Laboratoire en innovation ouverte

What Laboratoire en innovation ouverte does

Laboratoire en innovation ouverte (LLio) is a College Technology Transfer Center (Centre coll\u00e9gial de transfert technologique, CCTT) affiliated with C\u00e9gep de Rivi\u00e8re-du-Loup in Rivi\u00e8re-du-Loup, Quebec, founded in 2012 as an intrapreneurial initiative within the college's continuing education department. Designated as a CCTT in innovative social practices (CCTT-PSN) by the Quebec Ministry of Higher Education in 2019, LLio specializes in open and collaborative innovation methodologies, notably the Living Lab approach and Design Thinking. Its core technology stack is methodology-driven rather than software-driven, encompassing proprietary facilitation frameworks and serious games (Le Cub3, Le G\u00e9n\u00e9rateur de trajectoires, L'Arch\u00e9ologue des futurs) that operationalize empathy-based entrepreneurship, regional autonomy foresight, and participatory design processes.

LLio delivers services across four interconnected streams: collaborative applied research, technical assistance and open innovation transfer (including the ioPME program for SMEs), customized training, and information dissemination. It also operates Fablab Fabbulle, a public digital fabrication laboratory equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and thermoforming equipment. The organization runs a portfolio of multi-year research-action projects spanning socio-ecological transition (FabR\u00e9gion Bas-Saint-Laurent, M\u00e9n\u00e9g\u00e9rant des r\u00e9gions en transition), educational digital inequality (LaVIE), circular economy biotransformation (BRIO), and eco-district governance (\u00c9coG\u00eater), plus community-of-practice initiatives (CaNeoLabs).

The business model is grant-funded rather than commercial: revenue derives from operational funding through MES, project grants from MEIE, federal research funding through CRSNG/NSERC, and customized fee-for-service contracts with municipalities, SMEs, and government entities. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; services are project-based with on-demand customization. Customers span Quebec ministries (Culture, Higher Education, Innovation), federal agencies (AAFC), NGOs, social economy organizations, educational institutions, and SMEs. Approximately 20 employees plus rotating students/trainees deliver the work, with a multidisciplinary profile spanning sociology, environment, education, urban planning, and anthropology. No revenue is publicly reported and the organization has no equity ownership beyond its parent college.

Name

Laboratoire en innovation ouverte

Legal name

LLIO

Website

https://llio.quebec

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Laboratoire en innovation ouverte (LLio) is a Quebec CCTT at C\u00e9gep de Rivi\u00e8re-du-Loup delivering Living Lab methodology, Design Thinking training, and collaborative applied research to municipalities, SMEs, NGOs, and government ministries across Quebec and pan-Canadian networks.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Consulting and Applied Research Services

NAICS

Management Consulting Services (54161), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (541720), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Operations & Process Improvement Consulting (BPAHACAB)

Keywords

• Open innovation consulting
• Living lab methodology
• Applied research services
• Design thinking training
• Collaborative innovation facilitation

Headquarters

HQ city

Rivière-du-loup

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Research Funding: Government research grants and funding from Quebec Ministry of Higher Education (MES), Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI), and federal agencies like CRSNG/NSERC. The organization receives operational funding from government bodies and project-based research grants.
2. Customized Training and Services: On-demand training services on Living Lab approaches, Design Thinking, facilitation, and open innovation tools. Technical assistance, support, and knowledge transfer in open innovation approaches including ioPME program for SMEs.
3. Applied Collaborative Research: Collaborative research projects with partners from academia, government, and industry. Research action projects document, design, apply and evaluate open innovation approaches.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Laboratoire en innovation ouverte (LLio) is a publicly funded Centre collégial de transfert technologique (CCTT) that delivers applied research, technical assistance, customized training, and information dissemination services focused on open and collaborative innovation. Its core portfolio spans collaborative applied research using the Living Lab approach, open-innovation technical support and transfer (including the ioPME program for SMEs), training in Living Lab and Design Thinking, and accompaniment of collaborative co-design and co-creation processes. The organization also operates the Fablab Fabbulle digital fabrication laboratory and several research-action projects (LaVIE, FabRégion Bas-Saint-Laurent, Métalab des régions en transition, BRIO, ÉcoGîter, CaNeoLabs, Sociochimie).

