Volatus Aerospace and Concordia University have entered into a memorandum of understanding covering the development and advancement of energy technologies for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Established through Concordia’s Volt-Age research program, the framework is intended to connect university research with Volatus’ testing, operational, and industry capabilities. The organizations plan to identify opportunities spanning applied research, technology demonstrations, validation activities, talent development, commercialization, and jointly funded initiatives.
A further focus of the collaboration is the development of Canadian capabilities for civil, commercial, and strategic drone applications. This includes exploring ways to improve the resilience of domestic supply chains for strategic UAS components and support greater Canadian technological sovereignty, including reduced dependence on foreign entities of concern.
Rather than establishing individual projects at the outset, the memorandum creates a basis from which future programs can be developed. These may involve researchers, students, industry organizations, and public-sector partners, with separate agreements to govern individual projects and implementation activities.
Glen Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Volatus Aerospace, said, “Canada has the scientific expertise, aerospace experience and industrial capability required to lead in the development of next-generation uncrewed systems. By connecting Volt-Age’s research capabilities with Volatus’ operational, testing and manufacturing infrastructure, we can help move promising energy technologies from the laboratory into real-world aircraft and operational environments.
“This collaboration supports our broader objective of building sovereign, Canadian-developed capabilities for commercial, public safety and strategic applications.”
Dr. Tim Evans, Vice-President, Research and Innovation at Concordia University, added, “Volt-Age was created to accelerate the development of the technologies that will power Canada’s energy transition. This collaboration with Volatus perfectly reflects our approach: bringing together researchers, industry and institutional partners to transform scientific excellence into innovations that address Canada’s strategic needs.
“Together, we aim to create an environment where next-generation energy technologies for unmanned aircraft systems can be developed, tested and ultimately commercialized in a dual approach.”
