I.Q.C.4.0 — Stream 2
QC, Canada
Support Quebec industries in their adoption of digital and intelligent technologies to increase their productivity, competitiveness and resilience.
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Construction
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- Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
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grant_card_status|open
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To obtain this action plan, companies and contracting authorities will take part in a personalized digital diagnostic process in which their level of digital maturity will be assessed, and their specific challenges and needs identified. The action plan will present the essential elements of a successful digital transition, and key performance indicators for follow-up.
Phase III of the Quebec Initiative for Construction 4.0 (IQC4.0), authorized in decree number 365-2021 of March 24, 2021 by the Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation (MEI), aims to support the Quebec construction industry in the digital shift, particularly in the deployment of Building Data Modeling (BDM or more commonly BIM) on a large scale. This phase is a continuation of the IQC4.0 program, which began in March 2018. To date, more than 250 companies have been diagnosed. It is also part of the Construction Action Plan (CAP) announced on March 21, 2021, as well as the Offensive en Transformation Numérique (OTN) announced on March 29, 2021.
Quebec Ministry of the Economy and Innovation is investing $13.7 million in this new phase of the Quebec-wide initiative. The project is led by two organizations accustomed to supporting the digitization of businesses, the Groupe BIM du Québec and the Institut de gouvernance numérique, in partnership with professional associations in the construction industry.
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Here are a few examples of projects eligible for I.Q.C 4.0 grant Stream 2:
Manufacturing sector:
- Implementation of a computerized production management system (ERP ) to improve production planning, scheduling and monitoring.
- Acquisition of a robot to automate a repetitive task and improve productivity.
- Implementation of an automated quality control system to guarantee product quality.
- Deployment of a predictive maintenance solution to prevent breakdowns and reduce maintenance costs.
- Development of a digital twin to simulate and optimize production processes.
Business services sector:
- Creation of a web platform to offer new services to customers.
- Development of a mobile application to improve inventory management.
- Implementation of a CRM system to better manage customer relations.
- Implementation of a cybersecurity solution to protect company data.
- Adoption of cloud computing technology to improve the company's flexibility and agility.
It is important to note that these examples are not exhaustive. All projects aimed at implementing digital and intelligent technologies that have a significant impact on the company's productivity, competitiveness or resilience are potentially eligible.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Winnipeg
Deployment of an automated quality control system in a food processing plant.
$350,000
Montreal
Implementation of a computerized production management system (ERP) at a manufacturing company.
$450,000
Toronto
Acquisition of a robot to automate a repetitive task at a car parts manufacturing plant.
$550,000
Vancouver
Development and deployment of a predictive maintenance solution in a paper manufacturing facility.
$250,000
Ottawa
Creation of a web platform for a tech startup to offer digital consulting services.
$300,000
Quebec City
Implementation of a cloud-based inventory management system for an e-commerce business.
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1. Be a company in the manufacturing or business services sector.
- Manufacturing: This includes companies that transform raw materials into finished products.
- Business services: This includes companies that provide services to other companies, such as IT, marketing or accounting services.
2. Have a head office in Quebec.
- The company must be registered in Quebec and have its principal place of business there.
3. Have a project to implement digital and intelligent technologies.
- The project must be aimed at adopting 4.0 technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, etc.
- The project must have a significant impact on the company's productivity, competitiveness or resilience.
4. Submit a grant application before March 31, 2028.
- The deadline for applications is March 31, 2028.
- It is important to apply as early as possible, as grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition, the project must meet the following criteria:
- Be realistic and feasible.
- Respect the laws and regulations in force in Quebec.
- Not have already received a grant from the Quebec government for the same project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
1. Be an SME in the manufacturing or business services sector.
- SME: A company with fewer than 250 employees and annual sales of less than $50 million.
- Manufacturing sector: This includes companies that transform raw materials into finished products.
- Business services: This includes companies that provide services to other companies, such as IT, marketing or accounting services.
2. Have a head office in Quebec.
- The company must be registered in Quebec and have its principal place of business there.
3. Have a project to implement digital and intelligent technologies.
- The project must be aimed at adopting 4.0 technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, etc.
- The project must have a significant impact on the company's productivity, competitiveness or resilience.
4. Apply for a grant before March 31, 2028.
- The deadline for applications is March 31, 2028.
- It is important to apply as early as possible, as grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition, the project must meet the following criteria:
- Be realistic and feasible.
- Respect the laws and regulations in force in Quebec.
- Not have already received a grant from the Quebec government for the same project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The following companies are not eligible for Component 2 of the I.Q.C 4.0 grant:
- Large companies: Companies with more than 250 employees or annual sales in excess of $50 million.
- Public-sector companies: Companies owned by the Quebec government or a public administration.
- Non-profit companies: Companies that do not operate for profit.
- Companies in financial difficulty: Companies that are bankrupt or in default of payment.
- Companies that have already received a subsidy from the Quebec government for the same project.
