Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac
École NAD-UQAC is a public Quebec university school founded in 1992, offering 10 specialized programs in 3D animation, video game creation, and visual effects across two campuses (Montreal and Sherbrooke), serving students pursuing careers in creative industries and partnering with 50+ studios globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersMontreal, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac does
École NAD-UQAC (École des arts numériques, de l'animation et du design), founded in 1992 in Montreal and operating as a constituent school of Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) since 2010, is a public Quebec educational institution specializing in 3D digital creation. It offers a 10-program portfolio spanning undergraduate certificates, bachelor's degrees, graduate diplomas, master's, and doctoral programs across three domains: 3D animation for cinema, video game creation (art and technical arts tracks), and digital design. The institution operates two physical campuses—Montréal (headquarters at Îlot Balmoral in the Quartier des spectacles, since Fall 2019) and Sherbrooke (opened September 2023)—along with an international program delivered through a partnership with Tianjin University of Technology in China. Curriculum is built around industry-standard 3D/VFX tooling (Maya, Blender, Substance Painter, ZBrush, Houdini, Unreal Engine) and motion capture, with state-of-the-art facilities including a VR/motion capture studio, green screen studio, and five production zones.
The institution's revenue model combines tuition and academic fees (Quebec-regulated domestic rates plus international premiums), government and institutional research funding (notably FRQSC Chaire CREAT and Hexagram network grants totaling several million CAD), continuing education and corporate training, and industry partnership contributions (e.g., via the ImagiNAD gala and equipment donations). The go-to-market motion is direct-to-consumer, recruiting prospective students through the school's website, open houses, portfolio-based admissions, and an annual flagship event (ImagiNAD) that convenes 1,100+ attendees including 150+ industry representatives. The institution also functions as a research hub through two laboratories—MIMESIS (immersive experiences, audiovisual spatialization) and Praxis (game design practices)—and a research chair in creative economy and well-being.
NAD-UQAC serves a B2C student base segmented into prospective 3D animation students, prospective video game students, technical arts students (Sherbrooke-exclusive), and graduate research students. On the B2B side, it maintains 50+ partnerships with major animation, VFX, and game studios including Ubisoft, Beenox, Rodeo FX, EA Motive, Framestore, Cinesite, and Warner Bros. Games Montreal. The school's value proposition centers on practice-based pedagogy informed by industry projects, active-industry faculty, synthesis portfolios that serve as recruiting artifacts, and a documented alumni network of 2,500+ graduates working in studios globally. It is ranked 35th among the world's best animation schools by Animation Career Review.
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac
- Legal name
- École des arts numériques, de l'animation et du design (NAD-UQAC)
- Website
- https://nad.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- École NAD-UQAC is a public Quebec university school founded in 1992, offering 10 specialized programs in 3D animation, video game creation, and visual effects across two campuses (Montreal and Sherbrooke), serving students pursuing careers in creative industries and partnering with 50+ studios globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education / Digital Arts Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Game Development (Unity, Unreal, 2D/3D) (EDAMACAE)
Keywords
Where Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montreal
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Academic Fees: Revenue from tuition fees charged to domestic and international students enrolled in certificate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Programs are recognized as official UQAC university credentials.
- Research Grants and Funding: Government and institutional funding for research activities including FRQSC grants (Chaire CREAT 4M$, Hexagram network 1.8M$), CRSH research funding, and industrial partnership subsidies.
- Continuing Education and Corporate Training: Flexible professional development programs and corporate training services in 3D animation, VFX, and game design for industry professionals.
- Industry Partnerships and Sponsorships: Support from industry partners including Ubisoft, Beenox, Rodeo FX, and other studios through the ImagiNAD gala, student projects, and equipment donations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | University certificate programs (1 year) |
| Subscription | Annual | Bachelor's degree programs (3-4 years) |
| Subscription | Annual | Graduate programs (Master's, Doctorate, DESS) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac product offering
Product offeringCore offering
École NAD-UQAC is a public university-level school that delivers certificate, bachelor's, master's, DESS, and doctoral programs in 3D creation for cinema, 3D creation for video games, and digital design. Teaching is centered on practice-based, industry-inspired synthesis projects delivered through specialized production facilities (production zones, green-screen, motion-capture, and VR studios), supported by the MIMESIS and Praxis research laboratories.
