Leading players with a stake in Ontario’s aerospace sector will convene on October 24, 2023, at DAIR to Innovate 2023 to showcase technology advancements, share ideas for amplifying strengths, and discuss the elements that will support a strong future for Ontario’s aerospace innovation ecosystem.
The conference is hosted by the Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) hub, which brings together academics, companies, research organizations and government stakeholders around the shared goal of advancing Canada’s global aerospace industry leadership.
Exploring the path to a strong and prosperous future for the innovation ecosystem
Ontario’s aerospace companies have significant capabilities and assets. They are pioneering innovative technologies to enhance efficiencies and performance and are pushing the envelope in many areas of “green aviation,” bringing new levels of sustainability to the industry.
Participants in the conference will include aerospace companies of all sizes, technology companies, academics, government stakeholders, non-profits, and service providers to the sector, as well as students. Atendees will be seized with this question: “What does the best-possible future for the sector’s innovation ecosystem look like and how can we collaborate to create that future?”
Keynote presenters and expert panels will engage participants in forward-looking discussions about ways to build on current successes, expand partnerships to drive more innovation, and amplify the Ontario aerospace industry’s contributions to Canada’s innovation agenda.
The discussions at DAIR to Innovate will be summarized in a follow-up report that will aim to set out a bold vision for prosperity and strength for the future of the innovation ecosystem.
“Our goal as partners in DAIR is to look ahead and outline clear directions and priorities related to innovation and value creation,” says Maryse Harvey, executive director of DAIR. “We believe that if we come together and envision our ideal future state, we can combine our resources and energy to significantly boost manufacturing’s competitiveness and create clean economic growth in Ontario for decades to come.”
Highlights
Presentations by keynote speakers will feature the following themes: “Working collaboratively to reach our net-zero targets” and “Perspectives from a major Ontario aerospace manufacturer on supply chain competitiveness.”
Panel topics will include:
• “Greener Skies Ahead” – A discussion on collaborative partnerships and the commercialization of green aviation technologies
• “Ontario’s most Innovative SMEs” – A peek into our greatest future with SMEs leading the charge with novel sustainability solutions.
• “Where did all the workers go?” – The workforce-development challenge and critical skills imperative
Also on the agenda for DAIR to Innovate: The unveiling of a new example of aerospace innovation showcasing the types of breakthroughs made possible by the best skills and talents of the Ontario industry.
Horizon Aircraft will unveil a half-scale prototype of its hybrid electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the public for the first time. Capable of taking off and landing vertically like a helicopter, but able to fly almost twice as fast with significantly lower operating costs, this disruptive new type of aircraft promises to offer a beter future for regional and urban transportation.
“Our sub-scale prototype marks a significant step towards production of a full-scale aircraft that will be manufactured in Ontario,” says Brandon Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Horizon Aircraft. “We’re very excited about the transformational potential of the aircraft, which will enable faster medical evacuation from northern remote communities to save lives, lower-cost delivery of medical supplies and other critical goods, and more sustainable transportation of people goods among regions.”
Sponsors
DAIR thanks the following sponsors for supporting the event:
Premier Partners:
BOMBARDIER
Centennial College
SIEMENS
Platinum:
De Havilland Aircraft Canada Ltd.
Toronto Region Board of Trade – World Trade Centre Toronto
Toronto Metropolitan University – AERIAS Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science
Gold:
City of Mississauga
Drone Delivery Canada
About DAIR
DAIR, a not-for-profit organization, is commited to revolutionizing collaboration and innovation within the aerospace domain and beyond. DAIR facilitates its members with advanced equipment, infrastructure, and training solutions for cutting-edge research and technology adoption. By fostering partnerships between industry, academia, and government, DAIR advocates for the aerospace industry locally, nationally, and globally. For more information about DAIR, please visit www.dairhub.com.
Contacts:
Samantha Glover
Senior Coordinator, Outreach and Promotion, DAIR
communications@dairhub.com