Building the Future of Aerial Innovation: Ecosystem Development

Moderator : Geoff Fink, Associate Professor, Thompson Rivers University

Explore the cutting edge of RPAS and advanced aerial mobility through a series of presentations that highlight national initiatives, platform updates, and regional innovation. From regulatory tools and research programs to economic development and corridor planning, this session brings together key players shaping Canada’s drone ecosystem.

NSERC CREATE: Uninhabited Aircraft Systems Training, Innovation and Leadership Initiative

By Nathaniel Mailhot and Salman Shafi University of Carelton

NSERC CREATE UTILI Drone Program – Learn how academia is preparing the next generation of RPAS professionals

NRC’s Integrated Aerial Mobility Program Update

By Charles Vidal, National Research Council of Canada

Join the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) for an exclusive update on its national RPAS research and development program. This session offers a look into how NRC is collaborating across the ecosystem to advance drone technologies, drive innovation, and support real-world applications.

The Northeast Alberta Hub Skyways Project

By Dan Juhlin and Bob Bezpalko

The Alberta Hub Skyways Project is a conceptualization of middle-mile drone delivery that examines the potential economic benefits of developing low-altitude remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) corridors and an advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem in rural Alberta. This talk will look at the technical challenges of execution from a spatial analysis perspective as well as the potential benefits through a rural economic development lens.

Speakers

Nathaniel Mailhot

NSERC CREATE Program Coordinator

Carleton University
Salman Shafi

NSERC CREATE UTILI Program Coordinator

Carleton University
Charles Vidal

Program Leader

NRC
Dan Juhlin

Principal

Juhlin Remote Pilot Consulting
Bob Bezpalko

Executive Director, Regional Economic Development Officer

Northeast Alberta Information HUB (Alberta HUB)