Institut nordique du Québec

What Institut nordique du Québec does

Institut nordique du Québec (INQ) is a non-profit research consortium established in 2014 and headquartered at Université Laval in Quebec City, operating under the university's Vice-rectorat à la recherche, à la création et à l'innovation. INQ coordinates northern and Arctic research across 16 Quebec universities, organized into five thematic axes: Societies and Culture; Health; Ecosystem Functioning and Environmental Protection; Infrastructure and Technology; and Natural Resources. Its primary constituents are roughly 150 affiliated researchers, Indigenous organizations (notably Innu communities of Pessamit and Inuit communities of Nunavik), and graduate students. The institute is governed with input from a First Peoples Committee that sets ethical guidelines for research in northern environments.

INQ's product surface is a portfolio of knowledge-transfer and coordination tools rather than a unified technology product. Core platforms include Lab-O-Nord (directory of northern research infrastructure), Atiku (documentary resource portal on the North and Arctic), an interactive cartography of affiliated research chairs, and the INQ-UArctic Regional Centre (formalized June 2025) which provides access to circumpolar mobility programs. Training offerings include the MOOC 'Le Québec nordique' (~15,000 participants since 2017), the Inuktitut language course, the IREN field training program, and the Mon Projet nordique science-communication competition. AI/ML applications appear in specific affiliated research projects — most notably XGBoost-based prediction of aircraft anti-icing fluid holdover time, satellite/drone Arctic monitoring, and environmental biosurveillance — but these are project-scoped academic outputs, not institutional AI products.

The institute is funded entirely through government and institutional grants: primarily the Fonds de recherche du Québec, the ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation, and the Société du Plan Nord, with additional project funding from the governments of Quebec and Canada, the City of Quebec, the Weston Family Foundation, and international partners. There is no commercial revenue. Major capital in motion includes the $105M INQ Scientific Complex (groundbreaking February 2024) and $1.8M in INQ-SN joint-call projects (July 2023). INQ operates with a lean core of 6 staff, leveraging the broader university network for research delivery.

Name

Institut nordique du Québec

Legal name

Institut nordique du Québec

Website

https://inq.ulaval.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Institut nordique du Québec (INQ) is a non-profit research consortium at Université Laval coordinating northern and Arctic research across 16 Quebec universities, Indigenous communities, and international partners, funded by Quebec and Canadian government grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Research Institute / Research Coordination Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDADALAK

Research, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Partnerships

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Education Partnerships, Intergovernmental & NGO Programs

SECONDARYEDADALAA

Intergovernmental Education Cooperation & Bilateral/Multilateral Programs

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Education Partnerships, Intergovernmental & NGO Programs

SECONDARYBPADANAB

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Standards, Policy & Regulatory Cooperation

SECONDARYBPADALAA

Climate Policy, Governance & NDC Support

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Climate, Environment & Sustainable Development Programs

Keywords

• Northern research coordination
• Arctic research consortium
• Indigenous research partnerships
• Research infrastructure directory
• Climate research programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Québec

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government research funding: INQ activities are supported by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (Quebec Research Funds), the ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation (Ministry of Economy and Innovation), and the Société du Plan Nord. Additional funding includes specific project grants from governments of Quebec and Canada for the scientific complex ($105M total) and research project grants ($1.8M for 6 projects).
2. Research project grants: INQ issues calls for research projects (INQ-SN joint calls with Société du Plan Nord) and funds projects through partner contributions. Research chairs are established at member universities.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Institut nordique du Québec (INQ) is a non-profit research consortium that coordinates and promotes northern and Arctic research across Quebec. It mobilizes 16 member universities, Indigenous organizations, government partners, and international networks, delivering shared research infrastructure access, training programs, knowledge portals, and project funding for the Quebec northern research ecosystem.

Product overview

Institut nordique du Québec (INQ) is a research consortium based at Université Laval that serves as a network mobilizing expertise in northern and Arctic research across Quebec. Rather than a unified software product, INQ offers a portfolio of interconnected research platforms, training programs, and knowledge-sharing tools. Core platforms include Lab-O-Nord (research infrastructure directory), Atiku (documentary resource portal), and the INQ-UArctic Regional Centre (mobility coordination). These are complemented by educational offerings including the MOOC on Northern Quebec, IREN field training, and Inuktitut courses. INQ also facilitates knowledge exchange through its annual symposium, the Mon Projet nordique science communication competition, and publishes ethics guidelines for northern research developed with First Peoples communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lab-O-Nord: Directory of research infrastructure available to INQ members
• Atiku
• Mon Projet nordique / My Northern Project
• INQ-UArctic Regional Centre

