Quebec Initiative for Construction 4.0 — Stream 2
QC, Canada
Support Quebec industries in their adoption of digital and intelligent technologies to increase their productivity, competitiveness and resilience.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
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- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2028
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Construction
grant_single|grantors
- 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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies with offices located in Quebec. The geographical eligibility is explicitly defined to support the economic sector of the construction or built environment within the region.
- Companies with a registered office in Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$350,000
Implementation of a computerized production management system (ERP) at a manufacturing company
$550,000
Development and deployment of a predictive maintenance solution in a paper manufacturing facility
$250,000
Creation of a web platform for a tech startup to offer digital consulting services
$400,000
Deployment of an automated quality control system in a food processing plant
$300,000
Implementation of a cloud-based inventory management system for an e-commerce business
$450,000
Acquisition of a robot to automate a repetitive task at a car parts manufacturing plant
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's location and industry.
- The applicant must have an office located in Quebec.
- The applicant must be operating in the economic sector of construction or the built environment.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is open to businesses and prime contractors in the construction and built environment sectors located in Quebec seeking to advance their digital transformation through structured digitization and automation processes involving digital technologies and workforce training.
- Must have a project that involves collaborative improvement with suppliers.
- Completion of the IQC 4.0 diagnostic phase.
- Has not participated previously in a digital locomotive project.
- Must be operating or serving the construction or built environment sector in Quebec.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Companies that do not meet specific criteria are not eligible for this grant. The criteria mainly focus on location, industry, and previous participation in similar initiatives.
- Companies not located in Quebec.
- Companies not operating in the construction sector or built environment.
- Companies that have not completed the IQC 4.0 diagnostic.
- Companies that have already participated in a locomotive numérique.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports digital transformation projects within the Quebec construction industry, aiming to enhance productivity and optimize processes through technology. Eligible activities involve digital diagnostics, customized digital transition plans, and implementation of advanced digital solutions.
- Customized digital diagnostics and transition planning for companies in the construction sector.
- Assistance and training for implementing digital action plans developed under the IQC 4.0 program.
- Support for creating "digital locomotives" to improve supplier processes through digitization and automation.
- Implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies on a large scale.
- Acquisition and integration of software tools and technologies essential for digital transition.
- Training of workforce to utilize new digital tools effectively.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible expenses for this grant include costs related to the digital transformation project, including training, software, equipment, and other associated costs.
- Purchases and upgrades of software related to the digital transformation project.
- Purchase of computer equipment necessary for the project.
- Expenses for training and professional development associated with the digital transformation.
- Costs of consulting and support services tied to the digital transformation efforts.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects under this grant focus on ensuring alignment with the transformation objectives and effective implementation of digital initiatives in the construction sector.
- Representation across different disciplines within the construction industry.
- Geographical distribution across regions in Quebec.
- Completion of the IQC 4.0 digital maturity diagnostic.
- Commitment to a shared improvement project with suppliers, if applicable.
- Never participated in a previous digital locomotive initiative, if applicable.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Call for Applications
- Respond to the call for applications for participating in IQC 4.0.
- Review the eligibility criteria to ensure your organization meets all requirements.
- Step 2: File Review
- Submit necessary documentation as part of your application.
- Ensure that your organization's profile aligns with the desired criteria for the program.
- Step 3: Decision
- Await feedback from the review committee on the status of your application.
- Receive confirmation if your application is successful and you are selected to proceed.
- Step 4: Initial Contact
- Participate in the initial contact session with program coordinators.
- Provide a detailed company profile to facilitate the diagnostic process.
- Step 5: Diagnostic and Planning
- Engage in the diagnostic process to assess current digital maturity and future needs.
- Work with experts to draft a custom digital transformation action plan.
- Step 6: Feedback Mechanisms
- Establish follow-up and feedback processes to monitor progress.
- Ensure continuous interaction with program experts for guidance.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Initiative Québécoise pour la Construction 4.0 offers customized digital transition plans and can refund up to 50% of training and accompaniment costs for selected companies. The project is supported by the Quebec government, emphasizing digital transformation in the construction industry.
- The Ministry of Economy and Innovation of Québec invests 13.7 million CAD in this phase.
- The project is led by the Group BIM du Québec and the Institut de gouvernance numérique in partnership with construction industry associations.
- Over 250 companies have been diagnosed to date under this initiative.
- The program started in March 2018 and aligns with the Plan d’Action en Construction and the Offensive en Transformation Numérique.
Apply to this program
Supporting Digital Transformation in Quebec's Construction Industry
The Initiative Québécoise pour la Construction 4.0 (IQC 4.0) offers customized action plans to support the digital transition of construction companies in Quebec. This initiative aims to improve performance through digitalization, including large-scale Building Information Modelling (BIM) deployment, benefiting over 250 companies to date.
Comprehensive Insight Into the IQC 4.0 and Its Strategic Implementation
The IQC 4.0 is a transformative program focused on enhancing the digital maturity of Quebec's construction industry. As part of its third phase, the initiative builds upon previous efforts since its inception in 2018, targeting over 250 businesses by providing tailored digital action plans. These plans are central to initiating or continuing their transition into a more digitized operational framework. The program facilitates the integration of key digital practices such as BIM, which aligns with the broader Plan d’Action en Construction and the Offensive en Transformation Numérique announced in 2021.
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation of Quebec has allocated CAD 13.7 million to support this endeavor across the province. This funding underscores the importance of digital transformation as a catalyst for increased productivity and innovation in Quebec’s construction sector. Organizations are encouraged to participate in this initiative to harness the potential of digital tools and practices, thereby improving operational efficiency and collaboration among stakeholders.
Through a structured digital diagnostic process, participating companies and clients undertake a comprehensive evaluation of their current digital capacity and needs. This process culminates in a detailed action plan, outlining essential components of a successful digital transformation, and identifying key performance indicators for ongoing monitoring. As companies embrace these digital strategies, they are anticipated to experience enhanced productivity on job sites and within office environments, streamlined business processes, and improved remote operational capabilities—a shift that has proven particularly pertinent in the context of adapting to challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative encourages participation and provides substantial financial incentives, such as reimbursement of up to 50% of the costs related to training, software, and hardware necessary for the implementation of the digital action plans. This financial model maximizes accessibility and commitment from companies willing to invest in their digital futures. Additionally, the program offers guidance through each stage of the process with support from experts in the field, ensuring that the transition is as smooth and seamless as possible for participating organizations.
In the broader context, the IQC 4.0 not only propels individual companies towards a digital future but also fosters collective advancements across Quebec's construction landscape. By promoting digital integration at scale, the initiative supports the creation of a more interconnected, efficient, and competitive industry. This collective advancement not only enhances individual company performance but also contributes to a stronger, more competitive position for Quebec’s construction sector in the global market.
