The 2026 MTL Tech Awards celebrated projects driving progress in digital innovation, creativity and youth digital literacy. Held as part of MTL connect, the eighth edition recognized six initiatives and innovators contributing to a more innovative, inclusive and responsible digital future. Special mentions also highlighted initiatives dedicated to helping young people develop their digital skills.
Six Awards Celebrating the Diversity of Digital Innovation
Organized by Printemps numérique and sponsored by Desjardins Caisse des Technologies, the MTL Tech Awards recognize initiatives that push the boundaries of digital innovation and explore new possibilities for technology.
On October 13, 2026, the competition’s 15 finalists presented their projects to a panel of experts. The awards ceremony, held on October 15 at the Société des arts technologiques, celebrated the winners of this eighth edition.
The award-winning projects reflect the diversity of approaches and talent contributing to the growth of the digital ecosystem.
Meet the 2026 MTL Tech Awards Winners
- Youth Digital Literacy Award: Gen.IA, a program led by Héros de chez nous.
- Innovation Award: Vraust.ai, led by Elnathan Tiokou.
- Francophone Cultural Discoverability Award: MUSIQC, led by Ariane Charbonneau.
- Innovative Africa Award – UM6P: Solyntek AI, led by Iskander El Amri.
- Women in Tech Award: ALIVEcode, led by Jihene Rezgui.
- Antidote Award for Eloquence, by Druide: Caroline Julien, of CREO.
The ceremony also recognized Elsa Tannous, founder of Digiwomen, who received the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) Special Recognition Award.
Youth Digital Literacy at the Heart of the Awards
Beyond technological innovation, the MTL Tech Awards place a strong emphasis on initiatives that help young people develop their digital skills.
As digital technology increasingly shapes educational, cultural and civic experiences, digital literacy is essential to fostering critical thinking, understanding digital issues and enabling informed participation in society.
This year, three initiatives received special mentions in the Youth Digital Literacy category, across the Culture, Citizenship and Education streams:
- Culture: WeOui: Édition Jeunesse, for the Litote project.
- Citizenship: Brüme, a science communication media initiative.
- Education: Grifori.
These distinctions highlight initiatives that help young people better understand their digital environments and develop the skills they need to navigate them with confidence.
Projects Showcasing the Strength of the Digital Ecosystem
By bringing together projects from diverse backgrounds, the MTL Tech Awards help showcase initiatives that enrich the digital ecosystem and create new opportunities for collaboration.
This edition was made possible with the support of partners from various sectors, including Desjardins Caisse des Technologies, Université Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Aleia, Druide, the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ), Le Wagon, Women Techmakers Montréal and Le Lien MULTIMÉDIA.
Printemps numérique extends its thanks to the finalists for their contributions and to the jury members for sharing their expertise.
Through the MTL Tech Awards, Printemps numérique continues its commitment to recognizing talent, fostering connections across ecosystems and promoting a digital future that is ethical, inclusive and beneficial to society.
MTL connect: A Space for Connection and Collaboration
Organized annually by Printemps numérique, MTL connect is an international platform for networking, reflection and collaboration around the major challenges of digital transformation.
Bringing together industry professionals, researchers, decision-makers and entrepreneurs, the event encourages dialogue across the technology, culture, education, business and civic sectors.
The MTL Tech Awards reflect this commitment to building bridges between people, ideas and communities, while highlighting projects that contribute to a more responsible and accessible digital future.