Jonathan Lessard, President of Nexapp, Named AQT CEO of the Year

AQT and National Bank are proud to announce that Jonathan Lessard, President and co-founder of Nexapp, is the winner of the AQT - National Bank 2025 CEO of the Year Award. The 2025 edition of this prestigious award honours CEOs who stand out in Quebec's technology landscape for their ability to grow innovative companies. In a complex economic context, they have built successful and sustainable businesses, while inspiring their teams and making significant contributions to their respective sectors.

The award was presented at a gala evening as part of the 24th edition of CEO Vision, an exclusive summit for tech CEOs. Jonathan was elected following a combined evaluation of 50% by an independent jury and 50% by the vote of participating tech CEOs.

"We are extremely proud to award this great honor to Jonathan Lessard, a committed and daring young leader. This recognition testifies not only to his key role in the technology ecosystem, but also to his positive influence as an inspiring role model for the next generation."

- Nicole Martel, President and CEO, AQT

Jonathan Lessard's background is a true source of inspiration. In 2014, he co-founded Nexapp with two university friends, a startup that quickly gained traction. In 2018, he participated in Vision PDG for the first time as a Young Business fellow, a program that supports young leaders in Quebec's technology sector. Now, seven years later, he receives one of the highest honours bestowed on Quebec tech leaders at the same event. This recognition testifies to the scope of his rise and impact on the industry.

Under his leadership, Nexapp has grown by an impressive 479% in five years, positioning itself as a major player in custom software development and artificial intelligence integration. This rapid success is the result of strategic management, constant innovation and an ability to diversify, as demonstrated by the launch of Axify, a self-financed SaaS product.

This award from his peers recognizes not only Jonathan Lessard's remarkable achievements but also his decisive role in Nexapp's growth and the influence of our industry.

Photo credit: Marc-Eric Baillargeon for Les Festifs

About the AQT-Banque Nationale CEO of the Year Award

Since 2003, the AQT CEO of the Year Award has recognized the achievements of CEOs who embody excellence and innovation in Quebec's digital technology sector. For the second year running, National Bank is supporting this prestigious award as an exclusive partner.

About AQT

We are a community of tech CEOs and entrepreneurs, united by the ambition to build a strong and sustainable Quebec heritage. We share a dream that's bigger than our individual companies, aiming for both growth and sustainability. AQT member companies represent a significant economic impact through their expertise in digital transformation in all sectors of activity, both locally and internationally.

About Nexapp

Nexapp is a software engineering firm that helps its customers bring their ideas to market as quickly as possible. Whether it's AI, digital transformation or software development, we make results happen through software expertise.

For further information, please contact

Audrey Rousseau Dufresne
Communications and Marketing Manager, Nexapp
arousseaudufresne@nexapp.ca