Beyond the Runway: Innovation, Technology, and the Business of Aerospace

Calgary’s aerospace sector is soaring to new heights, powered by world-class infrastructure, a highly skilled talent pool, strong government support, and a thriving network for startups and scaleups. From advanced manufacturing to aerospace engineering and applied AI, the region is quickly becoming one of Western Canada’s most dynamic hubs for innovation. If you’re an industry professional, an aspiring founder, or a service provider, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn about the latest aerospace trends and discover how the Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH) supports the sector. You’ll also hear about the Aerospace Accelerator Program (AAP), designed to help early-stage founders bring their innovative technologies to market. We are now recruiting startups for Cohort 2 of the Aerospace Accelerator Program (AAP). Applications are open, with a deadline of September 30. Join us for Beyond the Runway — a panel discussion exploring how collaboration, emerging technologies, and strategic partnerships are shaping the future of aerospace in Western Canada and beyond. You’ll hear from leaders including Max Schramm, CEO & President of Lufthansa Technik Canada, and Neeraj Gupta, Founder & Investor at Chapter.AI, with more panelists to be announced soon. The session will also spotlight two startups from the inaugural Aerospace Accelerator Program (AAP) cohort: Colin Hill, Co-Founder & CTO of North Vector Dynamics, and Mac Hunik, CEO & Founder of Threshold UAV, who will share how early-stage ventures are driving growth in the sector. You will also have the chance to tour prototyping labs and see the specialized equipment available to companies, gaining a firsthand look at the resources fueling aerospace innovation and commercialization.