The federal government is helping the University of Calgary establish an Aerospace Innovation Hub. PHOTO courtesy University of Calgary.
The federal government is investing over $4,000,000 for two projects that will further bolster Calgary’s competitiveness in the aerospace sector.
Over $2.5 million is going to the University of Calgary to help it establish an Aerospace Innovation Hub. This new hub will provide start-ups and existing small- and medium-sized firms with technology development support, prototyping services, and access to testing equipment. This project is expected to create approximately 50 jobs, train 50 participants and directly benefit 25 small- and medium-sized firms.
Over $1.4 million will support Canada’s first remotely-piloted aviation training centre for heavy-lift drones training, maintenance, and certification at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). The centre is playing a key role in enabling the adoption of heavy-lift drone technology by creating one of the most advanced training and certification centres in North America. The project is expected to create approximately 45 jobs and train 110 participants.
Both projects will enhance the growth of aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses. In total, the investments are expected to lead to nearly 100 new jobs and train 160 participants.
“Our government is growing Canada’s aerospace industry from coast to coast, that is why we are investing in Calgary’s talented innovators to support of the development the next generation of aerospace technologies and create high-value jobs for Calgarians,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