In addition, the following projects are not eligible:
- Projects that do not involve the implementation of digital and intelligent technologies.
- Projects that do not have a significant impact on the company's productivity, competitiveness or resilience.
- Projects that are not realistic or feasible.
- Projects that do not comply with Quebec laws and regulations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The following expenses are eligible for Section 2 of the I.Q.C 4.0 grant:
Acquisition and implementation of digital and intelligent technologies:
- Cost of purchasing software and hardware.
- Technology development and integration costs.
- Costs of training staff in the use of new technologies.
- Expenses for professional services related to technology implementation.
Staff training:
- Cost of training related to digital and intelligent technologies.
- Travel and accommodation expenses for training courses.
- Salaries of employees during training sessions.
Hiring of specialized personnel:
- Salaries of new employees hired to support the project.
- Recruitment and integration costs for new employees.
Project-related R&D expenses:
- Cost of studies and research.
- Prototype development costs.
- Salaries of researchers and developers.
Professional advice:
- Consulting fees for digital and intelligent technologies.
- Cost of feasibility studies.
- Expenses for legal and accounting services related to the project.
Please note that the following expenses are not eligible:
- Current business expenses.
- Purchase of basic software.
- Projects already underway.
- Projects that do not comply with current laws and regulations.
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The geographical area eligible for I.Q.C 4.0 grant component 2 is the whole of Quebec.
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The selection criteria for Component 2 of the I.Q.C 4.0 grant are as follows:
1. Company eligibility:
- The company must be an SME in the manufacturing or business services sector.
- The company must have its head office in Quebec.
- The company must have a project to implement digital and intelligent technologies.
2. Project quality:
- The project must be realistic and feasible.
- The project must have a significant impact on the company's productivity, competitiveness or resilience.
- The project must comply with Quebec laws and regulations.
3. Financial contribution from the company:
- The company must make a financial contribution to the project.
- The amount of the company's financial contribution will be taken into account in evaluating the application.
4. Economic impact of the project:
- The project must have a positive economic impact on Quebec.
- The number of jobs created or maintained by the project will be taken into account in evaluating the application.
5. Quality of application:
- The grant application must be complete and well documented.
- The quality of the application will be taken into account in the assessment of the application.
In addition to these criteria, applications will also be evaluated according to the priorities of the Quebec government.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps for applying for the I.Q.C 4.0 grant, component 2:
1. Read the I.Q.C 4.0 program guide:
- The program guide contains all the information you need to understand eligibility criteria, eligible expenses and selection criteria.
- You can download the program guide from the Investissement Québec website: [Invalid URL removed].
2. Check the eligibility of your company and your project:
- Make sure your company meets all eligibility criteria.
- Make sure your project meets all selection criteria.
3. Prepare a grant application:
- The grant application must be complete and well documented.
- You can download the grant application form from the Investissement Québec website.
4. Submit your grant application:
- You can submit your grant application online or by post.
- The deadline for applications is March 31, 2028.
5. Follow-up on your application:
- You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your grant application.
- An Investissement Québec analyst will review your application and contact you if necessary.
- You will be informed of Investissement Québec's decision within 12 weeks of the application deadline.
Apply to this program
Summary of the Initiative Québécoise pour la Construction 4.0 (IQC 4.0) Grant
The IQC 4.0 grant, funded by the Quebec Ministry of Economy and Innovation, supports Quebec-based construction companies and organizations in their digital transformation efforts by providing a personalized digital diagnostic and an actionable plan for implementation. This initiative aims to boost productivity, optimize business processes, and increase collaboration through the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other digital tools.
Detailed Explanation of the Initiative Québécoise pour la Construction 4.0 (IQC 4.0) Grant
The Initiative Québécoise pour la Construction 4.0 (IQC 4.0), is an ambitious program designed to propel the Quebec construction industry into the digital age. Managed by the Quebec Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the initiative supports Quebec-based construction companies and organizations in their digital transformation by offering comprehensive diagnostics and tailored action plans for digital implementation. Below, we delve into the various aspects of the grant, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the application process, ensuring you have all the pertinent information to get started.
Grant Objective and Scope
Funded by the Quebec Ministry of Economy and Innovation, with an investment of $13.7M, this grant aims to encourage the widespread adoption of digital technologies in the Quebec construction industry. The primary focus is on integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) at a large scale, along with other digital tools, to enhance productivity, streamline business processes, and bolster collaboration among stakeholders.
Why Digital Transformation is Essential
The IQC 4.0 initiative underscores the importance of digital transformation in the construction sector. The digital shift offers a multitude of benefits, such as:
- Increased Productivity: Digital tools can significantly enhance productivity on construction sites and in offices by automating routine tasks, thereby freeing up time for more critical activities.
- Optimized Business Processes: Digital solutions streamline workflows, ensure better project management, and thereby lead to time and cost savings.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Improved data sharing and communication tools facilitate greater collaboration between various stakeholders, including contractors, architects, and suppliers.
