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Pioneering the next era of aerospace innovation.
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Aerospace Accelerator
Aerospace, aviation, and aeronautics in the Region of Waterloo
Home to one of the top 20 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 NAVBLUE, 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 NAVBLUE'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.
Eligibility
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.
Program partners
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.
client spotlight
Aerospace client success stories
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…
Learn more
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…
Learn more
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…
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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…
Learn more
Founder Spotlight: Alex D’Alton, CEO of Daltonomous
Daltonomous helps companies protect their critical autonomous assets from cyber and physical attacks. CEO Alex D'Alton shares how the startup is using artificial intelligence to protect, detect, and recover autonomous…
Learn moreAc help center
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. Can the AC help with becoming investment ready?
Yes, through the Aerospace Accelerator program, we’ve built a dedicated Investment Readiness pathway. If your company is a good fit, we’ll include this course at no extra cost. Just keep in mind — becoming “investment-ready” takes time and effort and usually takes about 4–6 months to complete.
6. 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).
7. How many companies are accepted into Aerospace Accelerator?
10 companies are accepted into each program cohort.
Applications Currently Closed
Thank you for your interest in our program.
Applications for Aerospace Accelerator Program are now closed. Leave us your contact details and we will let you know when applications open.