Product overview
École NAD-UQAC is an educational institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs in 3D digital creation. The school provides undergraduate certificates (Certificat en animation 3D et en design numérique, Certificat en arts techniques pour le jeu vidéo), undergraduate bachelor's degrees (Baccalauréat en création 3D pour le cinéma, Baccalauréat en création 3D pour le jeu vidéo, Baccalauréat en création 3D pour le jeu vidéo - Arts techniques), and graduate programs including short graduate certificates (programmes courts in visual effects simulation and creature/hair simulation), a graduate diploma (DESS en design de jeu vidéo narratif), master's degree (Maîtrise en art - design numérique), and doctoral program (Doctorat en créativité numérique). The institution is supported by research laboratories MIMESIS and Praxis, and hosts the annual ImagiNAD gala event.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Baccalauréat en création 3D pour le cinéma Undergraduate bachelor's degree program focused on 3D creation for cinema, training students in animation, visual effects, and film production techniques at the Montréal campus.
- Baccalauréat en création 3D pour le jeu vidéo Undergraduate bachelor's degree in 3D creation for video games, covering game art, character design, environment creation, and game development at the Montréal campus.
- Baccalauréat en création 3D pour le jeu vidéo (Arts techniques) Undergraduate bachelor's degree in the technical arts track of 3D creation for video games, offered exclusively at the Sherbrooke campus with a focus on programming and technical implementation, developed with the Ubisoft Sherbrooke partnership.
- Certificat en animation 3D et en design numérique University certificate program in 3D animation and digital design for students seeking specialized skills in digital creation, offered at the Montréal campus.
- Certificat en arts techniques pour le jeu vidéo University certificate program in technical arts for video games, foundational program in game development and technical implementation, offered at the Sherbrooke campus.
- Programme court de deuxième cycle en simulation d'effets visuels 3D Graduate-level short program in 3D visual effects simulation providing advanced training for experienced 3D artists, offered at the Montréal campus.
- Programme court de deuxième cycle en élaboration de créature et simulation de chevelure-pelage Graduate short program focusing on creature development and hair/fur simulation techniques, offered at the Montréal campus.
- Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées en design de jeu vidéo narratif Graduate specialization diploma (DESS) in narrative video game design, focusing on storytelling and game narrative development, offered at the Montréal campus.
- Maîtrise en art (design numérique) Master's degree in art with specialization in digital design, research-creation program for advanced digital artists, offered at the Montréal campus.
- Doctorat sur mesure en créativité numérique Custom doctoral program in digital creativity for researchers pursuing advanced studies in digital arts, offered at the Montréal campus.
- Programme de baccalauréat à Tianjin (Chine) Bachelor's program in 3D Animation and Digital Design delivered in China through the Tianjin University of Technology partnership, with Professor Gino Vincelli serving as academic director.
- Formation continue et formation d'entreprise Flexible professional development programs and corporate training services in 3D animation, VFX, and game design for industry professionals.
Quantifiable outcome
- 35th best animation school worldwide (Animation Career Review)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- UbisoftcoreMajor industry partner with campus presence in Sherbrooke adjacent to NAD-UQAC. Collaboration on technical arts program development for video game creation. Multiple annual student competition wins in Ubisoft's university competitions. Support through ImagiNAD gala and student project sponsorship.
- BeenoxcoreIndustry partner participating in ImagiNAD gala and student recognition. Active collaboration on curriculum relevance and industry connections for video game students.
- Rodeo FXcoreVisual effects studio partner supporting ImagiNAD awards. Collaboration ensures curriculum alignment with VFX industry requirements for film and television production.
- GameloftcoreVideo game studio with historical ties to NAD-UQAC. Faculty connections include alumni working at Gameloft during 2000s.
- EA MotivecoreEA studio partner supporting ImagiNAD gala and student recognition awards. Provides industry insight for game development curriculum.
- Moment FactorycoreExperiential entertainment studio partnership for experiential design and immersive experiences education.
- Red BarrelscoreIndie horror game studio participating in ImagiNAD awards. Supports student recognition in game development.
- Warner Bros. Games MontrealcoreAAA game studio partnership supporting ImagiNAD gala and providing industry perspective for curriculum development.
