We are excited to announce that applications are officially open for our 3rd year of the Aerospace Accelerator program, run in collaboration with the Accelerator Centre, Skywise (an Airbus Digital Services Company), and the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF).
At AeroWR, our mandate is clear: to strengthen and drive growth within our local aviation, aerospace, and defence ecosystem. A cornerstone of that mission is ensuring the brightest minds and most disruptive startups have the resources, space, and support they need to test, scale, and commercialize their technologies right here in Waterloo Region.
We are actively searching for Canada’s top innovators in aerospace, aviation, and aeronautics who are solving real, industry-critical problems. Whether your focus is on advanced air mobility, sustainable flight operations, drone technology, or space systems, this program is designed as your launchpad to rapid growth.
What the Program Offers Founders
Selected startups will participate in six months of high-intensity, hands-on programming. As a founder in the Aerospace Accelerator, you will have the opportunity to:
- Access World-Class Mentorship – Elevate your ideas with one-to-one guidance from industry experts and leaders who have shaped the aerospace domain, along with access to the Accelerator Centre’s award-winning education curriculum.
- Test Your Tech Locally – Gain opportunities to test your technology at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF). With the ongoing project to extend the existing 4,100 ft runway to 7,000 ft, our infrastructure and local testing capabilities are only continuing to grow.
- Leverage Global Networks – Tap into Skywise’s massive global network of industry experts and potential customers.
- Unlock High-Value Perks – Take advantage of up to $600,000 in in-kind perks and discounts from major partners like AWS, Google for Startups, and HubSpot.
- Pitch to Investors – Conclude the program with an exclusive Demo Day, pitching your solution to an international network of investors, airport operators, and corporate partners.
Building on a Legacy of Success
Over the last two cohorts, we have seen incredible innovations take flight. From Mehdi Masoumi at Deaf AI closing the information gap for deaf travelers in airports, to the rapid growth of autonomous aviation technologies developed by Matt McRoberts and Joe Kinsella at Pegasus Aeronautics. We’ve also watched founders like Chad Armstrong at Shearwater Aerospace and Russell Byun and Ben Ying at AIM Robotics leverage the ecosystem to strengthen their market positioning and push the boundaries of drone technology.
Now, we are looking for the next 10 startups to join this prestigious group of alumni and make their mark.
Apply Today
If you have an in-market or near-market solution and are ready to disrupt the industry, we want to hear from you.
Applications close on July 24, 2026.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements and submit your application today:
