Quebec City, June 15, 2026 — Alain Chandonnet was officially announced as the candidate for the La Peltrie riding, alongside the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party and several local party activists.
After more than thirty-five years of professional experience in the technology sector—as an entrepreneur, researcher, executive, and innovation manager—Alain Chandonnet is making the leap into provincial politics under the Liberal banner.
A physicist by training and holder of a Ph.D. in laser physics from the prestigious Center for Optics, Photonics, and Lasers (COPL) at Laval University, Alain Chandonnet began his career in industrial research at the National Institute of Optics (INO). In 2000, Mr. Chandonnet went into business by co-founding the high-tech company TeraXion, which initially specialized in the development of optical components for ultra-high-speed fiber-optic telecommunications networks. He would later go on to found Handyem, a company specializing in the development of portable biomedical analysis instruments.
In 2017, after several years working in the for-profit private sector, Alain Chandonnet became president and CEO of the National Institute of Optics (INO). As CEO, he led a transformation of the organization that will culminate in a merger with the Montreal Computer Research Center (CRIM) to form Luqia, the largest industrial innovation center dedicated to companies specializing in photonics, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence.
In addition to his career as a technology entrepreneur, Alain Chandonnet is the author of several scientific articles. Recognized by his peers, Mr. Chandonnet hopes to contribute to the political debate by applying the intellectual rigor inspired by the scientific approach that has characterized his professional life for more than two decades. Against the backdrop of profound global technological transformation, Alain Chandonnet’s joining the Quebec Liberal Party underscores the importance attached to this sector in the economic vision of its leader, Charles Milliard.
Deeply rooted in his community, Alain Chandonnet was a member of the Capitale-Nationale Project Committee, which is part of the Quebec City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIQ). In particular, he advocated for Quebec City to be designated the national capital.
“I am very proud to be entering politics with the Quebec Liberal Party, under the leadership of our leader, Charles Milliard. I sincerely believe that Quebec can be part of the technological transformation we’re experiencing, and I’m confident that I can make a difference, thanks to the experience I’ve gained over the years. I can’t wait to walk the streets of La Peltrie to meet the residents I intend to represent in the National Assembly starting next October!”
— Alain Chandonnet, QLP candidate in La Peltrie
