Calgary is moving forward with the launch of an Aerospace Innovation Hub.
Innovators in the aerospace sector will soon gain access to funding, business support, and technology validation in real-world settings at the forthcoming hub, according to a statement from Calgary Economic Development.
The hub is enabled by an investment of $3.9 million over four years by the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
“By making this investment, we are fortifying Calgary as an aerospace centre of excellence,” stated Brad Parry, chief executive officer of Calgary Economic Development. “Innovators will be able to create, test, and scale their ideas more effectively while existing industry players gain visibility and input into up-and-coming technologies.”
The AIH will be managed by Innovate Calgary. Founding industry partners include WestJet, the Calgary Airport Authority, and Chapter.ai Ventures.
“Our aerospace sector is thriving, and we can ensure its continued growth by attracting the right talent and industry leaders to create and scale their ideas here in Calgary,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “I look forward to seeing how Calgary-based innovators will emerge and transform the global aviation and aerospace industry.”
The Aerospace Innovation Hub joins the University of Calgary, which hosts a network of themed innovation hubs managed by Innovate Calgary, including the Life Sciences Innovation Hub, the Energy Transition Centre, and the Social Innovation Hub.
“This network ensures that researchers, innovators, and startup founders have seamless access to the resources, space, and expertise they require, precisely when they need it,” explains Dr. Ed McCaulley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Calgary. “As a leader for startup creation in Canada, UCalgary is poised to amplify our impact.”
The Calgary Airport Authority will provide a physical space for the AIH and opportunities for innovators to apply solutions to real-world airport scenarios.
“Innovation plays a key role in the aviation industry, propelling advancements in safety, efficiency, and guest experience, to name a few,” said Chris Dinsdale, chief executive of the Calgary Airport Authority. “We are excited to be a part of the Aerospace Innovation Hub and support the technology-based aerospace industry in Calgary.”
WestJet will serve as the anchor airline company at the AIH and enable innovators to apply solutions to real-world airline scenarios.
“Having the AIH anchored at YYC, we are creating a ‘living lab’ together with our partners that will unlock new opportunities and attract talent to our province, our hometown city and our airline,” stated Christian Novosel, Chief Digital Officer at WestJet. “This hub will drive innovation into Western Canada’s aviation ecosystem and make a powerful impact on our guests and community.”
Chapter.ai Ventures will provide access to capital and investment support for innovators to scale solutions.
“Chapter.ai Ventures is very excited to be part of the Aerospace Hub and plans to significantly invest in aerospace startups,” Neeraj Gupta, cofounder of Chapter.ai Ventures, stated. “Calgary’s unique industrial, deep technologies and research ecosystem will help the Aerospace hub to establish itself as one of the prominent players in the global aerospace ecosystem.”
The new investment from OCIF builds on an initial funding commitment of $2.5 million from PrairiesCan in 2023.
OCIF was created by The City of Calgary in 2018 to support catalytic investments within the city to help diversify and transform the economy.
To date, more than $86 million has been committed to 28 projects, which has spurred the creation, training, and retention of 3,300 direct and indirect jobs.
Between 2024 and 2028, the AIH is expected to support up to 180 companies and create 150 net new skilled, indirect jobs.
The AIH is currently accepting new companies looking to expand to or within Calgary.
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