Aerospace Accelerator Program

Aerospace Accelerator Program is sponsored by Accelerator Centre. Assists early-stage startups and scale-ups developing innovative aerospace technologies, including advanced air mobility, space systems, and sustainable aviation solutions.

Aerospace Accelerator - Accelerator Centre Ignite the future of flight Pioneering the next era of aerospace innovation. Aerospace, aviation, and aeronautics in the Region of Waterloo Home to one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada, the Region of Waterloo International Airport, Waterloo Region is an emerging hub for aerospace and aviation innovation.

Together, with the Region of Waterloo and Skywise , we’ve created a home at the AC for aerospace entrepreneurs to test, grow, and scale their startups through a proven accelerator program model. A hub for aerospace innovation Are you ready to revolutionize the skies? Selected startups will participate in 6 months of high-intensity programming.

While in the program, you’ll have the opportunity to: Elevate your ideas with expert guidance through one-to-one mentorship from industry experts and leaders who have shaped the aerospace domain. Access our award-winning education curriculum and investor network to help you proactively navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Test your tech at the Region of Waterloo International Airport where appropriate.

Access Skywise's global network of industry experts and customers. Leverage up to $600,000 of in-kind perks and discounts from partners like AWS, Google for Startups, HubSpot, and more. Collaborate for global impact through an exclusive demo day with an international network of investors, airport operators, and corporate partners to mark the conclusion of the program.

Meet Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 of our Aerospace Accelerator program. Who is the Aerospace Accelerator for We’re looking for the top 10 startups to collaborate with the AC and the Region of Waterloo to drive innovation in the aerospace, aviation, and aeronautics sectors. From cutting-edge propulsion systems to game-changing materials, the sky's the limit.

The Aerospace Accelerator program is best suited for early-stage startups and scale-ups developing innovative aerospace technologies—such as solutions in advanced air mobility (AAM), space systems, environmentally sustainable aviation, sustainable and efficient flight operations, collaborative air traffic management, unmanned traffic management/ air traffic management (UTM/ATM) integration, human factors/performance optimization, or supporting aerospace infrastructure.

Ideal participants have a working, validated prototype or market-ready, or near-market-ready product, are engaging with potential industry partners or customers, and are ready for hands-on support to navigate the complex path to commercialization. If you're a startup looking to disrupt the aerospace industry, this challenge is your launchpad to rapid growth and industry disruption.

To join the Aerospace Accelerator Program, you must meet the following requirements: Be based in (or have a strong connection to) Waterloo Region Be incorporated in Canada or show proof of plans to incorporate within 30 days of program start Be an early-stage company with an in-market or near in-market solution Be able to commit to attending regularly scheduled in-person workshops and virtual mentorship sessions Priority will be given to startups that integrate AI, robotics, and/or advance materials/manufacturing into their solutions.

Driving innovation through collaboration Our collaborators help us foster the growth and development of cutting-edge technologies while contributing to the economic and technological advancement of the region. Aerospace client success stories Deaf AI Is Closing the Information Gap for Deaf Travellers For deaf travelers, a missed airport announcement can mean a missed flight. Deaf AI is changing that.

Since joining the Aerospace Accelerator Program, founder Mehdi Masoumi has turned a deeply… Aerospace Accelerator Spotlight: Ali Taleb, CEO of Vigelon From a childhood surrounded by airplane models to pioneering electric aviation in California, Ali Taleb’s journey has been defined by a singular focus on flight.

Now, as the founder of… Founder Spotlight: Russell Byun and Ben Ying, co-founders of AIM Robotics Russell Byun and Ben Ying saw an opportunity to lower the barrier to entry for businesses and government agencies looking to leverage drone technology.

They formed AIM Robotics to develop… Client Spotlight: Matt McRoberts, Co-Founder and CEO of Pegasus Aeronautics Pegasus Aeronautics’s co-founders Matt McRoberts and Joe Kinsella turned a university design project into a game-changing technology that has quickly won praise and contracts across the autonomous aviation industry.

The… Client Spotlight: Chad Armstrong, Co-Founder and CEO of Shearwater Aerospace Chad Armstrong is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience leading software companies. After exiting his last startup, Chad co-founded Shearwater Aerospace to revolutionize drone technology by using… “We’re fortunate to be in the program, especially with the Skywise connection because of their insights into the industry.

They have a vast collective experience in the aviation sector and the conversations we have together help us quickly identify opportunities for our solution. ” Alex D’Alton, Daltonomous “There’s so much infrastructure for aerospace companies here that even we weren’t completely tapped into. That’s something we want to improve moving forward.

Not only as a mechanism to improve our capabilities from a testing perspective but also to figure out ways that we can start to support the local ecosystem as well. ” Matt McRoberts, Pegasus Aeronautics “The AC’s support in business development and marketing helped us strengthen our value proposition and effectively articulate the unique advantages of our technology.

This experience has been instrumental in enhancing our market positioning and accelerating our journey toward industry leadership. ” Chad Armstrong, Shearwater Aerospace “The Aerospace Accelerator has been a valuable opportunity for Deaf AI to develop partnerships, showcase our work, and move our accessibility solution toward real-world implementation.

We highly recommend this program to startups looking to grow and connect within the aerospace ecosystem. ” Frequently asked questions 1. Is there non-diluted funding available in this program?

No, that’s our AC:Studio program . 2. Does the AC take equity?

No, the AC doesn’t take any equity. You keep 100% ownership of your company and your IP. 3.

Are there certain expectations of founders? Yes. Key expectations of founders are: Your startup is, or will be, incorporated Federally or in Ontario Attend biweekly, hybrid meetings You can spend at least 15-20 hours/week working on your startup You will actively engage in the program and access all available mentor hours You will complete the required surveys to support the AC with our government/funding reporting 4.

Is there a specific application deadline for Aerospace Accelerator? Yes. Application deadlines will be communicated on our website when they are announced.

5. Are there any reporting requirements for Founders accepted into Aerospace Accelerator? Yes.

Founders are required to complete surveys as requested (at this time, survey frequency is quarterly). 6. How many companies are accepted into Aerospace Accelerator?

10 companies are accepted into each program cohort. 7. Do I have to live in Canada to apply?

Yes, applicants must be based in (or have a strong connection to) Waterloo Region. Companies must be incorporated in Canada or show proof of plans to incorporate within 30 days of program start.