Hello from the Southeast

We’re Southeastern Alberta’s Regional Innovation Network. Wherever you’re connecting with us from, we’re glad you’re here.

RPAS in Alberta:
About the Report

Alberta is a leader in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), often called drones. Drone technology unlocks opportunities and enables sustainability gains across every major industry. In 2022 we did a deep dive into RPAS in Alberta. Get the report straight to your inbox. Releasing end of June 2023.

Get the report straight to your mailbox

Shaping RPAS in Alberta and beyond

Funded by Alberta Innovates, this project has the potential to be the first in a series of ongoing RPAS projects directly shaping the future of the industry for the province.

Unlocking Market Potential

Alberta is home to a high number of RPAS companies. We have one of only two RPAS test ranges in Canada with restricted class F airspaces specifically designed by Transport Canada for RPAS testing, research and development—the Foremost UAS Test Range.

Key Focus Sectors

One component of the report is an RPAS asset map focusing on four key areas: Civil & Commercial, Defense, Ecosystem Support (airports, BVLOS air spaces, research and innovation organizations), and Education & Research. The report also highlights key challenges, opportunities and gaps within the ecosystem.

Building Awareness of Alberta’s RPAS Industry

We’re also developing a series of awareness assets highlighting the innovation in RPAS. From companies and post-secondary institutions to research and service providers in RPAS. The report spotlights these stories and critical network connections within the RPAS space.

Connecting the Alberta Ecosystem

In November 2022, we had the opportunity to head to Aerial Evolution in Calgary, Alberta. During the conference APEX got a chance to catch up with a few of the inspiring people and companies that are leading the RPAS space in Alberta and beyond. Here’s what they had to say.

We’re Southeast Alberta’s Innovation Network

APEX Alberta is your go-to resource for all things innovation. We’re passionate about accelerating novel technology development and commercialization and helping clients unlock their full potential. APEX Alberta drives a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Southeast Alberta by supporting research and providing SMEs with the tools and expertise to start, grow and innovate.

Regional Innovation Networks are entrepreneur-centric, community-based networks that provide programs and services to accelerate the growth of technology and knowledge-based businesses.

APEX Alberta is one of eight innovation networks across Alberta primarily funded by Alberta Innovates. Each Regional Innovation Network is made up of like-minded public organizations. They’re passionate about helping small and medium-sized technology and knowledge-based businesses innovate and grow, diversifying the economy and helping build a strong entrepreneurial culture in Alberta.

We support SMEs in developing and commercializing new technology and knowledge-based products or services. We help industry clients accelerate technology development and deployment, grow their businesses, and enhance competitiveness. We support research and business growth and help the start-up community build new technology and drive new ideas.