June 22, 2026 – Waterloo Region, ON – As Canada increases investment in aerospace, autonomy and strategic technologies, applications are now open for Cohort 3 of the Aerospace Accelerator Program, delivered by the Accelerator Centre in collaboration with the Region of Waterloo and Skywise.
The program supports founders and early-stage companies developing technologies for aerospace, aviation, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and related sectors. It is designed to help companies move from promising ideas to real-world testing, partnerships, and commercial growth.
As investment grows in aerospace, aviation, defence and sovereign technologies, there is increasing demand for Canadian-made solutions that can improve safety, efficiency, automation and sustainability. Waterloo Region is well positioned for this work. The region has strong expertise in advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, aviation, and commercialization, along with a growing network of companies and partners working across aerospace and related sectors.
The Aerospace Accelerator Program helps companies respond to that demand by connecting them with industry experts, pilot opportunities and potential customers. This program is part of AeroWR, the Region of Waterloo’s initiative to grow a stronger, more connected aerospace ecosystem in Waterloo Region. Led by the Region, AeroWR brings together industry, academia, and government to overcome industry challenges through innovation.
Since it launched, the Aerospace Accelerator Program has supported 20 companies working in aerospace, autonomy, aviation, and advanced manufacturing. Together, those companies have generated more than $3 million in revenue, created 23 jobs, gained 26 new customers, secured $347,000 in investment and funding, and started nine new partnerships and pilot projects.
Recent pilot projects at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) involving Deaf AI and AIM Robotics show how Waterloo Region companies are testing new ideas in real operating environments and working directly with industry partners to solve practical challenges.
Selected companies will receive:
- tailored mentorship
- business development support
- introductions to aerospace and aviation partners
- opportunities to engage with manufacturers, airports and potential customers
- support to validate technologies, explore pilot projects and strengthen commercialization plans
Founders building technologies for aerospace, aviation, autonomy, advanced manufacturing, and related sectors are encouraged to apply.
Applications for Cohort 3 are open now and close on July 24, 2026.
Learn more and apply at acceleratorcentre.com/aerospace-accelerator.
Quotes
“AeroWR is helping strengthen Waterloo Region’s position as a place where aerospace and aviation innovation can grow. By connecting founders with industry partners, including the Region of Waterloo International Airport, and providing access to test environments and practical business support, this program helps turn innovative ideas into real-world opportunities for companies, job creation and long-term economic growth in our community.” – Karen Redman, Region of Waterloo Chair
“Canada is entering a period of renewed investment in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and strategic technologies, creating significant opportunities for innovators developing solutions with commercial and dual-use applications. Waterloo Region has built world-class expertise in artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomy, and advanced manufacturing. Through AeroWR and the Aerospace Accelerator Program, we’re helping founders connect those strengths to industry challenges, accelerate commercialization, and strengthen Canada’s aerospace innovation ecosystem.” – Ruth Casselman, CEO of the Accelerator Centre
“Collaboration is essential to accelerating innovation in aerospace. The Accelerator Centre provides founders with the support, which we combine with Skywise industry expertise to turn ambitious ideas into scalable solutions. Together, we’re helping build a stronger aerospace ecosystem where new technologies can be tested, developed, and brought to market.” – Erin Appleby, HO Operational Excellence & Canada Managing Director, Skywise
About AeroWR
Led by the Region of Waterloo, AeroWR is Waterloo Region’s collaborative platform for accelerating aviation, aerospace, and defence innovation. Born from one of Canada’s most dynamic tech and manufacturing corridors, AeroWR brings together industry leaders, researchers, our airport, and regional partners to advance the future of flight — sustainably, intelligently, and collaboratively.
From commercial aviation and aerospace manufacturing to future mobility, automation, and clean-flight technologies, AeroWR connects the organizations shaping the future of aeronautics.
About the Accelerator Centre
The Accelerator Centre empowers early-stage tech founders in the Waterloo Region with access to early-stage capital, mentorship, tactical supports, and industry networks essential to building businesses that thrive. This is where the real business of entrepreneurship gets done, every day. Everything we do begins and ends with founders—the problem solvers, builders, and bold thinkers driving Canada’s innovation economy forward. Supporting them isn’t just our mission; it’s our passion, and we are committed to being the most trusted partner as they create new industries, fuel local economies, and inspire the next generation of made-in-Ontario tech companies. Learn more at acceleratorcentre.com.
About Skywise
Skywise is a leading digital services company, wholly owned by Airbus. We deliver a first-of-its-kind offer that seamlessly integrates Planning & Operations Control, Flight, Technical, and Ground Operations. By providing interoperable digital solutions for end-to-end operations, Skywise combines aircraft manufacturer expertise and digital know-how to transform operational complexity into predictable and profitable performance, ensuring resilient and more sustainable operations.
Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Skywise employs around 750 people spread across the world, with offices in Canada, China, France, India, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, UK, and USA, along with representatives in several other countries across the globe. Discover Skywise’s solutions here: www.skywise.com.
Media Contacts
Media Relations
Region of Waterloo
media@regionofwaterloo.ca
Tabatha Laverty
Chief Operating Officer
Accelerator Centre
tlaverty@acceleratorcentre.com
Marie Deltort
Communications Manager
Skywise
marie.deltort@skywise.com
