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Transforming Quebec’s manufacturing sector through the Halles d’innovation et de formation avancée (HIFA).
It was in November 2016, that Rivière-du-Loup-based Premier Tech, the Centre d’entrepreneuriat et d’essaimage de l’Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (CEE-UQAC) and the Centre québécois en recherche et développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA) began brainstorming together for what would now become the Halles d’innovation et de formation avancée (HIFA).
These three partners envisioned the creation of an Innovation Center specializing in manufacturing intelligence and next-generation packaging, with collaborative experimentation halls bringing together researchers, specialists, entrepreneurs and industrialists to accelerate the automation and robotization of Quebec manufacturing companies and foster a culture of innovation within them.
In the fall of 2020, the NPO was formed, with the participation of the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), to ensure the deployment and development of HIFA. Leaders such as Cascades, Desjardins, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Premier Tech, as well as the governments of Canada and Quebec, subsequently joined as principal partners.
HIFA’s mission is to deploy a world-class Innovation Center to accelerate the digital transformation of Quebec companies, by supporting them at every stage of the implementation of robotized and automated equipment.
Three main objectives guide the day-to-day work of the Innovation Center’s team.
Support experimentation and investment activities to accelerate digital transformation by providing companies with collaborative innovation space, technical platforms and applied training, all of which help accelerate transformation while mitigating risk.
To provide SMEs and manufacturers with a center of excellence in advanced manufacturing, manufacturing intelligence, digital transformation and the valorization of aluminum, wood materials from agroforestry and/or other materials to design the packaging of the future.
Promote the transfer and percolation of new knowledge acquired in the experimentation halls to production and management staff in order to consolidate and enhance the company’s culture of innovation.
