At the heart of Calgary’s innovation ecosystem, inside the Life Sciences Innovation Hub, lies a hands-on space helping startups go from concept to creation: the prototyping lab of the Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH).
Managed by Alex Guo, the lab is more than just a room full of high-tech equipment—it’s a launchpad for building the future. “Our mission at AIH is to support aerospace startups in growing, expanding, and becoming better,” says Guo. “My job is to keep the lab running, provide technical support, train members on equipment, and ensure everything operates safely and smoothly.”
The lab functions primarily as a machine shop, outfitted with advanced rapid prototyping tools. Startups can machine parts out of metal, plastic, or wood, with access to specialized equipment like a five-axis water jet cutter (a rarity even in professional machine shops), a router capable of cutting metal, and a suite of 3D printers for fast, polymer-based prototyping. “This isn’t your everyday equipment,” Guo notes. “It’s future-forward technology that helps startups build with precision and speed.”
Located within the Life Sciences Innovation Hub, the lab is shared by both aerospace and life sciences ventures. “As long as you’re a member of either LSIH or AIH, you can use this space,” Guo explains. “Whether you’re working on drones or medical devices, we have the tools to support you.”
Members often begin with a lab tour to explore the space and ask questions. Once onboarded, they receive a safety orientation before gaining full access. And while the lab is compact, it’s dynamic—depending on the season and project stages, the shop can go from quiet to bustling quickly.
Beyond maintaining and calibrating the equipment, Guo plays an active role in shaping the lab’s offerings. By listening to member feedback and anticipating their needs, he helps identify and acquire new tools that fit the space and add value to the broader innovation community.
While the Aerospace Innovation Hub also operates a co-working and event space at the Calgary International Airport—ideal for meetings, visibility, and software development—the prototyping lab is where tangible progress happens. “This is the hands-on side of innovation,” Guo says. “We’re cutting metal, 3D printing, and turning ideas into reality.”
With access to both locations through a Tier 1 membership, startups benefit from the full spectrum of innovation support: from visibility and collaboration to testing and building.
For Guo, it’s not just about equipment—it’s about enabling people. “I like helping startups bring their projects to life,” he says. “Some come in unsure of how to use the machines. I enjoy guiding them, giving them confidence, and watching them create something incredible.”
Learn more about the Aerospace Innovation Hub: https://lnkd.in/gcw6MSzU
The Prototyping Lab is located at the Life Sciences Innovation Hub. It’s open to AIH and LSIH members.
For more about the prototyping equipment: https://lnkd.in/gA4hU3Ts
For more on the shared lab equipment: https://lnkd.in/gyC83Mb7