- Tianjin University of Technology (China)coreInternational partnership for delivering Animation 3D and Design program in China. First foreign cohort graduated 2016. Program ranked 50th among 3000 departments and received Class A government rating. Professor Gino Vincelli serves as academic director for the program.
- Unreal Engine (Epic Games)coreGame engine technology partnership supporting ImagiNAD gala. Software used extensively in video game programs for real-time production education.
- SideFX (Houdini)core3D animation and VFX software partnership. Houdini used in advanced VFX simulation courses.
- SYNTHÈSE - Pôle image QuébecminorQuebec image industry cluster partnership providing ImagiNAD awards.
- Université de MontréalminorAcademic collaboration with Department of Computer Science and Mathematics (DIM) for game development program. Collaboration on Cold Sun project for sound design and composition.
- UQAC (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi)coreParent university providing academic credentials, administrative support, and research funding. School is a constituent college of UQAC system since baccalaureate programs began in 2010.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Full Sail University: Full Sail University offers degrees in computer animation, game design, and digital cinematography, closely paralleling NAD-UQAC's media-arts degree portfolio.
- Vancouver Film School: Vancouver Film School offers accelerated diploma and certificate programs in animation, VFX, and game design, making it the most direct Canadian comparator to NAD-UQAC's specialized 3D/game development programs.
- Centre NAD (legacy) / Cégep de Jonquière: Centre NAD itself evolved into NAD-UQAC; Cégep de Jonquière continues to offer college-level training in similar domains, serving as the historical and programmatic predecessor.
- Gnomon School of Visual Effects: Gnomon offers specialized training in VFX, games, and 3D, mirroring NAD-UQAC's narrow focus on 3D animation, VFX, and game creation pipelines.
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): SCAD provides BFA and MFA programs in animation, visual effects, interactive design, and game development, comparable to NAD-UQAC's bachelor/master portfolio in 3D creation.
- Gobelins, l'école de l'image: Paris-based Gobelins is a leading international animation and digital arts school; it competes for talent and reputation in the same global animation-school rankings as NAD-UQAC.
- Ringling College of Art and Design: Ringling's Computer Animation and Game Art programs are direct competitors to NAD-UQAC and are consistently ranked alongside it in Animation Career Review's global rankings.
- CalArts (California Institute of the Arts): CalArts offers world-renowned programs in character animation and experimental animation, making it a top global peer for specialized 3D/animation higher education.
Regional players
- Université de Montréal (Département d'informatique et de recherche opérationnelle): Université de Montréal already collaborates with NAD-UQAC (e.g., on the Cold Sun game project) and offers computer science and digital design research relevant to game development.
- Concordia University (Faculty of Fine Arts / Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema): Based in Montreal, Concordia offers university-level programs in animation, film studies, design, and computer science for games, overlapping with NAD-UQAC's 3D and game-creation programs in the same Quebec market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac social profiles
Digital presenceNad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac
What does Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac do?
École NAD-UQAC is a public university-level school that delivers certificate, bachelor's, master's, DESS, and doctoral programs in 3D creation for cinema, 3D creation for video games, and digital design. Teaching is centered on practice-based, industry-inspired synthesis projects delivered through specialized production facilities (production zones, green-screen, motion-capture, and VR studios), supported by the MIMESIS and Praxis research laboratories.
Is Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac a public or private company?
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac founded?
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac was founded in 1992. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac based?
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Academic Fees are the primary driver. The others are research Grants and Funding, continuing Education and Corporate Training and industry Partnerships and Sponsorships.
Who are Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Full Sail University, Vancouver Film School, Centre NAD (legacy) / Cégep de Jonquière, Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Gobelins, l'école de l'image, Ringling College of Art and Design and CalArts (California Institute of the Arts). Regional players are Université de Montréal (Département d'informatique et de recherche opérationnelle) and Concordia University (Faculty of Fine Arts / Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema).
Does Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac.
What industry is Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac in?
Nad, Ecole Des Arts Numeriques, De L'animation Et Du Design - Uqac's product category is Higher Education / Digital Arts Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMACAE, Game Development (Unity, Unreal, 2D/3D). Its NAICS code is 61131 and its SIC code is 8200.