COlab Innovation sociale et culture numérique

What COlab Innovation sociale et culture numérique does

COlab innovation sociale et culture numérique is a private research and innovation centre affiliated with Collège d'Alma in Alma, Quebec, founded in November 2017 and operational since the October 2021 inauguration of its purpose-built pavilion. The organization operates two primary research axes—Digital Transformation and Digital Culture Development—and serves three principal populations: educational institutions, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and underserved groups including girls and young women in STEM and NEET (neither in employment, education, nor training) youth. COlab delivers digital competency development, digital transformation advisory, and gender-equity-in-STEM programming through a portfolio of learning pathways, online platforms, and physical laboratories, with activity spanning the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, Quebec province, and selected international projects in Benin, Comoros, and Madagascar.

The centre's technology stack comprises three specialized laboratories: a Volumetric Capture Research Laboratory (the first in Eastern Canada), a Techno-Fabrication Lab affiliated with the Quebec Fab Lab network, and a Data Lab providing access to open-source data science software. Its proprietary digital platforms include La Fabrique numérique (covering seven thematic areas: data science, cybersecurity, AI, robotics, programming, cloud computing, and digital arts) and Plus Numérique, which supports SME digital transformation. Additional proprietary assets include the AI educational toolkit (Trousse pédagogique en IA), a 10-episode AI web series, the Avenue IA pathway, the validated Outil de diagnostic de la compétence numérique, and a library of over 160 technology reference sheets covering 30+ industry sectors developed in collaboration with MEIE.

COlab's revenue model is primarily project-based public funding, drawing competitive research grants from Quebec's MEIE (NovaScience, Offensive de transformation numérique), Canada Economic Development through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, CRSNG (PRAT program), CPMT/FDRCMO, the PME Innovation Fund, and ISDE CodeCan. Direct commercial revenue is limited, comprising paid SME training programs ($1,200 per participant for 'Intégrer la technologie en PME,' with CPMT subsidies of up to $530) and digital mediation services, while most educational offerings are provided free to schools and institutions through government mandates. The go-to-market combines sales-led engagement with public-sector and institutional clients and community-led programs targeting girls and NEET youth through school boards and youth employment centres.

Name

COlab Innovation sociale et culture numérique

Legal name

COlab innovation sociale et culture numérique

Website

https://colabnumerique.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

COlab innovation sociale et culture numérique is a Quebec research centre affiliated with Collège d'Alma that develops digital competency programs, AI and data-science educational content, and SME digital transformation services for schools, SMEs, girls in STEM, and NEET youth across Quebec and select international markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Transformation Research and Education

NAICS

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172)

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Learning & Training Content Development (EDAGAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Advanced Project-Based Learning & Portfolio Mentoring (STEM/arts portfolios, maker projects) (EDANAKAI), Results-Based Financing (RBF) & Performance-Based Grants (BPADAOAF)

Keywords

• Digital transformation services
• Applied research center
• STEM education programs
• SME digital training
• Digital competency development

Headquarters

HQ city

Alma

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Public research grants and government funding: COlab operates as a publicly funded research centre affiliated with Collège d'Alma, generating revenue primarily through competitive research grants and mandates from federal and provincial government departments. Key funders include MEIE (NovaScience, Offensive de transformation numérique), Canada Economic Development (DEC — Stratégie pour les femmes en entrepreneuriat), CRSNG (PRAT program), CPMT/FDRCMO, and the PME Innovation Fund. Revenue is project-based and tied to specific research deliverables.
2. SME digital transformation advisory and training services: COlab delivers paid training programs to SMEs, such as the 'Intégrer la technologie en PME' parcours priced at $1,200 per participant with partial subsidies of up to $530 through CPMT. The organization also provides workshops and digital mediation services to businesses and economic development organizations.
3. Pedagogical content licensing and platform access: Some programs and platforms (La Fabrique numérique, Avenue IA) are offered free of charge to educational institutions. Revenue from content licensing is indirect, through government-mandated educational mandates. Activity-based revenue (formation continue) is generated through the Collège d'Alma's continuing education catalogue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

COlab is a college-affiliated applied research center that delivers digital transformation advisory and training services to SMEs, structured STEM and digital competency learning pathways for youth (with a strong focus on girls and young women), and operates specialized research laboratories (Volumetric Capture, Fab Lab, Data Lab). Its offerings span digital learning pathways, online pedagogical platforms, evaluation tools, technology reference sheets, and applied research projects supporting organizations, schools, and regional communities.

