Forging the Future of Flight: Why Your Company Belongs with the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada

By: Dan Julin, AG Canada Ambassador

The Canadian landscape presents a vast canvas of opportunity. Soaring across it is a technological revolution reshaping industries, redefining possibilities and creating a new frontier of innovation. This is the world of drones or, as we call them in Canada, Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS). At the heart of its advancement in Canada is the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC). For any company operating in or touching this sector, the question is not if you should be involved, but how you can be at the forefront of this evolution. The answer lies in joining AEAC, a vibrant community dedicated to fostering growth, collaboration and excellence in the Canadian drone industry. This article outlines the immense value that membership in AEAC offers, from unparalleled networking and advocacy to the strategic advantages of participating in the association’s premier events, the Annual Conference and the National Student UAS Competition.

AEAC is more than just an industry association. It is the central nervous system of Canada’s RPAS sector. A common vision unites this diverse and influential network of individuals, businesses and academic institutions: to see the Canadian drone industry thrive on the global stage. Financially supported by its members, events and sponsors, AEAC stands as a testament to the power of a collective voice and shared purpose.

The association’s mandate is multifaceted. It provides a hub for knowledge exchange, a platform for advocacy and a catalyst for innovation. In a sector characterized by rapid technological advancements and evolving regulatory landscapes, AEAC provides the stability, guidance and community that businesses need to navigate the complexities and seize the opportunities of this exciting industry. By bringing together the brightest minds and the most influential players, AEAC actively shapes the future of autonomous robotics in Canada.

With renewed focus, AEAC continues to advance a national drone strategy built on four interdependent pillars, each designed to create lasting advantage for Canada’s RPAS industry and its members.

1. Regulatory Framework & Advocacy

AEAC’s legacy as a regulatory advocate continues to define its work. The association has long acted as the collective voice pushing for smarter, more enabling regulation.  Today, to leverage that progress, AEAC now focuses on turning regulatory achievement into strategic action by promoting national alignment, advocating across multiple departments and ensuring that Canada’s RPAS framework remains a global benchmark. AEAC’s advocacy extends beyond Transport Canada (TC) to ensure a unified national vision that accelerates safe and sustainable drone integration.

2. Safe & Sovereign Supply Chain

Canada’s drone ecosystem must remain secure and self-reliant. AEAC promotes a sovereign supply chain that reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthens domestic capability. While Canada may not compete in mass manufacturing, it can excel in critical niches, such as parachute systems, sensors and payload innovation. Building this ecosystem ensures resilience, security and national readiness in a rapidly changing global environment.

3. Investment Attraction & Access to Capital

With the world’s largest national test range for Type 2 and Type 3 RPAS, Canada offers unmatched potential for investment and development. AEAC’s strategy promotes Canada as “open for business,” a global destination for testing, certification and commercialization. By driving regulatory clarity and fostering industry confidence, AEAC helps attract capital, stimulate partnerships and support homegrown companies as they scale into international markets.

4. Innovation & Dual-Purpose Systems

Canada’s geography and expertise make it the ideal proving ground for dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and defence applications. From infrastructure monitoring and environmental missions to modern security and border operations, AEAC champions innovation that strengthens Canada’s capabilities across sectors. These dual-purpose systems are shaping the next generation of RPAS technology, tested in Canada and proven for the world.

Together, these four pillars form the foundation of AEAC’s national strategy to lead through collaboration, strengthen Canada’s industrial base and position the country as a global leader in advanced aerial innovation.

Joining AEAC is not just about adding a logo to your website. It’s about making a strategic investment in the future of your company. The benefits of membership are designed to provide a significant return on that investment, empowering your business to grow, connect and lead.

• Unparalleled Networking and Collaboration: AEAC provides an exclusive forum for connecting with a diverse range of industry stakeholders, from pioneering startups and established corporations to leading academic researchers and key government representatives. Through AEAC events and platforms, you can build the relationships that will help you expand your business, forge strategic partnerships and stay at the pulse of the industry.
• Exclusive Access and Cost Savings: Membership in AEAC is a smart financial decision. Members enjoy significant discounts on conferences, trade shows, exhibitor booths and sponsorship opportunities. This allows you to maximize your presence at key industry events while minimizing your expenses. Furthermore, members receive advance notice of events and speaker opportunities, giving you a competitive edge in showcasing your expertise and brand.
• Enhanced Visibility and Marketing Support: In a crowded marketplace, standing out is essential. AEAC provides a powerful platform to amplify your company’s message. Members benefit from marketing support that includes feature stories in the AEAC’s news and blog, as well as enhanced listings in the National Aerial Evolution Association Directory. This increased visibility can help you reach new customers, attract top talent and solidify your position as a leader in the industry.
• A Voice in the Future of the Industry: As a member of AEAC, you are an active participant in shaping the future of the Canadian drone industry. The association provides a platform for its members to contribute to the collective voice that advocates for favorable regulations, promotes industry best practices and drives innovation. With voting privileges and eligibility for AEAC awards, your company can play a direct role in the direction and governance of this vital organization.

