Hybrid and alternative propulsion
Advance green propulsion technologies, with an emphasis on electric powertrains, battery systems, hydrogen fuel cells, and new thermal cycles.
INSAT – The Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology™
INSAT is a joint industry-government initiative supporting the growth of one of Canada’s most innovative and export-driven sectors — aerospace.
In 2023, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry announced a $350 million investment in the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT), a program designed to accelerate the green industrial transformation of Canada’s aerospace industry.
WITH THE PARTNERSHIP OF INDUSTRY’S LEADERS
Why INSAT matters
INSAT aims to accelerate crossover innovations in transportation, energy, and information technology, contributing to the development of these 4 pillars:
Aircraft Architecture and Systems Integration
Aircraft Architecture and Systems Integration: Significantly improve aircraft efficiency and performance, and the development and integration of new aircraft systems. Examples include aerodynamic shapes, lightweight materials and structures, AI-powered flight control systems, and onboard smart microgrids to optimize electrical energy management.
Transition to Alternative Fuels
Augment the essential technologies required for the widespread adoption and certification of alternative aviation fuels. Examples include adapting technologies to permit the use of high-ratio blends of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), combustion technologies for hydrogen and other carbon-free fuels, and onboard cryogenic storage systems.
Aircraft Support Infrastructure & Operations
Examples include airport-level technologies for hydrogen distribution, storage, handling and refueling; digital twins, and advanced manufacturing processes for next-generation aircraft development.
How can I apply for INSAT funding?
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01
Idea & Application
Contact an INSAT Program Portfolio Manager at info@insat.aero to discuss your idea and understand the project requirements. The INSAT Team will guide you in preparing application.
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02
Project Selection Committee Review
Once submitted, your project application is evaluated by the INSAT Project Evaluation Committee.
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03
Feedback to Applicants
Your project will undergo a review of the Project Evaluation Committee recommendations by the Board of Directors. Any input and considerations from the Board will be communicated back to the Applicants for potential amendments.
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04
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Verification
Following the comprehensive assessment that considers all relevant factors and secures approval from the Board of Directors, ISED conducts a final review to mitigate any potential risks to the Crown associated with the project.
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05
Contribution Agreement
After receiving all necessary approvals, the contract negotiations process commences, and the finalization of Intellectual Property (IP) arrangements among partners takes place.
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06
Start
Once the agreement is reached, the contract is signed, and the project begins.
FAQ
We invite all innovators within the aerospace industry and beyond to collaborate with us and be part of this transformative journey. Together, we can usher in a new era of green aviation, setting a benchmark for environmental sustainability and positively impacting the world.
To apply for funding, visit the INSAT Program page.
To join as a member, contact us
Pratt & Whitney Canada was the lead applicant for the project, with five industry partners – Bell Textron Canada, Bombardier, CAE, De Havilland Aircraft Canada, and Certification Center Canada. Until a permanent Board of Directors is elected, representatives from these companies have agreed to serve on INSAT’s interim Board of Directors.
Once the permanent Board of Directors is in place, INSAT will operate independently of the founding members, without any preferential treatment, status, or consideration given to these organizations relative to what would normally be allotted to any other member of the Canadian aerospace ecosystem.
During the development of the proposal, over 40 organizations indicated their support for the initiative through letters. INSAT was also identified as an industry priority in national stakeholder consultations undertaken by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) in 2022.
In September 2024, the new permanent Board of Directors was officially appointed.
Discover the complete list of members.
INSAT will be a national network with representation from across Canada, reflecting the diversity of Canada’s aerospace industry. It will benefit various players from across the industry, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and academic institutions. This approach will promote knowledge and technology transfer between organizations in different regions of the country and between traditional and non-traditional aerospace sectors. All projects supported by INSAT must be collaborative and include at least one SME to ensure involvement across the supply chain.