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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 for testing 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
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.