Program
BEYOND TECHNOLOGY:
From Idea to Adoption
For its 10th edition, the International Aerospace Innovation Forum goes beyond showcasing cutting-edge technologies. The 2026 program focuses on a central question: how ideas emerge, evolve, scale, and are ultimately adopted across the aerospace industry.
Built around three core thematic pillars, the program explores practical pathways to transform innovation into lasting impact—locally and globally.
Key program pillars
SOVEREIGNTY AND DEFENSE
Building agile and sovereign supply chains, leveraging offsets as innovation drivers, and scaling dual-use technologies across civil and defense sectors.
COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS
Examining new collaboration models between startups, OEMs, institutions, and innovation zones—from Hamburg to Montréal—to build partnerships that deliver real-world solutions.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Addressing autonomy beyond drones, AI-driven workforce transformation, Industry 5.0, and global talent mobility to support greener, more resilient aviation.
A two-day immersive experience
Over two days, participants will benefit from:
• Expert panels and presentations
• Thematic lunch conferences
• An Exhibition Hall featuring nearly 80 booths
• A Tech Zone with over 20 innovations on display
• Tailored B2B meetings
• International networking receptions, including a cocktail held at the heart of the Exhibition Hall
The detailed program will be updated continuously on the official International Aerospace Innovation Forum 2026 website, up to the Forum on April 13–14, 2026.
8:00 - 8:15 a.m.
Visit of the Exhibit Hall and Tech Zone – B2B
Early access to the Exhibit Hall and Tech Zone to start B2B conversations and explore solutions before the main programming begins.
8:15 - 8:45 a.m.
Opening of the main hall
Doors open and participants settle in before the formal opening.
8:45 - 9:30 a.m.
Welcome and opening remarks
This opening will set the Forum direction and will highlight the themes, goals, and expected outcomes for the two days.
Speakers
Mélanie Lussier, President, Aéro Montréal
Ms. Tjorven Bellmann, German Canada Ambassador
9:30 - 9:50 a.m.
Keynote – Partnership Canada Germany: Allies in Innovation
This keynote will frame the strategic value of Canada Germany cooperation and will outline how collaboration can accelerate innovation and adoption across aerospace.
Speakers
Mouhab Meshreki, Director General, Aerospace Research Centre (CNRC)
9:50 - 10:20 a.m.
Presentation – Aerodynamic Advisory
This session will explore market signals and industry trends that will influence aerospace strategy, competitiveness, and investment decisions in the coming years.
Speakers
Richard L. Aboulafia, Managing Director, AeroDynamic Advisory
Kevin Michaels, Managing Director, AeroDynamic Advisory10:20 - 10:50 a.m.
Coffee break
Networking break.
10:50 - 11:10 a.m.
Fireside chat CAE’s vision on Defense in Canada
A strategic discussion on defence priorities and how industry will position itself to deliver capability, resilience, and innovation at scale.
Speakers
Mélanie Lussier, President, Aéro Montréal
Matthew Bromberg, President and CEO, CAE
11:10 - 11:50 a.m.
Productivity beyond the factory floor. Driving change across HR, procurement and design
Productivity gains will increasingly come from organizational alignment, not only manufacturing optimization. This panel will explore how companies will streamline decision making, reduce internal friction, and redesign cross functional operating models to improve throughput and speed. It will highlight how HR, procurement, program management, and leadership practices will shape competitiveness.
Speakers
Guy Dulude, Vice President, Portfolio Development & Sales Acceleration – Canada, Siemens
Philippe Stas, Vice President, Services, Commercial and Innovation, Aéroports de Montréal
11:50 - 12:20 p.m.
Visit of the Exhibit Hall and Tech Zone – B2B (lunch setup)
12:20 - 12:35 p.m.
Introductory remarks
12:35 - 1:05 p.m.
Exclusive lunch conference
1:05 - 1:35 p.m.
Visit of the Exhibit Hall and Tech Zone – B2B
1:35 - 1:50 p.m.
Start ups and OEMs – Beyond the pitch
Start ups will bring speed and new technologies, but collaboration with OEMs will often stall after pilots. This panel will examine what will make partnerships scalable, including procurement pathways, certification support, integration timelines, and shared risk. Participants will learn what will turn early proof of concept into long term industrial adoption and repeatable cooperation models.
Speakers
David Green, Founder and CEO, Green Aerospace
Björn Nagel, Founding Director, German Aerospace Center (DLR)
1:50 - 2:40 p.m.
From Lab to Launchpad – Scaling dual use technologies
Dual use innovation will keep expanding as governments, OEMs, and investors will seek solutions that will scale commercially while strengthening national security. This panel will highlight how companies will move from research to operational deployment across both civil and defence markets. It will also show how funding, test ranges, and mission driven programs will accelerate growth and how interoperability will create new revenue opportunities.
Speakers
Bachar Elzein, CEO & Chief Technical Office, Reaction Dynamics
Marc Bigaouette, Director, Canadian Government programs, Bell Textron
2:40 - 3:10 p.m.
Coffee break
Networking break.
3:10 - 4:50 p.m.
