The Aerospace Accelerator Program is a two-year Innovate Calgary accelerator for early-stage startups developing technology-driven aerospace solutions. Participants base their companies at the Aerospace Innovation Hub in Calgary while developing their technology, business and leadership capabilities.
The program is backed by the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and Prairies Economic Development Canada, with support from WestJet, Calgary Airports and Chapter AI Ventures. Applications for the current cycle close on September 30, 2026.
Benefits & funding
- Up to C$200,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, including salary support for one founder.
- Individualized expert support and a curriculum focused on business and startup leadership skills.
- Access to research and development infrastructure at the Aerospace Innovation Hub.
- Intellectual-property strategy and coaching on patenting, licensing and commercialization pathways.
Eligibility
- The applicant must have the legal right to work in Canada throughout the program.
- The applicant must be a full-time founding executive and own at least 25% or a simple majority, whichever is greater, of the venture’s outstanding shares.
- The founder must bring advanced knowledge and deep technical expertise in an aerospace-related field.
- The startup must have a tangible, timely plan to bring a commercially viable product or service to market.
- The official criteria accept a startup incorporated in Alberta or federally less than two years ago, or one that has raised no more than C$500,000 in dilutive funding; the form also accepts not-yet-incorporated projects.
- University of Calgary affiliation is not required. The founder must be able to reside in Calgary and operate the company from the Aerospace Innovation Hub for the program’s duration.
- The required application field asks applicants to identify a PhD, MSc, MEng, MBA or another advanced degree; no nationality restriction is stated, while the work-authorization and Calgary-residency requirements still apply.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Residence required
Canada
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Application process
- 1Confirm the founder, ownership, work-authorization, residency and company-stage requirements.
- 2Prepare concise responses covering the venture, innovation, technology readiness, intellectual property, market, team, funding and two-year plan.
- 3Complete the official Aerospace Accelerator Program Intake form.
- 4Submit the application by September 30, 2026.
Program timeline
Online information session.
September 9, 2026
Application deadline.
September 30, 2026