Products and services

• Lab-O-Nord Web-based directory of research infrastructure facilities available to INQ members for conducting northern research.
• Atiku Portal providing curated access to documentary resources on the North and Arctic for INQ researchers, students, and partner communities.
• INQ-UArctic Regional Centre for Quebec Regional centre of the University of the Arctic network for Quebec, serving as a gateway for Quebec students, researchers, and institutions to access international UArctic mobility programs (north2north) and circumpolar research collaborations.
• Mon Projet nordique / My Northern Project Recurring science communication competition in which graduate students present their northern research in 5 minutes; provincial Quebec winners advance to international finals at the Arctic Circle Assembly.
• MOOC Le Québec nordique Free online course (MOOC) exploring the realities of northern Quebec, covering issues, spaces, and cultures; available to students, researchers, and the general public.
• IREN - Initiation à la recherche et aux enjeux nordiques Biennial graduate student field training program providing hands-on introduction to northern research and issues, organized by INQ's Training Committee.
• Introduction to Inuktitut Training Language training course introducing participants to the Inuktitut language and the culture of the Inuit of Nunavik, delivered under INQ's Training Committee.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 15,000 participants in the MOOC on Northern Quebec since 2017
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 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

AI capability9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

43 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• UArctic (University of the Arctic)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 June 2025INQ and Université Laval formalized the creation of the INQ-UArctic Regional Centre for the Province of Quebec through a memorandum of understanding signed in Inari, Finland during the UArctic Annual Assembly. This regional centre serves as a gateway to the international UArctic network, supporting student and researcher mobility (north2north program) and international collaborations. INQ co-organizes the international final of My Northern Project within the Arctic Circle Assembly with UArctic.
• Swiss Polar Institute (SPI)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 April 2023INQ, Swiss Polar Institute (SPI), and Université Laval signed a memorandum of understanding in April 2023. Together with IPEV, the three organizations jointly launched the CASCADES international polar expedition to study Greenland's glacial melting.
• Arctic Council — Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2020INQ and Université Laval were selected to host the Secretariat of the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group, announced by Minister Marc Garneau at the Arctic Council meeting in Reykjavik in May 2020.
• Université LavalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversité Laval is INQ's host institution, providing the physical headquarters (Complexe scientifique) and administrative infrastructure through its Vice-rectorat à la recherche, à la création et à l'innovation. Université Laval researchers lead several INQ research projects and chairs.
• Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUQO is one of 16 member universities of the INQ consortium, contributing to northern research across the five thematic axes.
• Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUQAT is a member university of INQ and home to the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Silviculture and Wood Production and other affiliated research entities.
• Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUQAR is a member university of INQ, hosting the Réseau Québec maritime and co-organizing the 2025 Annual Symposium.
• Université de Montréal (UdeM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUdeM is a member university contributing to northern research, including projects on Indigenous territories and environmental studies.
• Université de SherbrookecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university of the INQ consortium contributing to northern research across multiple disciplines.
• Polytechnique MontréalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university of INQ hosting the International Science Diplomacy Research Chair for Arctic and Space Cooperation and the Institut de recherche en mines et environnement UQAT-Polytechnique.
• McGill UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university of INQ hosting two INQ-McGill research chairs: one in respiratory health and health services, and one in wildlife conservation and traditional food security.
• Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university of the INQ consortium contributing to boreal forest carbon flux research and northern environmental studies.
• Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university of INQ hosting the UArctic Chair on Imaginary, Perceptions and Mediations of the Arctic, and co-director of the Societies and Culture research axis.
• Université TÉLUQcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university of the INQ consortium contributing online education expertise (MOOC, language training) to INQ's training programs.
• École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university contributing to northern research on anti-icing materials, aerospace engineering, and infrastructure in cold climates.
• Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university contributing to northern research on geothermal energy, environmental science, and Arctic ecosystems.
• Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university of INQ hosting the Centre de recherche RIVE on watershed-ecosystem interactions and contributing to Nunavik research.
• Université ConcordiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university of the INQ consortium contributing to northern research in various disciplines.
• École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember university of the INQ consortium contributing to Arctic governance and policy research.
• Réseau de l'Université du QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Université du Québec system collectively supports INQ through its network of 10 universities, including UQO, UQAT, UQAR, UQAC, UQAM, UQTR, TÉLUQ, and INRS.
• Sentinelle Nord (Université Laval)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSentinelle Nord is a major research strategy at Université Laval focused on northern and Arctic research. It co-funded six new INQ research projects ($1.8M) in 2023 and jointly hosts research chairs with INQ.
• Institut Polaire Français Paul-Émile Victor (IPEV)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPEV co-leads the CASCADES international polar expedition with INQ and SPI, studying Greenland's glaciers and their impact on global climate from the CCGS Amundsen research icebreaker.
• Société du Plan NordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSociété du Plan Nord is a government body that co-funds INQ's activities and jointly issues project calls (INQ-SN calls) for northern research in Quebec.
• ArcticNetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArcticNet is a Canadian research network focused on health, environmental, and social impacts of climate change in the Arctic. It partners with INQ on research projects (e.g., UVILUQ) and events, and is an affiliated entity hosted at Université Laval.
• Commission géologique du Canada (Geological Survey of Canada)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Geological Survey of Canada is a partner on the Nunatsiavut Coastal Interactions Project (NCIP/PICN) and other INQ research initiatives.
• Hydro-Québec (IREQ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHydro-Québec's Institut de recherche (IREQ) is a partner in the COMIRCHAN project on district heating networks in Nunavik.
• Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSHQ is a partner in the COMIRCHAN project studying housing and energy transition in Nunavik.
• Administration régionale Kativik (ARK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Kativik Regional Administration is a partner in the COMIRCHAN project on district heating networks in Nunavik, representing Inuit regional governance.
• TarquticoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTarquti is an Inuit-owned energy company partnering in the COMIRCHAN project on district heating networks in Nunavik.
• Université de Rennes 2minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversité de Rennes 2 is a partner in the Saint-Augustin-Pakua Shipu Sand River project, contributing expertise in human geography and cultural studies.
• Pond Inlet communitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe community of Pond Inlet (Nunavut) is the primary Indigenous partner in the Back on Traces project studying contaminants and nanoparticles as markers of the Anthropocene in the Arctic.
• Centre TERRE, Cégep de JonquièrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Centre des Technologies des Énergies Renouvelables et du rendement énergétique (TERRE) at Cégep de Jonquière is a partner in the renewable energy expansion project in Nunavik.
• NergicaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNergica is a partner in the renewable energy project in Nunavik, contributing expertise in renewable energy technologies.
• Conseil des Innus de PessamitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Innu Council of Pessamit is the primary Indigenous partner in the IMPACT project (Manicouagan-Uapishka imaging), contributing territorial knowledge and co-directing research through its Territoires et Ressources bureau.
• Réserve mondiale de la biosphère Manicouagan-Uapishka (RMBMU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe UNESCO Manicouagan-Uapishka World Biosphere Reserve is a partner in the IMPACT project and the carbon flux modeling project, providing a framework for sustainable development research.
• La Boîte Rouge VifcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa Boîte Rouge Vif is an Indigenous knowledge facilitation organization partnering in the carbon flux modeling project, co-producing and co-interpreting knowledge through community encounters.
• Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQASE is a partner in the UVILUQ project on liquid biopsies for monitoring coastal marine ecosystems, supporting Indigenous participation in science.
• Northern Institute for Research in Environment and Occupational Health and SafetycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerINREHS is a partner in the UVILUQ project, contributing expertise in environmental health research in northern contexts.
• Parcs Canada — Saguenay-Saint-LaurentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParcs Canada is a partner in the UVILUQ project, contributing to marine ecosystem monitoring in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence area.
• Port of Sept ÎlesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Port of Sept Îles is a partner in the UVILUQ project, contributing to coastal marine ecosystem monitoring relevant to port operations.
• CNRS — Unité Stress Environnementaux et BIOsurveillance des milieux aquatiquesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CNRS research unit on environmental stress and biosurveillance of aquatic environments is a partner in the UVILUQ project, contributing molecular biology expertise.
• Trent UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrent University is a co-applicant on the Nunatsiavut Coastal Interactions Project (NCIP/PICN), contributing to climate and environmental research.
• Boréale MédiaminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBoréale Média is credited for the website design of inq.ulaval.ca.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• UArctic (University of the Arctic): Circumpolar network of universities and institutions. INQ hosts the INQ-UArctic Regional Centre for Quebec, formalizing the relationship; both share a mission to coordinate northern research, training, and mobility across the Arctic.
• Sentinelle Nord: Université Laval's overarching northern and Arctic research strategy. Sister initiative to INQ within the same institution; jointly co-funds research projects (e.g., $1.8M for six INQ projects in 2023) and shares host infrastructure at Université Laval.
• Polar Knowledge Canada: Federal Canadian agency operating the Canadian High Arctic Research Station. Comparable as a publicly funded Canadian polar research coordinator, though national in scope versus INQ's Quebec focus.
• International Arctic Science Committee (IASC): International non-governmental organization coordinating Arctic research across disciplines and countries. Comparable as a multi-stakeholder Arctic research convener operating at a higher level than INQ.
• Canadian Polar Commission: Federal advisory body on polar issues. Comparable as a Canadian institutional actor in Arctic research and policy, with broader national scope than INQ's Quebec-anchored mandate.

