The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) is investing up to $709,000 over the next three years into the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (SAIT) Aerospace Composite Materials Lab (ACML) to strengthen Calgary’s aerospace sector and diversify the city’s economy. This funding is expected to amplify Calgary’s position as a player in Canada’s aerospace ecosystem, while filling critical skills gaps in the city’s workforce.“Calgary has become the home base for aviation leaders, and this investment is a continuation of collaboration and growth in this sector,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “By OCIF supporting this lab, we’re enhancing local research and development capabilities while strengthening Calgary’s reputation as an aerospace hub.”This investment will enable the ACML at SAIT to foster growth in Calgary’s aerospace industry by using manufacturing and testing equipment at its facility. The lab will facilitate collaboration between industry experts, researchers, students, and SMEs to provide solutions to aerospace’s biggest challenges including improving aircraft performance and reducing environmental impacts.“The ACML will be a transformative resource for Canada’s aerospace industry and is a testament to OCIF’s role as a catalyst for economic diversification in Calgary,” said Brad Parry, CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development. “This investment adds one more piece of the puzzle that will help build an aerospace innovation ecosystem and position Calgary as a leader in the sector.”The ACML is expected to train 21 individuals and support 25 companies over its duration, with students from SAIT and other institutions participating in hands-on, applied research projects for a minimum of six months. These efforts will attempt to address labour shortages and skill gaps in the industry by providing training to the next generation of aerospace professionals.“Alberta’s aviation sector is set for significant growth and this investment into an Aerospace Composite Materials Lab will further position us as leaders in the industry research and manufacturing,” says Mark Butler, Vice President, Corporate Development, Applied Research and International, SAIT. “SAIT was recently honoured to be recognized as the fourth top research college in Canada and this additional lab space will be another area set for extraordinary innovation and research outcomes.”The Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH) is a collaboration between Innovate Calgary, WestJet, the Calgary Airport Authority and Chapter.ai Ventures to help Calgary’s aerospace companies gain access to funding, business support and the ability to validate their technologies in real-world settings.By focusing on cross-sectoral research, including advancements in robotics and composite materials manufacturing, the ACML is trying to support interdisciplinary partnerships that benefit not only aerospace but also industries like automotive, energy, and construction. This support of research and skills development is attempting to grow Alberta’s capacity to lead in two areas: robotics and automation, and composite manufacturing. (ICE TORONTO)

Fonte notizia: https://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/