Product overview

LLio (Laboratoire en innovation ouverte) is a College Technology Transfer Center (CCTT) affiliated with Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, specializing in open and collaborative innovation practices. Rather than a unified software product, LLio offers a portfolio of service-based offerings centered on research methodology and facilitation. The core portfolio consists of four interconnected service streams: collaborative applied research using Living Lab methodology, technical support and open innovation transfer (including the ioPME program for SMEs), training in open innovation approaches (Living Lab, design thinking, facilitation), and information dissemination. LLio also operates the Fablab Fabbulle, a public digital fabrication laboratory. Key research projects include LaVIE (living lab for educational innovation), CaNeoLabs (Canadian innovation lab network), FabRégion Bas-Saint-Laurent, BRIO (biodegradation research), ÉcoGîter (eco-community support), and Sociochimie (art-science residency). LLio develops tools such as Le générateur de trajectoires (trajectory generator serious game), L'archéologue des futurs (future archaeologist game), and the LaVIE toolkit. The organization coordinates programs including the Fabbulleux camp d'innovation (tech camp for youth) and Pinte de science (science vulgarization events). All tools are shared under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fablab Fabbulle: Laboratoire de fabrication numérique (fablab) du Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, fondé en 2016. Espace ouvert au public équipé de machines à commande numérique (imprimantes 3D, découpeuse laser, brodeuse numérique, thermoformeuse, fraiseuse CNC) pour le prototypage et la fabrication.
• ÉcoGîter
• Métalab des régions en transition
• LaVIE
• FabRégion Bas-Saint-Laurent
• CaNeoLabs

Products and services

• Recherche appliquée collaborative Collaborative applied research services using participatory action research methods, notably the Living Lab approach, to document, design, apply and evaluate open innovation approaches for organizations, municipalities and institutions.
• Aide technique et transfert en innovation ouverte (ioPME) Technical assistance and transfer services in open innovation approaches, including the ioPME program, which facilitates adoption of open innovation practices among regional SMEs, particularly manufacturing SMEs.
• Formation en innovation ouverte Customized training programs in open innovation approaches, methodologies and tools, including Living Lab, Design Thinking, facilitation, and open innovation levers for organizations and institutions.
• Diffusion et transfert d'information Information dissemination on open innovation practices including scientific and popular science publications, monitoring, and conferences on open innovation.
• Accompagnement de démarches collaboratives Support for collaborative approaches including codesign, co-creation and codevelopment processes, such as design sprints, innovation circles, and living labs, delivered to organizations, municipalities and institutions.
• Organisation et facilitation d'événements Event organization and facilitation services, including custom approaches and tools specific to open innovation, for partners and clients.
• Fablab Fabbulle Digital fabrication laboratory (fablab) hosted at Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, equipped with 3D printers, laser cutter, digital embroidery machine, thermoformer, and CNC milling machine, open to the general public as a maker community space.
• Le Générateur de trajectoires Serious game enabling groups to imagine and propel projects that strengthen regional autonomy for sustainable food, housing, mobility and clothing; participants explore motivations, classify ideas, and generate community projects.
• L'Archéologue des futurs Serious game inviting secondary school students to engage in prospective foresight exercises, imagining original solutions to problems experienced by a future village, raising awareness of territorial autonomy issues while developing creativity, collaboration and future-oriented thinking.
• Boîte à outils LaVIE Toolkit for starting reflection groups on digital inequalities in education, consisting of step sheets, canvases, a lexicon, guides, reports, comic cards and videos produced from LaVIE research results.
• Fabbulleux camp d'innovation Summer techno-camp for youth aged 12-15 held at Fablab Fabbulle, developing knowledge in digital technologies, creativity and innovation postures through three-week sessions covering 3D printing, CAD, laser cutting, electronics and Arduino programming.
• Pinte de science International scientific vulgarization initiative that creates bridges between the college community and research through informal presentations, hosted at local venues with student researchers presenting vulgarized research topics.

