The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) has announced a three-year investment of up to $709,000 in the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (SAIT) Aerospace Composite Materials Lab (ACML). This initiative aims to strengthen Calgary’s aerospace sector, diversify the local economy, and address critical workforce skill gaps.
The funding will enable the ACML to enhance Calgary’s position in Canada’s aerospace ecosystem by leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing equipment. The lab will serve as a collaborative hub for industry experts, researchers, students, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), focusing on improving aircraft performance and reducing environmental impacts.
“The ACML will be a transformative resource for Canada’s aerospace industry and is a testament to OCIF’s role as a catalyst for economic diversification in Calgary,” said Brad Parry, CEO of OCIF and Calgary Economic Development. “This investment adds one more piece of the puzzle that will help build an aerospace innovation ecosystem and position Calgary as a leader in the sector.”
The ACML initiative is set to train 21 individuals and support 25 companies over its duration. Students from SAIT and other institutions will gain hands-on experience through six-month applied research projects, addressing labour shortages and fostering the next generation of aerospace professionals.
This project aligns with OCIF’s broader efforts, such as its previous investment in the Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH), a collaboration involving Innovate Calgary, WestJet, the Calgary Airport Authority, and Chapter.ai Ventures. Together, these initiatives are helping Calgary’s aerospace cluster grow by providing funding, business support, and opportunities for real-world technology validation.
The ACML’s partnership with NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program and SAIT’s Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials strengthens Calgary’s role in global defense initiatives. This collaboration grants SAIT access to NATO’s network and resources, accelerating aerospace research and development.
Beyond aerospace, the ACML’s research in robotics and composite materials manufacturing will benefit industries such as automotive, energy, and construction, bolstering Alberta’s leadership in robotics and automation.
With OCIF’s investment, the ACML is poised to become a cornerstone of Calgary’s aerospace innovation ecosystem. By addressing industry challenges, fostering collaboration, and supporting skills development, the initiative highlights Calgary’s potential as a national leader in aerospace technology and economic diversification.
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