13 March 2024

by Jonathan Andrews

A C$3.9 million investment will enable aerospace innovators to gain access to funding, business support and the ability to validate their technologies in real-world settings at Canadas Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH) in Calgary.

The funding comes fromOpportunity Calgary Investment Fund, managed by Innovate Calgary, and the participation of industry partners WestJet, the Calgary Airport Authority and Chapter.ai Ventures.

The [hub] represents a significant opportunity not only for our airport but also for our region, Megan Gupton (pictured above), Chief Information Officer for the Calgary Airport Authority, told Cities Today. Innovation is crucial for the aviation sector, and by fostering innovators in the aerospace industry, directly in our terminal, we anticipate substantial benefits for our airport, and broader ecosystem.

Between 2024 and 2028, the AIH is expected to support incubator programming for up to 180 companies and create 150 net new skilled, indirect jobs. As part of this, the AIH will directly fund six companies through the accelerator programme aimed at upskilling and attracting talent to the province. Through the provision of resources available from OCIF funding, the hub is expected to generateC$1.5 millionof research and development and 40 patents supported through ElevateIP Alberta.

The Calgary Airport Authority will provide both a physical space for the hub as well as opportunities for innovators to apply their solutions to real-world airport scenarios.

While providing space is a key aspect of this initiative, our airports involvement extends beyond mere accommodation, said Gupton. Hosting groups that are focused on aerospace innovation holds promise for passengers, authority staff and our partners. We envision a space where new technologies can undergo real-world testing, facilitating quick feedback loops and ultimately leading to significant advancements that enhance the aerospace ecosystem.

The hub joins theUniversity of Calgarysnetwork of four themed innovation hubs managed byInnovateCalgary,including the Life Sciences Innovation Hub, the Energy Transition Centre and the Social Innovation Hub.

The AIH is currently accepting new companies looking to expand to or withinCalgary. Entrepreneurs, start-ups, scale-ups and large corporate partners from aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors are invited to join the AIH, adding their ideas and expertise to build a world-renowned aerospace hub.

Image: Calgary Airport Authority

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Calgary to further develop Aerospace Innovation Hub - Cities Today