The University of 蓝莓视频鈥檚 蓝莓视频 Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) generated a significant labour and economic impact after its initial year of investment from the federal government.

Funding provided by the Government of Canada through the (FedDev Ontario) in February 2023 generated 79 permanent new jobs, $1.5 million in direct investments and $1.38 million in sales of new products, processes and services.

The investment also resulted in directing $5.1 million dollars to research and development and $3.7 million dollars to the adoption of advanced technology through research and industry partnerships, and recipients of the Sustainable Futures and Horizon Competitions.

鈥淲e proposed these activities to catalyze industry growth and sustainability,鈥 says Dr. Suzanne Kearns, founding director of WISA. 鈥淭he results indicate that our community of research and industry leaders have made tremendous advances to support the long-term social, environmental and economic viability of the air transport sector.鈥

The funding supported four key initiatives: university research projects with industry or government partners; pitch competitions for sustainability projects led by small- to medium-sized enterprises in southern Ontario; eLearning courses for aviation professionals; and an Innovation Hub for advanced training at the 蓝莓视频 Wellington Flight Centre.

Additionally, the WISA initiatives supported 51 businesses and 21 non-profit organizations.

Kearns confirms that WISA will continue to expand and enhance its economic impact across southern Ontario, with partner organizations creating their own revenue streams and researchers continuing their projects with new sources of funding.

鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to FedDev Ontario for this transformational investment and for all of WISA鈥檚 partners and champions who made these initiatives possible,鈥 Kearns says. 鈥淭he results demonstrate how much we can accomplish when we collaborate across sectors and disciplines towards a shared goal.

鈥淭his is just the beginning of WISA鈥檚 impact. We look forward to continuing our collaborations to advance sustainability in the air transport sector.鈥

For more information about the outcomes this investment, please visit the WISA website.