Strix Announcement | Fourth wave of INSAT projects
Strix is launching its fourth wave of innovative research projects totaling nearly $68.3M through the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT).
Montreal, Quebec, Canada – April 13, 2026 – Strix, the organization managing the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT), is pleased to announce the launch of its new wave of projects aimed at supporting the decarbonization of the aerospace industry and the aviation sector through innovative technologies.
In 2023, the Government of Canada announced a $350 million investment through the Strategic Response Fund to support INSAT in funding collaborative research and development projects aimed at accelerating the green industrial transformation of the aerospace industry
INSAT is contributing $17.8M to these projects, each supported by a network of academic and/or industrial partners representing a total project value of $68.3M.
New Impactful Projects
Strix aspires to be a driving force in shaping the future of Canadian aerospace and defence by nurturing innovation, enabling technological breakthroughs, and strengthening global competitiveness. Through this commitment, we aim to contribute not only to the advancement of these strategic industries, but also to the security, sustainability, and long-term prosperity of our society.
“Our government’s investment in INSAT is strengthening Canada’s position as a global hub for innovation in the aerospace industry. These projects reflect the talent and expertise of Canadian innovators, driving clean technologies, strengthening our supply chains and accelerating commercialization. By investing in trailblazing companies that support Canadian workers and create high-value jobs, we are building a strong, competitive economy and world-class aerospace industry,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
“Under this new wave of projects, INSAT continues to play a proud leading role in supporting aerospace companies of all types and sizes.
As such, we are very pleased to announce new major projects, like we have done in the past, as well as smaller-scale initiatives led by SMEs, which are vital to our industry.
By fostering innovation among Canadian SMEs across the country, we continue to pave the way for a resilient industry and the promise of a bright future.” declared Michel Dion, CEO of Strix.
Innovative Research Projects
Below, we present the projects supported in this fourth announcement.
HyADES: Technologies and Engine Demonstrator to enable future Hydrogen Aeroengine Propulsion (Phase 2)
Collaborators: Pratt & Whitney (Quebec), Next Hydrogen (Ontario)
Pratt & Whitney Canada will continue to the next phase of its HyADES project, demonstrating hydrogen combustion technology on a PW127XT regional turboprop engine. Phase 2 of the project focuses on the fuel delivery system, engine safety aspects, and the investigation of overall engine efficiency improvements enabled by cryogenic hydrogen fuel. The project includes Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc., which will develop a large-scale, high-efficiency, low-cost electrolyzer to establish a hydrogen production infrastructure.
SHARPSKIN: Decarbonization of aviation through biomimetic technology
Collaborators: Libellule Monde (Quebec), Flight Test Centre of Excellence Inc.dba Certification Center Canada (Quebec)
In this year, 2026, through an amendment to its STC SA24-7, Libellule Monde (LBM) is preparing to deploy a revolutionary proof of concept based on biomimetic technologies inspired by shark skin. This innovation promises a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions while paving the way for more sustainable aviation. Supported by INSAT, Cert Center Canada and key partners committed to the decarbonization of the aviation sector, this project represents a major breakthrough for the industry.
SAF POD
Collaborators: Azzera (Quebec), BioFlightFuel (Ontario)
SAF POD is an INSAT-supported initiative developed by Azzera to strengthen the infrastructure supporting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) transactions. As SAF adoption accelerates under mandates such as ReFuelEU Aviation, the operational coordination required to exchange and validate fuel attributes across the supply chain has grown increasingly complex.
SAF POD enables structured, auditable exchange of SAF information upstream of registries, supporting fuel suppliers, producers, airlines, brokers, and corporate buyers in aligning SAF attributes before claims are finalized or retired. By replacing fragmented email and spreadsheet workflows with a shared digital reference point, SAF POD improves transparency, reduces operational friction, and enhances audit readiness as SAF volumes scale globally.
Electromechanical actuation for aircraft engine variable geometry functions
Collaborators: Novatronics (Ontario), University of Waterloo (Ontario)
The project will see Curtiss-Wright, in partnership with the University of Waterloo, design, manufacture and test an advanced electromechanical actuator for the control of aircraft engine variable geometry functions, working to requirements from a leading engine OEM. The use of cutting-edge metal additive manufacturing technologies will be used to pursue significant weight reduction versus legacy solutions. The project is an enabler for decarbonization of next generation commercial aircraft engines with either SAF or hydrogen fuel systems and is expected to reduce the environmental impact of aviation.
SWIFT : Smart and Sustainable Wing Innovations through Fast-tracked Technology development
Collaborators: Bombardier (Quebec), Avior Integrated Products Inc (Quebec), IMP Group Limited (Nova Scotia)
SWIFT project will flight-demonstrate breakthrough innovations that reduce high-speed drag, aircraft weight, CO₂ emissions, and community noise—directly contributing to Canada’s net-zero ambitions. By boosting overall aircraft efficiency, the project pushes the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable aviation. Beyond environmental benefits, SWIFT also contributes to mature advanced design and manufacturing capabilities in Canada, reducing production costs for new components and lowering future certification risks and paving the way for these technologies to be integrated into new and existing aircraft platforms. The SWIFT project embraces a modern, sustainable approach to product development, innovating across the entire value chain. From early-stage conceptual design—enhanced through multidisciplinary optimization in aerodynamics, loads, dynamics, and structural simulations—to manufacturing, where large-scale rapid-prototyping capabilities will be developed using sustainable methods, SWIFT redefines how aerospace technology is advanced.
Impact Beyond Technology
With each wave of projects under INSAT, we’re proud to uplift the aerospace job sector in tandem with the development of new capabilities. Altogether, since the start of the program, projects announced under INSAT have allowed for the potential creation of 395 jobs, the preservation of 305 existing jobs, and the creation of 183 internships.
About Strix
Strix is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting innovation and collaborative research in the Canadian aerospace industry and related sectors. We aim to position Canada as the global leader in aerospace and defence innovation by fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and access to resources — driving sustainable development and integration of technologies and platforms of the future.
About INSAT
The Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) is a national program dedicated to promoting innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector. By bringing together experts from various fields, INSAT works to develop advanced technological solutions for a greener and more responsible aviation future.