Communautique
Communautique is a Montreal-based non-profit founded in 1999 that operates Fab Labs and digital inclusion programs across Quebec, serving marginalized citizens, Indigenous youth, makers, and community organizations through training, fabrication facilities, and event programming funded primarily by government grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersMontreal, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Communautique does
Communautique is a Montreal-based non-profit organization founded in 1999 that operates as Quebec's pioneer open innovation hub for digital inclusion and digital fabrication. The organization runs two physical Fab Lab sites — échoFab (the first MIT-certified Fab Lab in Canada) and échofab Durable (the first Fab Lab dedicated to sustainable development, occupying 5,000 square feet in East Montreal) — equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and associated technical expertise for prototyping and maker activity.
The organization's programmatic portfolio spans four intervention axes: digital inclusion, digital fabrication, education, and economy. Flagship programs include PING! free internet training, Dataware data literacy for youth, Métiers d'avenir inspirés du Fab Lab (Fab Lab-inspired career training for First Nations and Inuit secondary students), the Fab Labs Nation pan-Canadian initiative, youth internships hosting approximately 60 participants annually, digital badge credentials, and cultural innovation mediation. The organization also delivers paid agile/Scrum training to SMEs and hosts major international events including the FAB16 Fab Labs gathering and the Fab City Summit Montreal.
The business model is grant-driven rather than commercial. Revenue is sourced primarily from federal programs (Industry Canada), provincial programs (Quebec's Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy via NovaScience), and municipal support (City of Montreal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville arrondissement), supplemented by event partnerships and a small training services line. Go-to-market relies on community-led engagement through libraries, schools, community centers, and Indigenous educational councils, complemented by event-driven activation around FAB16, Fab City Summit, and Campus Fab City Montréal. The organization holds ÉCORESPONSABLE Level 2 certification and operates under a member-based governance structure led by a Board of Directors.
Communautique firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Communautique
- Legal name
- Communautique
- Website
- https://communautique.quebec
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Communautique is a Montreal-based non-profit founded in 1999 that operates Fab Labs and digital inclusion programs across Quebec, serving marginalized citizens, Indigenous youth, makers, and community organizations through training, fabrication facilities, and event programming funded primarily by government grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Communautique industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Inclusion and Open Innovation Services
- NAICS
- Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios) (EDAMADAC), STEM & Lab Simulation Media (Virtual Labs, AR/VR) (EDAGALAF)
Keywords
Where Communautique is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montreal
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Communautique business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Government Funding and Grants: As a non-profit organization, Communautique operates primarily through government funding from federal and provincial programs including Industry Canada, Quebec's Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, and municipal support.
- Training Services: Communautique offers training programs in open innovation, digital fabrication, and related technologies. Some programs are offered free while others may have associated fees.
- Event Hosting: The organization hosts major events including FAB16, Fab City Summit, and Campus Fab City, which generate revenue through participation and partnerships.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Annual | Free digital inclusion programs |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Professional training programs |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Communautique product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Communautique operates as a non-profit open innovation hub that delivers digital inclusion, digital fabrication, and open innovation services in Quebec. It runs physical Fab Lab spaces (échoFab and échofab Durable) equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, and offers free digital literacy programs (such as PING!), youth training initiatives, and citizen dialogue projects on emerging technologies.
Product overview
Communautique operates as a non-profit open innovation hub focused on democratizing access to technology for economic, cultural, and social development in Quebec. The organization functions as a platform offering both physical Fab Lab spaces (échoFab and échoFab Durable) and digital literacy programs (PING! internet training, Dataware). These core offerings are complemented by collaborative initiatives like the citizen AI dialogue project and Fab Labs Nation. Communautique's ecosystem includes digital fabrication training services, youth internship programs, cultural mediation activities, and periodic major events such as the Campus Fab City Summit. The organization also provides workshops on agile project management methodologies. Together, these products and services form an integrated approach to digital inclusion, skill development, and community-driven innovation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- échoFab Digital Fabrication Lab The first Fab Lab in Canada, certified by MIT's Fab Foundation, operating as a collaborative digital fabrication space offering 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining along with technical expertise for innovative projects targeted at designers, engineers, students, and entrepreneurs.