Direct peers

• Centre d'études nordiques (CEN): Quebec centre dedicated to northern research, also hosted at Université Laval. Directly comparable in mission, Quebec focus, and Université Laval affiliation, with overlapping membership of researchers and Indigenous community engagement.
• Institut Polaire Français Paul-Émile Victor (IPEV): French polar research institute co-leading the CASCADES expedition with INQ and SPI. Directly comparable as a national polar research coordinator and operational INQ partner on flagship international projects.
• ArcticNet: Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence focused on Arctic climate, health, and social research. Directly comparable to INQ as a Canadian Arctic research network with overlapping thematic axes and funder base, including Université Laval affiliation.
• Swiss Polar Institute (SPI): Swiss-based polar research institute that signed an MOU with INQ in April 2023 and co-leads the CASCADES Greenland expedition. Directly comparable in mission as a national-level polar research coordinator and active INQ partner.

Others

• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK): National representational body for Inuit in Canada. Comparable as a Canadian Indigenous governance and research-policy stakeholder that INQ engages through its First Peoples Committee and Arctic research partnerships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/login
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC9JldOmvtd5QlqeMvz3EiSw
• Facebookfacebook.com/InstitutnordiqueQuebec
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institut-nordique-du-qu%C3%A9bec

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Institut nordique du Québec