MACH FAB 4.0 Grant in Quebec: Eligibility and Application Steps

Quebec aerospace manufacturers face real pressure to modernize. MACH FAB 4.0 is one of the province’s main programs helping aerospace SMEs adopt Industry 4.0 technologies with non‑repayable funding of up to $500,000. If you want to know whether your business qualifies and how the application really works, this guide breaks it down step by step.

What Is the MACH FAB 4.0 Grant?

MACH FAB 4.0 is delivered by Aéro Montréal as part of the Aéro Compétitivité initiative. This program supports Quebec-based aerospace SMEs that want to improve productivity, digital maturity, and competitiveness by implementing Industry 4.0 technologies.

Key funding facts:

Funding type: Non-repayable contribution (grant)
Maximum amount: Up to $500,000 per project
Support level: Up to 50% of eligible human project costs
Program availability: Aéro Compétitivité pathway active until March 2027

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the MACH FAB 4.0 grant, your business must meet all the core criteria set by Aéro Montréal and the Aéro Compétitivité portal.

Your company must:

Be headquartered in Quebec.
Operate in the aerospace sector with:
- At least 20% of revenue from aerospace, or
- A clear, documented plan to grow aerospace activities.
Be a member in good standing of Aéro Montréal.
Have competitiveness or productivity gaps that require external expertise.

The program is meant for established companies, not startups still in the idea stage. You need active operations and a clear focus on aerospace.

Project-Level Conditions

MACH FAB 4.0 also applies strict rules to the projects it funds.

Your project must:

Focus on Industry 4.0 adoption, such as digital manufacturing, automation, data integration, or advanced production systems.
Involve manufacturing or assembly activities carried out in Quebec.
Show a strong aerospace focus, with the project statement referencing a 30% aerospace revenue threshold at the project level.
Be supported by a digital readiness diagnostic, such as:
- A MACH diagnostic, or
- A recognized Industry 4.0 audit
  This diagnostic must be completed before detailed project planning and financing.

Plan early because the diagnostic step takes time.

Application Process

The MACH FAB 4.0 application process is structured and follows clear steps.

1. Submit a Project Proposal

Send your MACH FAB 4.0 project through the Aéro Montréal submission form or during an official call for candidates.

2. Preliminary Eligibility Review

Aéro Montréal checks:

Company eligibility
Aerospace relevance
Technology alignment with Industry 4.0 pillars

3. Complete or Validate Your Digital Diagnostic

If you do not already have a valid diagnostic, you must complete one before moving forward.

4. Build a Detailed Project Plan

Work with neutral external experts to define:

Scope and objectives
Budget and timeline
Expected productivity and digital gains

5. Validation Committee Review

A committee reviews your project for technical and financial approval.

6. Project Execution and Reporting

Once approved:

Funds are typically provided according to the approved budget and project plan.
You must submit progress and financial reports

7. Project Close-Out

Complete a final project review (bilan) and keep all documents for audit and compliance purposes.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry, especially if you are comparing MACH FAB 4.0 with other Quebec manufacturing grants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing the Aéro Montréal membership requirement
Your application will not move forward if your membership is inactive or incomplete.
Confusing the 20% and 30% aerospace thresholds
Company-level eligibility can start at 20%, but project approval may require 30% aerospace revenue.
Skipping the digital diagnostic step
Without a valid MACH or Industry 4.0 audit, your project cannot reach the planning or funding stage.
Underestimating internal co-contribution
Companies typically contribute 25%–50% of project costs. Budget for this early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is MACH FAB 4.0 a loan or a grant?
MACH FAB 4.0 provides a non-repayable contribution, not a loan. You do not repay the funding if you meet all program conditions.

Q: What types of Industry 4.0 technologies are eligible?
Eligible projects include digital manufacturing, automation, robotics, data integration, and advanced production systems that match Industry 4.0 pillars.

Q: Can MACH FAB 4.0 be stacked with other grants?
In many cases, yes. Stacking is allowed as long as total public funding does not exceed program limits and costs are not double-funded.

Q: How much funding do companies usually receive?
While the maximum is $500,000, actual funding depends on project scope, eligible costs, and the approved support rate, often up to 50% of human project costs.

Q: Are MACH FAB 4.0 funds taxable?
In Canada, non-repayable government contributions are generally considered taxable income. Confirm tax treatment with your accountant, following the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidance referenced by Aéro Montréal.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Quebec aerospace and manufacturing funding. Checking which ones match your business profile can save weeks of research.

Next Steps

If MACH FAB 4.0 fits your goals, start by confirming your Aéro Montréal membership and scheduling a digital readiness diagnostic. Comparing MACH FAB 4.0 with other Quebec Industry 4.0 and manufacturing programs can help you build a stronger funding stack. GrantHub helps you see those options based on your location, industry, and plans for growth.

MACH FAB 4.0 Grant in Quebec: Eligibility and Application Steps