- échofab Durable Fab Lab A Fab Lab dedicated to sustainable development providing 5,000 square feet of digital fabrication space in East Montreal (Rivière-des-Prairies), focused on innovative projects at the intersection of digital fabrication, circular economy, and green economy initiatives.
- PING! Formation gratuite à Internet Free internet training program helping citizens develop digital skills and information literacy, facilitating access to online resources and services for socially excluded populations including seniors, low-income individuals, and those with literacy challenges.
- Dataware Data Literacy Program Data literacy program designed to engage youth and build their capabilities in understanding, analyzing, and working with data, supporting civic participation in a data-driven society.
- Citizen Dialogue on AI in Public Services Citizen dialogue initiative exploring AI deployment in public services, developed in collaboration with Obvia to understand public concerns and consultation preferences regarding AI and digital technology in government.
- Fab Labs Nation Network Pan-Canadian initiative led by Communautique to establish and connect Fab Labs across Canada, fostering a national network of digital fabrication spaces.
- Métiers d'avenir inspirés du Fab Lab Training project engaging Indigenous youth (First Nations and Inuit) through exploratory workshops on future careers inspired by Fab Lab practices, covering topics like molding, design, textiles, and electronics.
- Stages pour les jeunes (Youth Internships) Internship program for youth aged 15-30 providing practical experience and skill development in the digital sector across community organizations.
- Digital Badges for Digital Skills Digital badge and credential program recognizing digital skills and competencies acquired through Fab Lab training and community programs.
- Médiation en innovation culturelle (MIC) Cultural innovation mediation program fostering creative engagement between communities and digital fabrication technologies.
- Campus Fab City Montréal Event Major international gathering that hosted the FAB16 global Fab Labs meeting and the Fab City Summit Montreal, bringing together over 2,000 key actors involved in urban resilience, featuring workshops, panels, and collaborative making activities.
- Agile (Scrum) Project Management Training Agile project management training covering Scrum methodology for entrepreneurs and teams, available through workshop sessions with associated registration fees.
Quantifiable outcome
- Launched the first Fab Lab in Canada and first Fab Lab dedicated to sustainable development
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Communautique
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Communautique technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Communautique partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Obvia (Observatoire international sur les impacts sociétaux de l'IA et du numérique)coreCollaboration on citizen dialogue project regarding AI deployment in public services. Communautique and Obvia produced a joint report on conditions for successful citizen dialogue on socially responsible AI deployment, with recommendations for democratic AI governance.
- Comité consultatif des Premières Nations et Inuit relatif au marché du travailcoreJoint initiative on Careers of Tomorrow project bringing Fab Lab-inspired training to First Nations and Inuit youth. Project delivered through collaboration with this advisory committee.
- SDC District CentralcoreCollaboration on Campus Fab City Montreal and Fab City Summit. SDC (Société de développement commercial) District Central co-organized major events with Communautique in the District Central neighborhood.
- Rennes Métropole / Association BUGmajorInternational collaboration on Fab City movement with focus on economic development of territories and innovation. Partnership supported by Franco-Québec Fund for Decentralized Cooperation (FFQCD).
- HEC MontréalminorModulAir Garden, a startup incubated at HEC Montréal, completed prototyping at échoFab Durable, demonstrating collaboration between academic incubator and Fab Lab ecosystem.
- Conseil en éducation des Premières Nations (CEPN)coreEducational services support for Fab Lab careers program targeting First Nations communities. Partnership provides educational expertise and school network access.
- Institut TshakapeshcorePartner in Métiers d'avenir project providing Fab Lab-inspired training to First Nations and Inuit students.
- Coop NitaskinancorePartner in Métiers d'avenir project providing Fab Lab-inspired training to First Nations and Inuit students.
- Fab Labs QuébeccoreCo-founded cooperative network of Fab Labs in Quebec. Communautique co-founded Fab Labs Québec to support the development and networking of digital fabrication labs across the province.
- Fab Labs NationcorePan-Canadian initiative piloted by Communautique to establish and connect Fab Labs across Canada. Part of the broader goal to create a Fab Labs Nation.
- Fab Foundation (MIT)coreCommunautique is the first Fab Lab in Canada to be certified by the Fab Foundation from MIT. Hosted Fab Academy training for the first time in North America.
