How much funding can be received?

The Digital Locomotive grant provides non-repayable financial aid of up to $400,000 to support the digital transformation of Quebec aluminum processing companies, focusing on improving software and equipment connectivity, data-sharing standardization, cybersecurity management, and the development of digital skills. Eligible projects must significantly impact company competitiveness or productivity and involve firms with 249 employees or fewer.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial aid covering 46.3% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $400,000.
The funding is non-repayable.

Eligible projects & activities

Connectivité des logiciels et des équipements.
Standardisation de normes et de processus de partage de données.
Réingénierie des méthodes de travail et des procédés, y compris l'automatisation ou la robotisation.
Gestion de la cybersécurité.
Développement de nouvelles compétences numériques.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 80,000

Solar panel installation for community energy resilience

Eligibility criteria of the Transal — Alu 4.0, Digital Locomotive program

The applicant company must have 249 employees or less.
The project must have a significant impact on the company's competitiveness or productivity.

Who is eligible?

Companies involved in the transformation of aluminum
Equipment manufacturers in Quebec

Eligible expenses

Connectivité des logiciels et des équipements
Standardisation de normes et de processus de partage de données
Réingénierie des méthodes de travail et des procédés (incluant automatisation ou robotisation)
Gestion de la cybersécurité
Développement de nouvelles compétences numériques

Eligibility criteria of the Transal — Alu 4.0, Digital Locomotive program

Clear definition and scope of the project, including identification of inclusions and exclusions. Total maximum for this section is 16 points, with a weighting of 2, allowing for a possible 32 points.
Identified and quantified gains for the company, with the importance of these gains considered. Total maximum for this section is 16 points, with a weighting of 2, allowing for a possible 32 points.
Creation and maintenance or enhancement of employment opportunities within the project. Total maximum for this section is 8 points, with a weighting of 1, allowing for a possible 8 points.
Company’s capability to execute the project, including continuous improvement processes and past projects of similar scope. Total maximum for this section is 12 points, with a weighting of 1, allowing for a possible 12 points.
Assignment and adequacy of the project manager's time, along with a clear documentation of the project team structure. Total maximum for this section is 12 points, with a weighting of 2, allowing for a possible 24 points.
Planning of human resources, including defined hours and resources in a schedule/Gantt chart. Total maximum for this section is 4 points, with a weighting of 3, allowing for a possible 12 points.
Detailed project schedule/Gantt chart and planned operation implementation. Total maximum for this section is 8 points, with a weighting of 3, allowing for a possible 24 points.
Detailed budgeting supported by quotes, including precise estimations for internal and external labor. Total maximum for this section is 12 points, with a weighting of 3, allowing for a possible 36 points.
Risk analysis conducted with identified mitigations. Total maximum for this section is 8 points, with a weighting of 1, allowing for a possible 8 points.

How to apply to the Transal — Alu 4.0, Digital Locomotive program

Preparation of the project form

Download and complete the project submission forms – PART 1 and PART 2.

Evaluation of the selection criteria

Check that your project meets the selection criteria such as connectivity, standardization, and automation.

Calculation of eligible expenses

Identify the eligible expenses to benefit from the financial assistance covering 46.3% of these expenses.

Sending the request

Submit the completed project form by email to Ms. Paulyne Cadieux at paulyne.cadieux@trans-al.com before the deadline of November 7, 2022.
Include all the required supporting documents.

Follow-up with the organization

Contact Ms. Paulyne Cadieux for any questions or clarifications at 418 812-1780.

Additional information

Financial assistance is non-repayable, covering 46.3% of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $400,000.
The grant aims to augment the competitiveness and productivity of the enterprise through enhanced digital transformation.
The selection process evaluates projects based on their potential positive impact on the industry's and Quebec's digital transition.
Eligible projects should demonstrate clear objectives and measurable deliverables.
The project management component must include a competent project manager with adequate dedication of resources.
Potential risks must be identified with appropriate mitigation strategies.
Contact information for queries is provided: Mme Paulyne Cadieux at paulyne.cadieux@trans-al.com or by phone at 418 812-1780.
Applications open from October 17, 2022, to November 7, 2022.