Creation of “Maison du Logiciel Libre” at ÉTS

he École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montréal is proud to welcome under its roof the “Maison du logiciel Libre”, ML² (Free Software House).

This house, created in partnership with other Quebec universities (Concordia, McGill, Polytechnique Montréal, University of Sherbrooke, University of Montreal, UQAM), aims to improve students skills and increase their potential for employment.

Problematic

In business, many decision makers argue that few graduates have been exposed to complex problems. Google, Nuance and other high-tech companies use test programming as the main element for their candidate evaluation process.

Industry internships are a simple and effective solution to allow students to better understand the practical dimension of computer science and software engineering. They also provide opportunities for them to discover an interest in a particular area, to grow this interest and to make it their specialty. A good quality internship multiplies employment opportunities while guaranteeing a better professional profile.

However, most students oftenly collaborate on proprietary projects which eliminates the possibility for future employers to review their codes.

Innovative solution

The “Maison du logiciel Libre” will allow students to develop a portfolio presenting their free software development contributions and assessing the students programming skills to prospective employers. Students will be matched to free software projects headed by ML² professors and mentors through internships, final undergraduate and graduate studies projects. For their part, companies will have access to potential recruits who will speed up development while reducing functionality costs and create links within a network of seven universities.

ÉTS main hall hosts ML² since October 2015. In September 2016, ML² will move into the former Montreal Dow Planetarium, a 3,000 ft² site specially refurbished for the occasion.

Good news!

Google and Savoir-faire Linux have signed a foundation partnership agreement with The “Maison du logiciel Libre” which also collaborates with the “Quartier de l’Innovation,”, a creative, dynamic platform dedicated to the needs of innovative players in Montreal, Quebec and the rest of Canada. The official opening of ML² will take place on December first, 2015, on invitation only.

For more information, visit the  “Maison du Logiciel Libre” website.

Register today!