The long-term success of any industry depends on its ability to attract and cultivate the next generation of talent. AEAC’s Annual National Student UAS Competition is a cornerstone of this effort. For companies in the drone sector, it represents a golden opportunity to connect with the future leaders of the industry.

The competition is a challenging and inspiring event that brings together the brightest young minds from over 19 Canadian colleges and universities. Each year, teams are tasked with designing, building and demonstrating a UAS to solve a real-world problem. The 2026 competition, for instance, will challenge students to develop an unmanned system for urban firefighting, a scenario that highlights the immense potential of drone technology to save lives and protect communities.

For a company, sponsoring the student competition is more than just an act of corporate social responsibility. It is a strategic investment in your future workforce. Here’s why:

• Exclusive Access to Top Talent: In a competitive job market, finding skilled and passionate employees remains a major challenge. As a sponsor of the AEAC student competition, you gain exclusive access to the resumes of all student competitors. More importantly, you can interact with these talented individuals throughout the competition weekend. This allows you to identify and recruit the best and the brightest before they even enter the job market.
• Brand Building and Industry Leadership: Supporting the next generation of innovators is a powerful way to enhance your company’s brand and demonstrate your commitment to the long-term health of the industry. Your sponsorship will be prominently recognized, positioning your company as a leader and a key supporter of talent development in the Canadian drone sector.
• A Window into a World of Innovation: The student competition is a hotbed of creativity and innovation. By engaging with the competing teams, you can gain valuable insights into emerging technologies, novel applications and the creative problem-solving approaches of the next generation. This can inspire new ideas within your own organization and help you stay at the cutting edge of the industry.

Beyond the main competition, AEAC also hosts a Student Paper competition, providing a platform for students to showcase their research and academic excellence. The winner of this competition is given the opportunity to present their paper at the AEAC’s Annual Conference, further bridging the gap between academia and industry.

AEAC’s Annual Conference & Exhibition is the premier event for the Canadian drone industry. It is a vibrant gathering of professionals, a showcase of the latest technologies and a forum for the most important conversations shaping the future of the sector. For any company serious about its role in the aerial evolution, attending and participating in this conference is an absolute necessity.

The 2025 conference, for example, will be held at the Edmonton International Airport, a unique venue that will allow for live drone demonstrations and a truly immersive experience. The agenda is packed with high-value activities, including:

• Expert Panels and Keynote Speakers: Learn from the leading experts and visionaries in the industry as they share their insights on the most pressing issues and exciting opportunities in the drone sector. The conference themes, such as the future of drone technology in security, ESG initiatives and the integration of RPAS into national airspace, are designed to be timely, relevant and thought-provoking.
• Hands-on Workshops and Technology Exhibits: Get up close and personal with the latest advancements in drone technology. The conference exhibition hall is a bustling marketplace of ideas and innovations, providing a chance to see, touch and experience the products and services that are driving the industry forward. The hands-on workshops offer practical learning opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• High-Impact Networking: AEAC’s annual conference is the ultimate networking event for the Canadian drone industry. It is where you can connect with potential customers, partners and collaborators from across the country and around the world. Whether you are looking to close a deal, find a new supplier or simply build your professional network, the conference provides the ideal environment for making meaningful connections.
• A Platform for Your Brand: For companies looking to make a statement, the conference offers a range of sponsorship and exhibition opportunities. By showcasing your brand at this premier event, you can reach a highly targeted and influential audience, generate new leads and reinforce your position as a key player in the Canadian drone industry.

The Aerial Evolution Association of Canada is more than just a community. It is a movement. It is a collective effort to build a thriving, innovative and globally competitive drone industry in Canada. 

For your company, the path to being a part of this movement is clear. By joining AEAC, you gain access to the network, resources and platform to amplify your voice. By supporting the student competition, you invest in the future of your company and the industry. And by participating in the annual conference, you place your business at the center of the conversations and innovations that are shaping the future of flight.

The aerial evolution is happening now. The question is, will your company sit on the sidelines or help to steer the course? Join the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada today and be a part of forging the future of flight!