- Adaptability to Remote Work: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for remote work capabilities, an area where digital tools excel.
- Real-Time Data Management: Digital platforms offer real-time data collection, management, and sharing, helping in more informed decision-making processes.
Eligibility Criteria for Participation
To be eligible for the IQC 4.0 grant, companies and organizations must meet specific criteria:
- Location: The applicant must have an office situated in Quebec.
- Industry: The applicant should be operating within the construction sector or the built environment.
Additionally, for participation in specific components like Locomotives numériques, companies must meet other conditions, such as having completed the initial IQC 4.0 diagnostic and presenting a collaborative improvement project involving their supply chain.
Components of the Initiative
The IQC 4.0 initiative is divided into several key components designed to address various aspects of digital transformation:
- Diagnostics: This phase involves a comprehensive digital diagnostic of participating companies to evaluate their current digital maturity, identify key challenges, and outline specific needs. The output is a personalized action plan for digital transformation.
- Accompaniment and Training: After receiving their action plan, companies can take advantage of expert guidance and training to implement digital technologies. This support includes developing project plans, integrating new tools, and conducting employee training sessions.
- Locomotives numériques: This component focuses on supporting collaborative projects between main contractors or large distribution networks and their suppliers, aiming to digitize and automate processes throughout the supply chain. Selected companies can receive up to 50% reimbursement for the total project costs, which include software acquisition, equipment purchases, and training expenses.
- Coffre numérique: A digital toolbox offers a repository of software solutions categorized under administration and management, design and modeling, and consultation and sharing. This toolbox aims to assist companies in selecting the right tools to facilitate their digital transformation.
The Diagnostic Process
The diagnostic process is thorough and personalized, ensuring that each participating company receives a tailored plan for its digital journey. The steps in this process include:
- Call for Applications: Companies submit their applications for review.
- Review and Decision: Each application is thoroughly reviewed, and successful candidates are selected.
- Initial Contact: Selected companies complete a detailed company profile.
- Diagnostic Assessment: Experts evaluate the company’s current digital maturity, identify challenges, and define desired outcomes.
- Plan Presentation: A detailed action plan is presented, outlining the steps necessary for achieving the desired digital transformation.
- Feedback and Follow-Up: Mechanisms for follow-up and progress tracking are established to ensure successful implementation.
Accompaniment and Training Phase
The accompaniment phase follows the diagnostic process and entails guided support for implementing the action plan. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
- Call for Applications: Companies that have completed the diagnostic phase can apply for accompaniment and training.
- Review and Decision: Applications are reviewed, and eligible candidates are selected.
- Initial Contact: A detailed company profile is completed for the selected companies.
- Plan Review: The action plan from the diagnostic phase is revisited and updated if required.
- Activity Launch: Implementation teams are established, and activities are initiated.
- Monitoring and Feedback: Ongoing monitoring and feedback mechanisms are put in place to ensure the project's success.
Selected companies may receive up to a 50% reimbursement for their digital transformation costs, including software purchases, equipment upgrades, and training expenses.
Locomotives numériques Phase
The Locomotives numériques phase is a collaborative effort aimed at improving overall industry efficiency. The key steps involved include:
- Call for Applications: Companies submit their collaborative improvement projects for consideration.
- Review and Decision: Applications are reviewed, and suitable projects are selected.
- Initial Contact: Detailed profiles of the company and its suppliers are compiled.
- Plan and Budget Review: The proposed plan and budget are evaluated for relevance and feasibility.
- Activity Launch: Implementation teams and activities are established.
- Coordination and Feedback: Mechanisms for monitoring and feedback are established to ensure successful project execution.
How to Apply
Application for the IQC 4.0 initiative is straightforward but requires a commitment of time and resources from participating companies. Here’s how you can apply:
- Prepare Your Application: Ensure your company meets the eligibility criteria.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the application form and submit it for review.
- Wait for Review: Your application will be reviewed, and you will be informed of the decision.
- Engage in the Process: If selected, commit the necessary time and resources to participate fully in the diagnostic, training, or locomotive phases.
Commitment Required
Participation in the IQC 4.0 initiative necessitates a serious commitment from company leaders. Here are a few key points to consider:
- Time Commitment: Companies must dedicate 20 to 40 hours over three months for the diagnostic process.
- Leadership Involvement: Senior management must be actively involved in the process to ensure successful implementation.
- Resource Allocation: Adequate resources must be allocated for the implementation of the digital action plan, including potentially matching funds for cost-sharing elements of the grant.
Conclusion
The IQC 4.0 initiative is not just a grant; it is a transformative journey designed to usher the Quebec construction industry into a new era of digital efficiency. By participating, companies can significantly boost their productivity, streamline their business processes, and create a more collaborative and digitally advanced working environment. Don't miss this opportunity to join the digital revolution in Quebec’s construction sector. Apply today and take the first step towards a more efficient and innovative future.
