Accelerator Centre Announces 10 Startups Selected to Participate in Inaugural Aerospace Accelerator Program
Together, with the Region of Waterloo and NAVBLUE, we’re creating a new home at the AC for aerospace entrepreneurs to test, grow, and scale their startups
April 10, 2024 — Waterloo, ON — Accelerator Centre (AC) is pleased to announce the 10 startups selected to participate in the first cohort of our Aerospace Accelerator Program, developed in collaboration with the Region of Waterloo and NAVBLUE.
Home to a thriving aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace ecosystem, the Region of Waterloo is investing now to build a global hub for the future that encourages innovation with the support of government and industry. The program aligns with the Region’s focus on Waterloo Region as a global hotspot for innovation in aviation and aerospace.
We’re pleased to announce the following companies as the inaugural cohort of the Aerospace Accelerator Program.
Selected startups will participate in 9 months of high-intensity programming. While in the program, they will have the opportunity to:
Test out tech at the Region of Waterloo International Airport
Access NAVBLUE's global network of industry experts and customers
Leverage up to $500,000 of in-kind perks and discounts from partners like AWS, Google for Startups, HubSpot, etc.
Collaborate for global impact through an exclusive demo day with an international network of investors, airport operators, and corporate partners
Elevate ideas with expert guidance through one-to-one mentorship from industry experts and leaders
Access award-winning education curriculum and investor network
“With the Region of Waterloo International Airport on our doorstep, collaborating with the Region of Waterloo and NAVBLUE to catalyze innovation in the aerospace sector is an incredible opportunity for founders,” says Ruth Casselman, Interim CEO of the Accelerator Centre. “Our goal for these types of collaborations and for the Aerospace Accelerator program is to foster the growth and development of cutting-edge technologies while contributing to the economic and technological advancement of the region.”
“Congratulations to the inaugural cohort of the Aerospace Accelerator Program! Your journey towards innovation and advancement in aviation and aerospace has taken flight. We are thrilled to witness this journey and excited to see the outcome and groundbreaking achievements ahead. We are thrilled to collaborate with NAVBLUE and the Accelerator Centre to cultivate the next generation of Waterloo Region’s aviation and aerospace cluster,” says Karen, Redman Chair of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.
Marc Lemeilleur, CEO of NAVBLUE, says, “we are proud to support these 10 startups selected to take part in the first Aerospace Accelerator Program. Through this program, these emerging companies will develop cutting-edge aerospace technologies and therefore contribute to making the region of Waterloo a hub and a leader in aerospace innovation”.
About the Accelerator Centre
At the AC, we exist to help ambitious dreamers impact global change through their businesses. The AC is ranked among the World's Top 5 private business accelerators by UBI Global. We offer an extensive selection of customizable opportunities for startups across Canada—allowing founders to rapidly bring their innovation to life. We work with our global partners to bolster the innovation ecosystem in Waterloo and beyond.
Learn more at acceleratorcentre.com.
About the Regional Municipality of Waterloo
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, situated in Southern Ontario, is a diverse and thriving community that encompasses the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, along with the townships of Woolwich, Wilmot, Wellesley, and North Dumfries. The Region of Waterloo provides a range of programs and services that touch the lives of residents every day, with a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. The Region is dedicated to building a resilient and vibrant community for all.
For more information, visit regionofwaterloo.ca.
About NAVBLUE
NAVBLUE is a leading services company, wholly owned by Airbus, dedicated to Flight Operations solutions and services for airlines and aircraft operators, on the ground and onboard. NAVBLUE combines aircraft manufacturer expertise, flight operations know-how, and agile development to enhance operational efficiency, optimize resources, and increase productivity, for safe and sustainable aviation. NAVBLUE delivers a reliable, optimum, and customized user experience to more than 600 customers worldwide, in a range of areas, including digital cockpit operations, Operations Control Centre (OCC) systems, Flight Ops Engineering, and Performance Based Navigation (PBN). NAVBLUE employs 500 employees spread across the world, with offices in Canada, France, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the UK, and the US and representatives in several other countries across the globe.
Discover NAVBLUE’s solutions here: www.navblue.aero.
Media Contacts
Tabatha Laverty
VP, Marketing and External Relations
Accelerator Centre
[email protected]
Lynsey Slupeiks
Manager, Corporate Communications
Region of Waterloo
[email protected]
Marie Deltort
Communications Manager
NAVBLUE
[email protected]