Boeing Invests $2.7 Million CAD in ConvergX to Accelerate Aerospace Innovation
Collaboration will launch Xpand™ Canada Commercialization Centre
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 23, 2025 — Today, Boeing announced its collaboration with ConvergX to establish the Xpand™ Canada Commercialization Centre, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing Alberta's aerospace industry and bolstering energy security. Boeing's investment of $2.7 million CAD in this project is part of its Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) commitment to Canada for its selection of the P-8A Poseidon to fulfill its long-range multi-mission aircraft role.
“Boeing is dedicated to advancing the aerospace sector and supporting the Canadian defence community,” said Al Meinzinger, president of Boeing Canada. “Through the Xpand™ initiative, we are not only investing in new and exciting technology but also in the future of Alberta’s aerospace industry.”
The Xpand™ project is designed to prioritize aerospace and defence customer needs by engaging with key stakeholders, including the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence. By identifying operational gaps and facilitating the adaptation of innovative technologies, Xpand™ aims to create a robust ecosystem that fosters collaboration between industry and military partners. Boeing’s investment will support the development and market entry of commercially viable technologies in the defence, aerospace, and security sectors.
“Boeing’s investment in the Xpand™ Canada Commercialization Centre is a catalyst for Alberta and Canada’s aerospace future and Canada’s energy security. Xpand™ turns proven, market-ready technology into deployed capability by aligning real operational needs – from the Canadian Armed Forces and DND to industry – with a clear path to validation, adaptation, market entry, and scale across energy, aerospace, defence, security, space, mining, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, medicine, construction, military, and others,” said Kimberley Van Vliet, founder and CEO of ConvergX. “Together, we’re shortening the distance from innovation to impact – driving new revenues and jobs, strengthening Canada’s aerospace and security ecosystem, and building sovereign capability.”
Also announced today was $3 million CAD in government investments for ConvergX to launch new programming that will fast track the commercialization of defence and aerospace related products and technologies. The Government of Canada, through Prairies Economic Development Canada, is investing $2 million and the City of Calgary, through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, is investing $1 million for ConvergX to help Alberta businesses test, adopt and prove their innovations so they are better equipped to compete in global markets and secure procurement contracts.
“Our new government’s military investments are strengthening Canada’s security and positioning Alberta as a leader in aerospace and defence innovation,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. “By harnessing Alberta’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and technology, we’re creating good jobs, driving economic growth, and ensuring our Armed Forces have the tools they need to keep Canadians safe. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more resilient Canada.”
The Xpand™ Canada Commercialization Centre is designed to accelerate the validation, adaptation, and market entry of commercially viable technologies into the defence, aerospace, and security sectors to meet customer demands.
“Calgary continues to exceed expectations in building industries through strategic collaboration,” said Corey Hogan, Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “The funding announced today will support a strong Canadian economy by enabling ConvergX to help small- and medium-sized businesses prove their technologies and capture global market share in the aviation and defence industries.”
This partnership underscores Boeing's unwavering commitment to ITB investments in Canada, playing a pivotal role in the growth and sustainability of the country's aerospace industry. The recent acquisition of the P-8A aircraft by the Government of Canada is projected to create and sustain over 660 high-quality jobs while generating approximately $81 million annually in economic benefits for Western Canada, as highlighted in a 2023 study by Ottawa-based Doyletech Corporation.
“Calgary companies have long led the way in developing technologies that serve both commercial and defence needs but faced challenges in bringing them to market,” said Brad Parry, CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development. “With OCIF's investment in the Xpand Commercialization Hub, we’re helping those innovators bridge the gap between late-stage development and real-world deployment – accelerating growth, creating jobs, and positioning Calgary as a vital contributor to Canada’s defence and technology future.”
This initiative not only enhances local employment opportunities but also fosters innovation and technological advancement within the region. Furthermore, this investment builds upon over $237 million in historic ITB credits generated from existing Boeing Canada programs across the country, reinforcing our dedication to supporting Canadian industry and contributing to a robust aerospace ecosystem.
“Once again, we see growth in Alberta’s aviation and aerospace industry, something that has been a key focus for our government to create jobs and diversify our economy,” said the Honourable Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. “We welcome this investment by Boeing and look forward to the innovation, research, and collaboration that it creates.”
Noah Note: Boeing continues their Investment string. This is the third such announcement in two months, including a string of Investments in August worth $345 million and $1.4 million CAD in Bluedrop Training and Simulation related to the V-22.
So many Centers. So many Hubs. There's a lot of investment recently in the ‘foundation’ and a lot of capacity-building for testing and validation. It's a useful component, and the extra capacity is going to be needed as we aim to build the Defence Industrial Base.
Theres also just plain knocking out ITB obligations. Don't want the debt to get to big! Boeing also likely sees a need to maintain good relations with the AEW contract coming up in the next few years.
They're already at a disadvantage politically, even if the vast majority of those in the RCAF prefer the E7. Building up some goodwill, and establish more Investments ahead of times, helps open up that political side thats already practically promised this to Bombardier.