Quebec Unveils $5 Million Aerospace Innovation Centre Initiative

The Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy has announced a significant investment of $2 million to develop a comprehensive functional and technical plan for the Centre de collaboration et d’innovation en aérospatiale et mobilité (CCIAM). This initiative, which is part of the Espace Aéro innovation zone established by the Government of Quebec in 2024, aims to bolster the province’s aerospace sector through advanced research and innovation.

The CCIAM, a flagship project led by the Aéro Montréal cluster, will receive an additional $3 million from industry partner Boeing. The new centre is scheduled to open in 2028 and will focus on facilitating collaborations on large-scale aeronautic projects, including sustainable fuel development, decarbonization efforts, and the advancement of new materials. A key feature of the CCIAM will be its state-of-the-art indoor testing facility designed to accelerate research and development for autonomous flying vehicles.

A Collaborative Effort Among Leading Institutions

McGill University, along with Concordia University and École Polytechnique, will establish an academic governance framework for the CCIAM. This collaboration underscores the commitment of these institutions to drive innovation in aerospace technology.

“Quebec’s aerospace sector is a key driver of both economic growth and global innovation,” said Dominique Bérubé, Vice-President of Research and Innovation at McGill University. “Through cutting-edge research and collaborative innovation, we are proud to work alongside our partners to help realize the Government of Quebec’s ambition to lead sustainable, next-generation aerospace engineering.”

The aerospace industry in Quebec employs over 36,000 people and generates approximately $15 billion in exports annually. McGill University has a long-standing history in aerospace research, having established its Institute of Air and Space Law in 1951, and is currently home to several aerospace-related institutes and research centres, including the McGill Institute for Aerospace Engineering.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Aspirations

In June, McGill University solidified its position in the aerospace sector by signing a strategic partnership agreement with major industry player Airbus. The university is one of the few Canadian institutions offering a master’s program in aerospace, further demonstrating its commitment to educating the next generation of aerospace professionals.

“McGill has long been a hub of aerospace research, and this partnership with our peers demonstrates our deep commitment to this industry,” said Benoit Boulet, Associate Vice-President of Innovation and Partnerships at McGill and representative to the CCIAM advisory committee. “This centre will make Quebec a world leader not only in aviation research but also in the training that this sector demands.”

As the CCIAM project moves forward, it is poised to solidify Quebec’s reputation as a leader in aerospace innovation, fostering collaboration among academic institutions and industry partners to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s aviation landscape.