- Arrondissement Ahuntsic-CartiervilleminorMunicipal support for Campus Fab City activities in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville district.
- Université ConcordiamajorCo-organized Age 3.0 fair on creative aging with Concordia's engAGE research center. Project ACT (Aging + Communication + Technologies) collaboration.
- engAGE (Concordia University)majorResearch center on aging partnering with Communautique on Age 3.0 interactive fair exploring technology and aging.
- ACT Project (Ageing, Communication, Technologies)majorMajor initiative examining new experiences of seniors in connected societies. Co-organized Age 3.0 fair with Communautique.
- ZAGORAminorCo-organizer of Age 3.0 fair on creative aging alongside Communautique, Concordia, and ACT Project.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Communautique competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Centre facilitant la recherche et l'innovation dans les organisations (CEFRIO) / Transformation numérique: Quebec-based organization (now operating as Transformation numérique) focused on digital transformation and inclusion across Quebec. Comparable mission, regional footprint, and government-funding model.
Direct peers
- Fab Foundation: MIT-affiliated non-profit that originated and certifies the global Fab Lab network. Communautique's échoFab was the first Fab Lab in Canada certified by Fab Foundation, making this its closest direct peer in mission and methodology.
- Canada Learning Code: Canadian non-profit delivering digital literacy and coding education across Canada. Highly comparable target audience (citizens needing digital skills), non-profit model, and mission alignment around digital inclusion.
- Fab Lab Barcelona: Pioneer European Fab Lab affiliated with IAAC (Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia). Comparable Fab Lab operations, digital fabrication training, and Fab City movement participation as an international counterpart to Communautique.
Emerging players
- Centre for Social Innovation (Toronto): Canadian non-profit co-working and community innovation hub supporting social-purpose organizations. Comparable community-driven innovation model, although oriented toward physical co-working rather than digital fabrication.
- Living Lab Montreal / ENO: European Network of Living Labs and Montreal-based Living Lab initiatives focused on user-driven innovation methodologies. Closely aligned with Communautique's Living Lab open-innovation methodology and Fab City movement participation.
Broad incumbents
- YMCA Quebec: Large community services organization delivering youth programs and digital access across Quebec. Comparable government-funded, community-based operating model targeting youth and underserved populations.
- Mozilla Foundation: Larger global non-profit with programs (e.g., MozFest, digital literacy initiatives) addressing internet health, digital inclusion, and trustworthy AI — overlapping with Communautique's citizen dialogue work on AI and digital literacy.
- Bibliothèques de Montréal: Montreal public library network providing free internet access and digital literacy programming. Comparable free digital inclusion service delivery to citizens, though not focused on digital fabrication.
Others
- Concordia University (engAGE / ACT Project): Existing research partner of Communautique on Age 3.0 / ACT Project. Academic partner rather than competitor, but a stakeholder in the digital inclusion and aging ecosystem that overlaps with Communautique's segments.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Communautique social profiles
Digital presenceCommunautique compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Communautique financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Communautique leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Communautique subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Communautique funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Communautique 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 Communautique
What does Communautique do?
Communautique operates as a non-profit open innovation hub that delivers digital inclusion, digital fabrication, and open innovation services in Quebec. It runs physical Fab Lab spaces (échoFab and échofab Durable) equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, and offers free digital literacy programs (such as PING!), youth training initiatives, and citizen dialogue projects on emerging technologies.
Is Communautique a public or private company?
Communautique is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Communautique founded?
Communautique was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Communautique based?
Communautique is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Communautique make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Funding and Grants are the primary driver. The others are training Services and event Hosting.
Who are Communautique's main competitors?
Centre facilitant la recherche et l'innovation dans les organisations (CEFRIO) / Transformation numérique is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Fab Foundation, Canada Learning Code and Fab Lab Barcelona. Emerging players are Centre for Social Innovation (Toronto) and Living Lab Montreal / ENO. Broad incumbents are YMCA Quebec, Mozilla Foundation and Bibliothèques de Montréal. Concordia University (engAGE / ACT Project) is listed as an others.
Does Communautique have an API?
No public API is recorded for Communautique.
What industry is Communautique in?
Communautique's product category is Digital Inclusion and Open Innovation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEAGAI, Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming), with a secondary code of EDAMADAC, Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios). Its NAICS code is 7121.