Exploring Waterloo’s Aerospace Industry: An Ecosystem Map

Our Aerospace Ecosystem Map spotlights the companies, talent, resources and expertise that make the Waterloo region a prime destination for aerospace innovation.

With proximity to Toronto Pearson International Airport and a regional airport of its own, our community offers companies the perfect runway for growth.

Curious about what’s powering this thriving cluster? Let’s explore the key players, sub-sectors and support hubs inventing the future of aerospace in Waterloo.

Key players in our ecosystem

Editor’s note: Waterloo Region is made up of three cities and four townships. We’ve identified the community where you’ll find each company in parentheses below. Together, we’re known as Waterloo.

Many leading global brands and innovative startups operate out of Waterloo, including:

• Heroux Devtek (Cambridge), a global provider of landing gear and components specializing in design, development and manufacturing for the commercial and defence sectors.
• Shimco (Cambridge), a manufacturer of high-precision shims and components, supporting aircraft assembly worldwide.
• NAVBLUE (Waterloo), an Airbus company, develops advanced software for the aviation industry, including flight planning, performance analysis and navigation tools.

…and many more! See them all by downloading the ecosystem map.

Aerospace companies by sub-sector

Our ecosystem map organizes aerospace companies by sub-sector for easy scanning. Here’s how each one contributes to Waterloo’s aerospace ecosystem and beyond.

1. Advanced and emerging technologies: Specialize in AI, nanotechnology and quantum computing to transform aerospace engineering.
2. Automation, robotics and prototyping: Develop robotics and prototype components to enhance production and testing.
3. Aviation and avionics (software): Build navigation, communication and control software for aviation systems.
4. Drones (UAVs): Develop and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for defense, commercial and industrial uses, including aerial surveying and delivery.
5. Flight service: Provide services for flight operations, such as aircraft maintenance, ground support, crew training and air traffic management.
6. Machining and tools: Offer precision machining and manufacture tools essential for aerospace production.
7. MROs (maintenance, repair and overhaul): Deliver maintenance, repair and overhaul services to ensure aerospace asset reliability.
8. Manufacturing (components, subsystems, assemblies, materials): Produce aerospace components, subsystems, and assemblies for aircraft, spacecraft and satellites.
9. Service providers: Offer specialized services for aerospace, such as technical consulting, logistics and project management.
10. Space and satellites: Design, develop and manufacture satellites and space exploration technologies, including communication networks.

Commercialization hubs and research labs

Waterloo’s aerospace ecosystem is backed by several renowned commercialization hubs and research labs, such as:

• Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA): A world leader in sustainable aviation research, focusing on technology to reduce aviation’s environmental impact.
• Waterloo Wellington Flight School: One of the largest professional flight training schools in Canada, offering programs that prepare students for careers in aviation.
• University of Waterloo’s aviation program: Canada’s largest university-level aviation program, training students for careers in aviation and aerospace.

These hubs, along with many others, collaborate with companies in the region and beyond. Download the ecosystem map to explore them all.

Why join the ecosystem?

For companies seeking to innovate, scale and collaborate, Waterloo’s aerospace ecosystem offers these unique advantages:

• Access to world-class talent: Top-tier institutions like the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College provide a skilled workforce, especially in engineering, robotics and manufacturing.
• Strategic location: Positioned within Ontario’s aerospace corridor, Waterloo offers easy access to major markets across North America, including Toronto, Montreal and the US.
• Cost-effective business environment: With competitive real estate costs, talent availability and government incentives, Waterloo allows companies to invest more in growth and innovation.
• Collaborative ecosystem: Aerospace companies collaborate closely with research institutions and commercialization hubs, creating joint ventures and partnerships.
• Advanced research and development: Waterloo’s advanced R&D capabilities support the development of next-gen aerospace technologies, from autonomous drones to space exploration.
• Supportive government programs and incentives: Federal and provincial programs offer tax incentives, R&D grants and financial support for aerospace innovation.