IQC 4.0 key parameters.
Who qualifies for IQC 4.0?
- Quebec manufacturing companies investing in Industry 4.0 technologies
- Companies implementing automation, robotics, or connected production systems
- SMEs and large enterprises with significant capital investment projects
- All manufacturing sectors: aerospace, food, metal, plastics, wood, electronics
What IQC 4.0 funds.
- Robotics and automated production systems
- Connected manufacturing (IIoT, smart factory infrastructure)
- Advanced manufacturing technology acquisition
- Digital twin and simulation platform implementation
- Cobotic and collaborative robotics integration
- AI-driven manufacturing optimization systems
What costs are covered?
- Capital equipment: robots, automated production lines, CNC, AMR
- Connected systems and IIoT infrastructure
- Software for production management and Industry 4.0 integration
- Engineering, installation, and commissioning
- Training on new Industry 4.0 technologies
Frequently asked questions about IQC 4.0
What is IQC 4.0?
IQC 4.0 (Investissement Québec Capital 4.0) is Investissement Québec's capital fund for Industry 4.0 investments by Quebec manufacturers. It provides financial support (grants, contributions, or co-investment) for automation, robotics, connected manufacturing, and advanced production technology projects.
What types of investments does IQC 4.0 support?
IQC 4.0 supports robotics, automated production systems, connected manufacturing (IIoT), advanced manufacturing equipment, digital twin platforms, cobotic integration, and AI-driven production optimization — all tied to a genuine Industry 4.0 transformation.
Who is eligible for IQC 4.0?
Quebec manufacturing companies of all sizes are eligible, provided the project involves a meaningful Industry 4.0 transformation. All manufacturing sectors qualify: aerospace, agri-food, metal, plastics, wood, electronics, and others.
Can IQC 4.0 be combined with SR&ED?
Yes. IQC 4.0 covers capital and implementation costs, while SR&ED covers experimental development work embedded in the project. For manufacturers implementing novel automation solutions with qualifying R&D components, both can apply simultaneously.
What is the difference between IQC 4.0 and ESSOR 1C?
ESSOR 1C targets digital transformation (software, platforms, processes) for SMEs up to 250 employees, capped at $30,000. IQC 4.0 targets larger capital investments in physical Industry 4.0 technologies (robots, automated lines) with higher investment thresholds and different financial instruments.
Is IQC 4.0 a grant or an investment?
IQC 4.0 uses multiple financial instruments depending on project size and company profile: non-repayable contributions, repayable contributions, subordinated loans, or equity co-investment. The structure is negotiated with Investissement Québec based on the specific project.
How does Hubvention support IQC 4.0 applications?
Hubvention structures the IQC 4.0 file from eligibility audit through financial modelling and submission to Investissement Québec. We also stack IQC 4.0 with SR&ED, C3I, and federal programs for a complete Industry 4.0 transformation funding stack.
What is the minimum project size for IQC 4.0?
IQC 4.0 is designed for meaningful capital investments; there is no rigid published minimum, but projects should represent substantial Industry 4.0 transformation investments to justify IQ's assessment process. Hubvention evaluates fit during the initial 20-minute eligibility audit.