Quantifiable outcome

• Métalab project mobilizes 5 regions + Nouveau-Brunswick for socio-ecological transition
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CMétiscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Non-profit organization specializing in ecological and social real estate development in Eastern Quebec. Partner in ÉcoGîter project, contributing expertise in sustainable eco-district development through co-creation with communities.
• Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) - Department of Societies, Territories and DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Research partner in ÉcoGîter project with Professor Daniela Moisa specializing in anthropology of habitation, cultural heritage, and territorial development.
• Société de développement de l'Est (SDE)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Social economy enterprise developing affordable, low-impact housing with high social impact. Partner in ÉcoGîter project for community development.
• Social Innovation CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaborative partner in CaNeoLabs initiative, working together to strengthen Canadian innovation lab ecosystem. Jointly organizes learning circles and annual forums for Canadian innovation labs.
• Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Key academic partner in LaVIE (Living Lab for Educational Innovation) project. Coordinates collaborative research with UQAR on digital inequalities in education. Also collaborates on FabRégion Bas-Saint-Laurent project.
• ENoLL (European Network of Living Labs)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Accredited member since 2015. Participates in annual OpenLivingLabDay events and collaborates with European Living Labs on shared methodologies and innovation approaches. Co-founded Francophonie Living Labs grouping through this partnership.
• SynchronexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Quebec network of College Technology Transfer Centers (CCTT). Through this network, LLio accesses shared resources, collaborates with other CCTTs, and participates in provincial innovation initiatives.
• Tech-Access CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoined Tach-Access network of Technology Access Centers in 2019, providing access to broader Canadian innovation infrastructure and resources.
• Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in LaVIE project, supporting the pan-Québec initiative on digital education inequalities.
• Concordia UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in LaVIE project, contributing research expertise on educational innovation.
• Réseau québécois en innovation sociale (RQIS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember since 2020, contributing to Quebec social innovation ecosystem development and collaborating on initiatives like Grand Rendez-vous de l'innovation sociale.
• Fablabs QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Quebec Fablabs cooperative, connecting to the international network of over 2000 fablabs in 126+ countries. Fabbulle fablab is a key component of LLio's ecosystem.
• Cégep de Rivière-du-LoupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent institution. Founded in 2011 by André Gobeil and Dominic Lapointe from the college's continuing education department. Hosts the Fablab Fabbulle and provides institutional support.
• PrelcominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting Fabbulleux camp d'innovation through NovaScience funding from MEIE. Provides industrial expertise and resources for youth innovation camp.
• Industries DesjardinsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting Fabbulleux camp d'innovation, contributing to youth innovation programming in collaboration with the Cégep.
• Lepage MillworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting Fabbulleux camp d'innovation, providing expertise and resources for youth innovation camp.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Forum Virium Helsinki: Finnish innovation company and founding ENoLL member operating one of Europe's leading Living Labs, applying open innovation and co-creation to smart city, mobility, and digital services development. Comparable Living Lab methodology and ENoLL network affiliation.
• Communautique: Montreal-based Living Lab and social economy tech resource center also accredited by ENoLL, focusing on digital inclusion, citizen participation, and social innovation through collaborative research, training, and community engagement. Highly comparable profile to LLio.
• Territoires innovants en \u00e9conomie sociale et solidaire (TIESS): Quebec intermediary organization supporting social innovation and social economy through research, training, and accompaniment; LLio is a member alongside TIESS. Highly comparable Quebec-based social innovation intermediary with overlapping clientele.

Emerging players

• Institut du Nouveau Monde: Quebec-based non-profit promoting civic participation, open dialogue, and democratic innovation through research and deliberation processes. Comparable use of participatory methods and focus on social transformation in Quebec.
• Centre for Social Innovation (Toronto): Canadian social innovation support organization collaborating with LLio on CaNeoLabs. Comparable focus on strengthening innovation lab ecosystems, learning circles, and practitioner community building across Canada.

Broad incumbents

• MaRS Discovery District: Toronto-based innovation hub supporting entrepreneurship, applied research, and social innovation across multiple sectors. Comparable focus on applied innovation methods but operates at significantly larger scale and broader mandate.
• MIT Living Lab: MIT's research Living Lab focused on user-centered innovation in urban environments. While academic and well-resourced, it shares LLio's Living Lab methodology, co-creation principles, and applied research orientation.
• IDEO: Global design and innovation consultancy that pioneered Design Thinking approaches LLio teaches and applies. Comparable methodology around co-creation, human-centered design, and facilitating complex innovation challenges.

Others

• Synchronex: Quebec network of College Technology Transfer Centers (CCTTs) of which LLio is a member. Acts as an umbrella and peer group for the CCTT ecosystem in Quebec, providing collaboration and resource-sharing opportunities.
• ENoLL (European Network of Living Labs): International non-profit association of Living Labs; LLio has been an accredited member since 2015. Provides the global institutional framework for Living Lab methodology and peer accreditation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/llioqc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCduLTiTk3UUkqQWxWZVv-zQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/LLioCegepRDL
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/living-lab-en-innovation-ouverte/mycompany
• Instagraminstagram.com/lliosurlaroute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Laboratoire en innovation ouverte