Medicine Hat UAV and Aerospace Innovation Showcase takes flight during Stampede
Press Release
Partners from Medicine Hat's growing aerospace, drone, autonomous systems, and defence sector are coming together this week at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede to showcase the region's innovation capabilities, career opportunities and economic potential.
The Medicine Hat Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Aerospace Innovation Showcase will be featured at a shared industry booth in the Cypress Centre this week from Wednesday through Saturday, bringing together local innovators, technology companies, economic development organizations, and industry partners to highlight the region's expanding role in Canada's aerospace and autonomous systems sector.
"Medicine Hat and southeastern Alberta are home to a growing cluster of aerospace, defence and autonomous systems innovators, and this showcase is an opportunity to highlight the world-class technologies being developed right here in our region," said Selena McLean-Moore, Director of Medicine Hat Economic Development.
Medicine Hat and southeastern Alberta have a longstanding connection to uncrewed aerial systems through the region's proximity to Canadian Forces Base Suffield and Canada's early UAV programs. Today, that legacy is helping support a modern industry focused on aerospace innovation, defence technologies, advanced manufacturing, industrial inspection, agriculture and emergency response applications.
As global demand for autonomous systems continues to grow, local companies are attracting investment, developing intellectual property and creating highly skilled career opportunities that help retain talent and diversify the regional economy. Governments and economic development organizations, including Alberta Jobs, Economy, Trade and Innovation, Alberta Innovates, Invest Alberta, PrairiesCan and the Business Development Bank of Canada, have invested significant funding to support the continued growth of aerospace and autonomous systems technologies across Canada.
“This event is a tribute to DRDC Suffield - they have constantly championed local aerospace companies who are recognized worldwide as leaders in uncrewed space, said Dylan Richards, CFO of Landing Zones and lead organizer for the event. “We want this collaboration to showcase the dynamic capabilities of innovation and its trailblazing innovators. We welcome the public to spend time during the Stampede exploring this unique showcase of aerospace and defence,” adds Richards.
What to expect
Throughout the Stampede, visitors to the Cypress Centre booth will have an opportunity to see first-hand examples of locally developed and globally recognized technologies, including:
Landing Zones' Gitpo High Altitude Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS), a balloon-launched glider drone capable of collecting weather data at altitudes of up to 100,000 feet.
UVAD's Falcon Supersonic UAV, a next-generation high-speed uncrewed aerial vehicle being developed for military training, testing, and evaluation.
QinetiQ's Hammerhead™ 750, used by NATO partners around the world for maritime training, testing, and defence exercises. The display model marks the company's 750th unit produced and features a distinctive commemorative paint scheme inspired by Canadian naval vessels from the Battle of the Atlantic.
Octal7's live drone flight demonstration featuring a Mavic 3 Pro drone on Friday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., weather permitting.
Members of the media are invited to attend a special media availability on Thursday, July 23 at 2 p.m. in the Cypress Centre, where representatives from participating organizations will be available for interviews and demonstrations.
Participating organizations include:
APEX Regional Innovation Network (RIN) of Southeast Alberta
Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development
Landing Zones Canada
Medicine Hat Economic Development
Octal7
QinetiQ Target Systems Canada
UVAD
The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede’s Country in the City Exhibitor Fair is open noon to 9 p.m. daily from Wednesday, July 22 to Saturday, July 25.