Ottawa, ON, September 5, 2024 – The Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Annual National Student Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Competition will be hosted in Medicine Hat, Alberta. This exciting event marks a significant milestone for the region, known for its rich history in aerospace and UAS, including the unique Foremost UAS Test Range and the renowned DRDC Suffield Research Centre.

Medicine Hat: A Hub for Aerospace Innovation

Southeast Alberta is fast becoming a focal point for aerospace advancements. Home to key institutions like the Foremost UAS Test Range, the Dave Rozdeba South Alberta Flight Academy, and an aviation management program at Medicine Hat College, the region is positioning itself as a leader in the aerospace industry.

The 2025 Student UAS Competition will provide a unique platform to showcase the region's capabilities and its commitment to fostering the next generation of talent in the UAS industry. This event will take place at Len Young Memorial Airfield (home of Medicine Hat RC’ers Club) in Medicine Hat, Alberta from May 09 - 11, 2025.

Collaborative Effort

This year's competition is made possible through the collaborative efforts of several key partners in Southeast Alberta. Community Futures Entre-Corp is leading the initiative as part of its Rural Aerospace Development project with significant contributions from APEX Regional Innovation Network of Southeast Alberta (powered by Alberta Innovates), Foremost UAS Test Range, Super T Aviation, Prairie Rose School Division, Tourism Medicine Hat, Medicine Hat College, City of Medicine Hat, and Medicine Hat RC’ers Club.

About the Competition

The Aerial Evolution Association of Canada National Student UAS Competition has been a cornerstone event for 15 years, advancing Canada's position as a global leader in autonomous aerial systems technologies. This competition offers students from across Canada the opportunity to address real-world challenges, develop innovative solutions, and gain hands-on experience in simulated Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. The event is a crucial stepping stone for future leaders in the commercial drone sector.

Quotes:

Charles Vidal, Chair of the Competition Committee, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Community Futures Entre-Corp and their partners in Medicine Hat and Southeast Alberta to host the 16th Annual AEAC Student UAS Competition. This event will provide a unique opportunity for Canadian universities, colleges, drone companies, researchers, and technology developers to engage with the next generation of commercial drone professionals.”
Roger Haessel, representing the host community, added, “Hosting the AEAC competition in Medicine Hat not only highlights our region's growing importance in the aerospace sector but also underscores our commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering innovation in this critical industry.”

About Aerial Evolution Association of Canada

The Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) is Canada's leading national industry association dedicated to the advancement of the commercial drone and UAS sector. With over two decades of history, AEAC, formerly known as Unmanned Systems Canada, has been at the forefront of supporting the commercial drone industry both domestically and globally.

About Community Futures Entre-Corp

Community Futures Entre-Corp is a federally funded not-for-profit economic development organization based in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Entre-Corp has worked to develop and diversify the Southeast Alberta economy for over 30 years. Entre-Corp’s Rural Aerospace Development Project aims to support growth of the aerospace industry in rural Alberta by ensuring that rural businesses are integrated into the broader aerospace innovation ecosystem and helping unlock economic opportunities across the province.

About Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat, a city with a growing reputation as a hub for aerospace innovation, is the perfect backdrop for the 2025 Student UAS Competition. With a strong community of aerospace professionals and a vibrant local economy, Medicine Hat is poised to make a significant impact on the future of the commercial drone industry.

For more information contact

Declan Sweeney, Executive Director, Aerial Evolution Association of Canada by email at: declan@aerialevolution.ca
Roger Haessel, Rural Aerospace Development Manager, Community Futures Entre-Corp by email at: rhaessel@albertacf.com

“The leadership team of the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada - Association pour l’Évolution Aérienne du Canada acknowledges that our work spans many traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples across the nation. We are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are with us today, those who have gone before us, and the youth from all Nations who inspire us to walk together on a shared path towards Reconciliation.”

The AEAC 16th Annual Student UAS Competition to be Hosted in Medicine Hat, Alberta in 2025