Product overview

COlab Innovation sociale et culture numérique is a research and innovation center affiliated with Collège d'Alma offering a portfolio of digital learning pathways, educational platforms, and specialized laboratories. The core offerings include: learning pathways (Plus Numérique, Avenue IA, Les Astucieuses, Les Ambitieuses, La Cabine numérique) for different target audiences from youth to entrepreneurs; digital platforms (La Fabrique numérique) for pedagogical content; specialized laboratories (Data Lab, Fab Lab, Volumetric Capture Lab, Media Lab) for research and innovation; and SME transformation programs (Intégrer la technologie en PME, 4.0 en action). These products work together as a comprehensive ecosystem supporting digital competency development, entrepreneurship, and organizational transformation across the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and Quebec.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Les Ambitieuses: Parcours destiné aux filles de niveau secondaire pour découvrir les STIAM, l'entrepreneuriat et le leadership
• Les Astucieuses
• La Fabrique numérique
• Plus Numérique
• 4.0 en action
• Avenue IA
• La Cabine numérique

Products and services

• Plus Numérique A comprehensive digital transformation learning pathway for SMEs, providing training in digital integration, AI tools, and technology adoption to help businesses modernize their operations. Delivered with training, digital project management tools, workshops, technology demonstrations, and webinars.
• Avenue IA An online pathway designed to equip entrepreneurial ecosystem actors with understanding of AI's influence and implications in their professional domains.
• Les Ambitieuses A parascholary pathway for secondary school girls to discover STIAM (sciences, technologies, engineering, arts, and mathematics), entrepreneurship, and leadership, expanding across all Quebec secondary schools.
• Les Astucieuses An exclusive program for female CEGEP and university students in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, focusing on female leadership development, networking, and entrepreneurial skills through workshops, mentoring, and experiential activities.
• La Fabrique numérique A virtual platform for secondary school teachers providing contextualized pedagogical content including data science, cybersecurity, AI, robotics, programming, cloud computing, and digital arts to develop digital competencies with emphasis on girls.
• La Cabine numérique

Quantifiable outcome

• 61% of Quebec SMEs in manufacturing do not know the concept of 4.0; COlab's programs directly address this gap
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• Collège d'AlmacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017COlab is a research centre affiliated with and physically hosted by the Collège d'Alma. The college provides institutional infrastructure, administrative support, and co-develops educational programs. COlab's pavilion is located on the college campus. The partnership is foundational to COlab's existence and mission.
• DesjardinscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor partner providing financial and strategic support to COlab's social innovation and digital culture mission. Richard Villeneuve, Director General of Caisse Desjardins d'Alma, serves as Vice-President of COlab's Board of Directors.
• Rio TintocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor partner supporting COlab's initiatives. Marie-Ève Boissonneault, Senior Advisor for First Nations Relations at Rio Tinto, sits on COlab's Board of Directors.
• SADC du Haut-SaguenayflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSADC du Haut-Saguenay is the primary regional partner for COlab's SME digital transformation programs, including 4.0 en action. André Boily, Director General of SADC du Haut-Saguenay, serves on COlab's Board of Directors. COlab supports SADC's mission of regional economic development.
• Ubisoft SaguenaymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration partner in multiple AI and digital education projects including Avenue IA, the AI pedagogical toolkit, and La Fabrique numérique. Ubisoft contributes industry expertise and content relevance to COlab's digital competency programs targeting youth.
• Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Lac-Saint-Jean-Est (CJE)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-delivery partner for La Cabine numérique, an initiative targeting NEET youth with digital skills and entrepreneurship training. The CJE provides youth access, community credibility, and referral pathways.
• AgrinovamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration with COlab on the Technologies 4.0 en agriculture project, jointly funded by CRSNG through the PRAT program. Agrinova leads the animal welfare dimension while COlab leads the worker well-being and organizational research component.
• Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner contributing to research projects, providing access to postsecondary students, and collaborating on programs such as Les Astucieuses and the Fabrique numérique. Professor Sara Séguin from UQAC sits on COlab's Board of Directors.
• Centre de services scolaire du Lac-Saint-Jean (CSS du Lac-Saint-Jean)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool board partner for multiple programs including Les Ambitieuses, La Fabrique numérique, and research projects. Provides access to schools, student populations, and institutional framework for program deployment.
• Technoscience Saguenay–Lac-Saint-JeanmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the Ateliers numériques Technoscience project delivering 6 technology discovery activities (programming and robotics) to youth aged 8–12. Combines Technoscience's science outreach network with COlab's digital competency expertise.
• Centre de formation professionnelle de Val-d'OrminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the extended reality (XR) educational resources study. CFP de Val-d'Or developed 10 XR educational resources; COlab documents their implementation and impact in vocational training centres.
• AxelysminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting the Les Astucieuses program, contributing to the ecosystem of female entrepreneurship support in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
• Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting the Les Ambitieuses program, contributing to female STEM outreach and serving as an industry role model and potential employer for program participants.
• HEC MontréalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in the Entrepriseuring feminine project, contributing research expertise and mentorship to female entrepreneurs in the STIAM-digital economy.
• Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional order partner supporting the Fabrique numérique and Les Ambitieuses programs, providing industry credibility and connections to engineering career pathways.
• FemmessorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional organization supporting female entrepreneurship, collaborating with COlab on the female entrepreneurship programs to provide mentorship, networking, and financing support.
• Ubisoft ÉducationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUbisoft's education division is a key partner in the Fabrique numérique and Les Astucieuses programs, providing industry-relevant content and career visibility for students in digital fields.
• INKUBminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness incubator partner in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, supporting female entrepreneurship programs by connecting emerging entrepreneurs with incubation resources.
• CNIMI — Centre national intégré du manufacturier intelligentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege-level technology transfer centre partner in digital transformation, collaborating on the Plus Numérique ecosystem to provide SME digital transformation support.
• C2T3 — Centre collégial de transfert de technologie en télécommunicationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege-level technology transfer centre partner in telecommunications and digital technology, contributing expertise to the Plus Numérique ecosystem.
• Le WagonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoding bootcamp partner contributing to digital skills development and entrepreneurship programs, particularly in the Les Ambitieuses and Les Astucieuses pathways.
• Chaire pour les femmes en sciences et en génie au QuébecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and advocacy partner on gender equity in STEM, collaborating on evidence-based content and research for female STEM outreach programs.
• Pôle sur les transitions en enseignement supérieurmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-institutional partnership (UQAC + regional CEGEPs) conducting research on STEM transitions in higher education. Collaborates on multiple COlab projects including the AI toolkit, digital competency tools, and women-in-STEM initiatives.
• AcademosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth career mentorship platform partner connecting students with industry professionals, used as a referral and career exploration resource within COlab's youth STEM programs.
• L'effet AminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional female entrepreneurship support organization collaborating with COlab on female entrepreneurship programs in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
• PolySTARminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTIM outreach organization contributing to Les Ambitieuses by providing expertise and activities in science, technology, and mathematics outreach for girls.
• AFFESTIMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation for women in science and engineering, collaborating on the 'Visages cachés de la science' (Faces of Science) escape game project to highlight women's contributions to STEM.
• Publications BLD (Les Débrouillards, Curium)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial media partner for digital educational resources, providing editorial reach and credibility for science communication content targeting youth.
• UQTR — Université du Québec à Trois-RivièresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in the Plus Numérique ecosystem, contributing to digital transformation research and regional training capacity.
• Mastera — Formation continue du Cégep de JonquièreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerContinuing education partner in the Plus Numérique ecosystem, contributing to digital skills training for regional workers and SMEs.
• ITMI — Institut technologique de maintenance industrielleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical training partner contributing industrial maintenance expertise to the digital transformation ecosystem supporting SME technology adoption.
• Accès entreprise QuébecminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvincial business access point distributing COlab's digital transformation resources and referral services to businesses seeking government support.
• BivoieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization contributing to the LabConseil ePME 02 governance committee and representing community development perspectives in regional digital transformation planning.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Zú: Montreal creative and technology hub supporting entrepreneurs in entertainment, XR, and digital content; adjacent to COlab's volumetric capture and Fab Lab capabilities serving entrepreneurs and content creators.
• Kids Code Jeunesse: Canadian non-profit delivering digital literacy and coding education to underrepresented youth; comparable to COlab's La Fabrique numérique and Les Ambitieuses in mission to develop digital competencies in young learners.