Captains of Autonomy
Autonomy will reshape logistics, manufacturing, passenger mobility, infrastructure, and training. This panel will explore how intelligent systems will be adopted responsibly, including certification, safety, data governance, and operational integration. It will highlight what will separate pilot projects from scalable deployment and how industry will build trust in autonomous capabilities.
Speakers
Jeremy Wang, Co Founder, President and COO, Ribbit
Hunter Scharfe, CEO & Cofounder, Juno Industries
Erick Corona, Head of Systems and Operations Integration – Autonomous Flight, Wisk
David Rancourt, Associate Professor and Director of Aéro, Université de Sherbrooke
4:50 - 5:05 p.m.
Aerospace Unbound: Emerging Aircraft Programs
This panel brings together Horizon Aircraft, JetZero, and Flying Whales to explore how new aircraft architectures and propulsion concepts are transforming the future of flight. From hybrid VTOL to blended wing body aircraft and ultra heavy lift airships, the session highlights innovations redefining mobility, transport, and logistics.
Speakers
Arnaud Thioulouse, CEO, Flying Whales
Florentina Viscotchi, Chief Engineering and HO Product Development Technology and Innovation, JetZero
Brandon Robinson, CEO, Horizon Aircraft
5:05 - 5:20 p.m.
Closing remarks
Speakers
Mélanie Lussier, President, Aéro Montréal
5:20 - 8:00 p.m.
Immersive networking cocktail
8:05 - 8:45 a.m.
Visit of the Exhibit Hall and Tech Zone – B2B
Early access to the Exhibit Hall and Tech Zone to start B2B conversations and explore solutions before the main programming begins.
8:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Opening of the main hall and welcoming words
Doors open and participants settle in before the formal opening.
9:00 - 9:20 a.m.
Sustainability 2050 – Where are we today and how can we shape tomorrow?
This opening will set the Forum direction and will highlight the themes, goals, and expected outcomes for the two days.
9:20 - 9:35 a.m.
Keynote presentation
9:35 - 10:25 a.m.
Building Agile, Sovereign & Resilient Value Chains
This session will explore market signals and industry trends that will influence aerospace strategy, competitiveness, and investment decisions in the coming years.
10:25 - 10:55 a.m.
Coffee break
Networking break.
10:55 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
International R&D Models – Horizon Europe & Bilateral Success Stories
Productivity gains will increasingly come from organizational alignment, not only manufacturing optimization. This panel will explore how companies will streamline decision making, reduce internal friction, and redesign cross functional operating models to improve throughput and speed. It will highlight how HR, procurement, program management, and leadership practices will shape competitiveness.
Speakers
Ibrahim Yimer, Vice-President Transportation and Manufacturing, NRC
11:45 - 12:35 p.m.
Zones of Innovation – Lessons from Hamburg to Quebec
Start ups will bring speed and new technologies, but collaboration with OEMs will often stall after pilots. This panel will examine what will make partnerships scalable, including procurement pathways, certification support, integration timelines, and shared risk. Participants will learn what will turn early proof of concept into long term industrial adoption and repeatable cooperation models.
Speakers
Angela Alvarez Garcia, Manager, Innovation Accelerator, ZAL
Guillaume Côté, CEO, CRIAQ
Manon Duclos, CEO, Technum
Michel Pioro-Ladrière, Executive Director , DistriQ
Pascal Désilets , General manager , Espace Aéro
12:35 - 1:20 p.m.
Visit Exhibit Hall and Tech Zone – B2B
1:20 - 1:50 p.m.
Exclusive lunch conference
1:50 - 2:35 p.m.
Visit Exhibit Hall and Tech Zone – B2B
2:35 - 3:25 p.m.
AI-Driven Workforce Transformation
Dual use innovation will keep expanding as governments, OEMs, and investors will seek solutions that will scale commercially while strengthening national security. This panel will highlight how companies will move from research to operational deployment across both civil and defence markets. It will also show how funding, test ranges, and mission driven programs will accelerate growth and how interoperability will create new revenue opportunities.
Speakers
Allison Meyssonnier, Manager, partnerships, Mila
Florian Falk, CEO, Soji AI
Marisa Murray, CEO & Founder, Leaderley International
3:25 - 4:05 p.m.
Emerging Tech – New tools for school
Autonomy will reshape logistics, manufacturing, passenger mobility, infrastructure, and training. This panel will explore how intelligent systems will be adopted responsibly, including certification, safety, data governance, and operational integration. It will highlight what will separate pilot projects from scalable deployment and how industry will build trust in autonomous capabilities.
Speakers
Jean Thomassin, Executive Director New Products and Services Introduction, Pratt & Whitney Canada
4:04 - 4:25 p.m.
Event reflections – Vision for Aerospace 2030–2040
Program announcements and ecosystem updates.
4:25 - 4:30 p.m.
Closing remarks and thanks
Speakers
Mélanie Lussier, President and CEO, Aéro Montréal
4:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Networking cocktail in the Exhibit Hall
Last spots available!
Reserve your booth before March 20 to secure the Early Bird rate.
New pricing will apply starting March 21.
