Aerospace Accelerator Program
Level up your startup in the aerospace sector with funding, R&D infrastructure and professional development support.
Start date
January 2026
Funding
up to $200,000
Duration
2 years
Time commitment
Full time
Location
Calgary
About the program
Do you have innovation that addresses challenges faced by the aerospace sector? If you need a boost to launch your solution on the market, this accelerator program may be for you.
Funded by Calgary Economic Development’s Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and Prairies Economic Development Canada, and supported by inaugural industry partners including WestJet, the Calgary Airport Authority, and Chapter AI Ventures, the Aerospace Accelerator Program (AAP) takes early-stage startups with technology-driven solutions to important problems and adds funding, technology development resources, professional development training and expert support.
The funding is a game-changer, but the program is so much more than that: funding will keep you going, but the support system will help you grow. Here are the key offerings:
- Up to $200,000 in grant funding
- Including salary support for one founder
- Individualized expert support
- Robust curriculum focused on sharpening your business skills and ability to run a startup
- Access to the Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH)
Eligibility
Founder Eligibility
- The founder must have the legal right to work in Canada for the duration of the accelerator program.
- The founder is committed as a full-time founding executive of the startup and owns at least 25% or a simple majority (whichever is greater) of the shares outstanding in the venture.
- The founder has advanced knowledge and deep technical expertise in an aerospace-related field and is looking to build entrepreneurial skills and drive the business development of the startup.
Startup Eligibility
- The startup has a tangible and timely plan to bring a commercially viable product or service to the market.
- The startup was incorporated in Alberta or nationally less than 2 years ago or has not raised more than $500,000 in dilutive funding.
- While the startups do not need to be affiliated with the University of Calgary, the founder must reside in Calgary during the program and maintain a company presence at the Aerospace Innovation Hub.
Program Expectations
- With guidance from Innovate Calgary coaches and expert advisors, companies work to strategize and refine company objectives; maximize and grow precious resources of time, money and expertise; develop and execute plans to raise further capital and expand their intellectual property assets to grow and scale their business.
- Aerospace Accelerator Program companies are accountable to milestones set in collaboration with their coaches. A full-time commitment to startup activities is required to keep pace with program expectations and start-up milestones.
- Funded founders are expected to attend in-person workshops and events as part of a robust curriculum. Most sessions occur during the first week of each month throughout the program’s first year.
Innovating together
Together with our funders and partners, we are advancing the aerospace industry and shaping a brighter future for all.
Funders
Partners
How to apply
Recruitment
- Applicants fill out an online application form by September 30, 2025, 11:59 pm
Selection
- October 2025: Innovate Calgary reviews applications and conducts initial due diligence.
- Early November 2025: Shortlisted applicants are invited to present to an external review panel.
- Late November 2025: Final round of interviews is completed, and applicants are selected.
- December 2025: Offers are sent to successful applicants.
Onboarding
- January 2026: Founders complete agreements and start the program.
Current Participants (Cohort 2)
Previous Participants (Cohort 1)
Innovating together
Together with our funders and partners, we are advancing the aerospace industry and shaping a brighter future for all.
Funders
Partners
