Louis Tessier receives the prestigious Synergy Award for Innovation by the NSERC

Shawinigan, May 2, 2018 – Shawinigan College and its Centre for the Transfer of Technology, the National Centre in Electrochemistry and Environmental Technologies (CNETE), congratulate Louis Tessier, Professor at the College and Research Scientist at the CNETE, for winning the prestigious Synergy Award for Innovation by the NSERC.

The Synergy Awards for Innovation are awarded annually by the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). They recognize the collaborations that are a model of an efficient partnership between the industries and universities or colleges.

Louis Tessier collaborated with InnuScience Canada (ISC) to create biotechnological cleaning products that are efficient and environmentally friendly. The partners created biosurfactants that include many advantages compared to traditional surfactants: in addition to being biodegradable and non-toxic, they are more efficient, and can be used in lesser amounts in the final product. Also, because of the unique fermentation process used by Mr. Tessier to produce the necessary microbes and bacteria, energy consumption is reduced. ISC now produces biosurfactants that are more environmentally friendly, economical and efficient in its facilities, which gives the business a clear advantage over its competitors.

As President of the BOD of the CNETE and Executive Director of Shawinigan College, Mr. Guy Dumais, is thrilled about this recognition, which reflects on the entire college community and Mauricie region. “This prestigious award received by Professor Louis Tessier is a great pride for the CNETE and College. This acknowledgement demonstrates the great quality of the applied research conducted daily at the College and CNETE.”

For Mrs. Nancy Déziel, Executive Director of the CNETE: “The applied research projects undertaken by the CNETE in partnership with the industry are bearers of technological innovation. They help to quickly develop innovative solutions that have a major impact on the economic growth of businesses. We are proud that Mr. Tessier’s work is being acknowledged by the NSERC.”

The College and CNETE would like to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Louis Tessier!