he toured Polytechnique’s labs, speaking with professors and students. He observed untapped potential, which he attributed in part to a lack of funding.
The concept of disruptive innovation refers to a process where a new product or service—often simpler or more affordable—initially targets a niche market before gradually replacing an existing industry standard, reports Winnipeg Free Press.
Lassonde hopes the new institute will foster cutting-edge research and help Canada become a leader in technological advancements. He envisions it as a hub where students, researchers, and industry experts can collaborate to develop groundbreaking solutions.