Direct peers

• Axelys: Quebec centre supporting research and innovation valorization, formally partnered with COlab on Les Astucieuses and adjacent in promoting CEGEP-affiliated applied research and innovation outcomes.
• Centre de transfert de technologie en télécommunications (C2T3): Quebec college-level technology transfer centre (CCTT) focused on telecommunications and digital technology, formally partnered with COlab in the Plus Numérique ecosystem and comparable as a peer CCTT serving SMEs with applied digital expertise.
• Communautique: Montreal-based digital literacy and social innovation organization that delivers digital skills training to underserved populations and community groups, comparable to COlab's La Cabine numérique NEET program and digital mediation work.
• CNIMI — Centre national intégré du manufacturier intelligent: Quebec CCTT supporting SME digital and intelligent manufacturing transformation; an explicit COlab partner in the Plus Numérique ecosystem with overlapping SME 4.0 advisory and technology adoption services.
• TechnoMontréal: Quebec organization promoting STEM awareness and careers among youth, particularly girls, with programming directly comparable to COlab's Les Ambitieuses and Les Astucieuses gender-equity STEM initiatives.
• Prompt Québec: Quebec ICT industry consortium that supports digital transformation of businesses and workforce digital upskilling, mirroring COlab's PME-facing Plus Numérique mandate and SME digital adoption programs in Quebec.

Broad incumbents

• IVADO (Institut de valorisation des données): Quebec AI research, training, and technology transfer consortium affiliated with HEC Montréal, Polytechnique, and Université de Montréal; overlaps with COlab's Avenue IA pathway and AI pedagogical toolkit from a much larger, research-intensive base.
• Quebec Digital: Quebec cluster/industry association accelerating digital transformation across sectors with broader membership reach than COlab but overlapping SME digital adoption and training objectives.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Colabnumerique
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/colab-innovation-sociale-et-culture-num%C3%A9rique

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about COlab Innovation sociale et culture numérique