WATERLOO, ON – September 23, 2026 – The Region of Waterloo, the Accelerator Centre (AC), and Skywise, is welcoming a new group of Canadian technology companies to the Aerospace Accelerator Program.
Cohort 3 joins the program at a time of growing momentum for aerospace in Waterloo Region. With strengths in technology and advanced manufacturing, a growing concentration of aerospace and defence companies, and access to real-world testing opportunities at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF), Waterloo offers a strong environment for developing and commercializing new aerospace technologies.
The cohort reflects the expanding role of artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, sensing, and other technologies across aerospace, aviation, and defence. Through the program, founders will access specialized aerospace expertise, commercialization support and industry connections to explore new applications, validate their technologies and build pathways to market.
The Aerospace Accelerator is part of a broader commitment to strengthening the region’s aviation, aerospace, and defence capabilities. Through AeroWR, the Region of Waterloo is investing more than $1.3 million to build on existing strengths and create new opportunities for companies across the sector.
Previous participants have pursued pilot projects at YKF, putting their technologies to work in an operational airport environment.
“Waterloo Region has an exceptional concentration of technology, manufacturing expertise, and entrepreneurial talent with the potential to shape the future of aerospace,” said Ruth Casselman, CEO of the Accelerator Centre. “Through this program, we’re helping founders turn those capabilities into commercial opportunities while contributing to the continued growth of Canada’s aerospace sector.”
The Aerospace Accelerator brings together complementary strengths from each collaborator. Through AeroWR and YKF, the Region of Waterloo connects founders to regional capabilities and infrastructure; the Accelerator Centre provides startup mentorship and commercialization expertise; and Skywise provides specialized aerospace expertise and connections. Together, these resources help founders understand aerospace applications, strengthen their market opportunities, and move their technologies toward commercial adoption.
“AeroWR is helping strengthen Waterloo Region’s position as a place where aerospace and aviation innovation can grow. Through this program, we are connecting founders with industry partners, practical business support and opportunities to test solutions in real-world settings, including at the Region of Waterloo International Airport,” said Karen Redman, Region of Waterloo Chair, “we are proud to welcome Cohort 3 and continue this important work with the Accelerator Centre and Skywise.”
“Waterloo Region’s exceptional talent in technology and advanced manufacturing makes it a natural hub for aerospace innovation. We’re thrilled to empower Cohort 3 by opening up Skywise’s global digital ecosystem and deep industry expertise, helping these founders scale solutions that will shape the future of modern aviation,” said Erin Appleby, Head of Operational Excellence at Skywise.
Meet Cohort 3
The following companies have been selected to participate in Cohort 3 of the Aerospace Accelerator Program:
- AeroGalactica – AeroGalactica integrates physics-aware AI into engineering workflows, helping teams explore more designs, identify better solutions, and accelerate aerospace development.
- Aerova – Aerova is building autonomous air logistics technology to move heavy cargo safely and efficiently to remote and underserved locations.
- AutoAlign AI – AutoAlign AI develops an edge AI platform that provides frontline technicians with real-time, procedure-specific guidance to improve efficiency and accuracy in complex aerospace, manufacturing, and defence operations.
- Control Core – Control Core builds cybersecurity technology that monitors and secures digital activity in real time, helping organizations protect critical systems, data, and AI applications.
- Forward Robotics Inc. – Forward Robotics is an agri-technology company specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of unmanned aerial systems for precision agriculture — including heavy-lift drones built for the scale of Canadian farm operations.
- GlycoTech – GlycoTech provides real-time monitoring technology that helps airports continuously detect and track glycol levels in stormwater during aircraft de-icing operations.
- MMSENSE Technologies Inc. – Mmsense Technologies Inc. develops advanced millimetre-wave technology for high-resolution sensing, 3D imaging, and high-speed wireless communications.
- Stratodynamics – Stratodynamics provides high altitude flight services for global clients and collaborators requiring remote earth observations or in-situ monitoring.
- TensorOne Inc. – TensorOne designs AI-powered drone detection and response technology that helps airports and other critical facilities identify, track, and respond to unauthorized drones.
- Xubin Aerospace – Xubin Aerospace created Eagle Vision™, a novel sensing technology that detects and tracks drones and other airborne objects by observing aerodynamic disturbances in the air itself.
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 AeroWR
Led by the Region of Waterloo, AeroWR is the Region of Waterloo’s collaborative platform for strengthening and growing the region’s aviation, aerospace, and defence ecosystem. 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. Learn more about this initiative and Cohort 3 participants at aerowr.ca
About Skywise
Skywise is a leading digital services company, wholly owned by Airbus. They 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
