UVic Gets $5.4M for Aerospace Hub, AI Drones

0:00It's April 2nd. You're listening to Vancouver News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Corey with the story. University of Victoria researchers just scored $5.4 million from the federal government to boost aerospace and digital tech on. Vancouver Island. The cash comes from Pacific Economic Development Canada as part of a bigger $13.8 million push into AI in aerospace innovation. Out of that, $4 million sets up a new hub at the Center for Aerospace Research on the Sandwich Peninsula. It'll give small and mid-sized businesses access to testing facilities, satellite ground stations, secure data, and expert teams to develop and commercialize new tech. Leaders at UVXA, this builds a strong space innovation community linking industry with local talent to cut reliance on foreign tech and strengthen. Canada's supply chains. It's expanding on their past wins, like launching British Columbia's first CubeSat satellite.

1:00Meanwhile, $1.4 million funds and AI-powered drone system in the Advanced Control and Intelligent Systems Lab. This autonomous setup maps flood and wildfire risks faster and cheaper, aiding remote communities with land planning, emergency response, and even, defense monitoring. These investments across the province, including funds for Calgary and Vancouver firms, aim to grab defense opportunities, protect sovereignty, and fuel a tougher Canadian economy through cutting-edge AI and space tech.