Cohort 2 of the Aerospace Accelerator Program Takes Off, Advancing Waterloo Region’s Aerospace Innovation Ecosystem

October 7, 2025 — Waterloo, ON — The Accelerator Centre (AC), in proud collaboration with the Region of Waterloo and NAVBLUE, is pleased to announce the launch of Cohort 2 of its Aerospace Accelerator Program.

Through AeroWR, the Region of Waterloo is driving a coordinated strategy to attract investment, foster collaboration, and accelerate growth in aerospace and aviation. Partnerships with organizations like the Accelerator Centre and NAVBLUE bring global expertise together with local strengths, ensuring the Region is positioned as a leader in advancing the future of flight. The Aerospace Accelerator Program, launched in early 2024, is a key part of this strategy—giving startups the platform to test, validate, and scale breakthrough technologies within Waterloo’s thriving aerospace ecosystem.

Building on the success of the inaugural Aerospace Accelerator cohort, this program continues the AC’s commitment to accelerating innovation in one of Canada’s most strategically important and rapidly evolving industries. The 6-month program builds on Waterloo Region’s deep aerospace roots by providing early-stage startups with:

• Access to our network – Founders can grow their businesses with one–to-one support from industry experts, investors, and mentors.

• Site visits and tours – Cohort 2 participants will receive a tour of the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) and Air Canada's Systems Operations Control (SOC).

• Industry focused workshops – Founders will learn from Aerospace Experts, Operators, and other Founders who have been in their shoes, and succeeded.

• Testing opportunities – If appropriate, program participants may be allowed to test their solutions at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

• Invaluable introductions – Founders will have the opportunity to form lasting connections with NAVBLUE’s global network of experts and commercial partners.

• Access to an award-winning startup curriculum – Founders will have access to online courses and resources tailored to their growth stage.

• Up to $600,000 in in-kind tools and services – Support will be available from top providers like AWS, Google for Startups, and HubSpot.

• An exclusive demo day – Founders will showcase their work to the AC’s network of investors, corporate partners, and global stakeholders.

“This second cohort builds on the Region’s legacy of talent, advanced innovation capacity, and airport infrastructure,” says Ruth Casselman, CEO at the Accelerator Centre. “We are proud to support the founders accelerating the future of Canada’s aviation sector. This cohort is well positioned to advance the industries of the future and to strengthen Canada’s competitive position in aerospace and beyond.”

"We are thrilled to continue partnering on the Aerospace Accelerator Program, an initiative that exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and driving economic growth through our unique assets and strengths,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “This program is a testament to our community’s collaborative spirit and positions Waterloo Region at the forefront of technological innovation, bolstering our role as a key player in the global aerospace industry."

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Accelerator Centre and the Region of Waterloo for the second edition of the Aerospace Accelerator. This unique program directly supports the next wave of innovators, granting them access to NAVBLUE’s deep industry expertise and global network. By helping more startups grow and scale here in Waterloo, we are solidifying the Region’s role as a vital center for safe, sustainable, and cutting-edge aerospace technology.” - Erin Appleby, VP, Operational Excellence at NAVBLUE.

Pioneering the next era of aerospace innovation

The following companies have been selected to participate in Cohort 2:

• ABRO Manufacturing Inc.

• AIM Robotics

• Can-Connect Developments Inc.

• Deaf AI

• DROCITY

• Falcon Aviation Services

• Fawtal

• Flybi Technology Inc.

• Sixpenny Additive Inc.

• Xeos Space

About

Accelerator Centre

At the AC, we exist to help ambitious dreamers impact global change through their businesses. 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 innovations 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 areas including digital cockpit operations, Operations Control Centre (OCC) systems, Flight Ops Engineering, and Performance Based Navigation (PBN). NAVBLUE employs 500 people worldwide, with offices in Canada, France, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the UK, and the US.

Discover NAVBLUE’s solutions at www.navblue.aero.

Media Contacts

Tabatha Laverty
Chief Operating Officer
Accelerator Centre
[email protected]

Lynsey Slupeiks
Manager, Corporate Communications
Region of Waterloo
[email protected]

Marie Deltort
Communications Manager
NAVBLUE
[email protected]