Canada’s Drone Industry Aims for Higher Altitude with AVSS
Canada’s drone industry is at a pivotal moment as AVSS, a New Brunswick and Ottawa-based company, seeks to redefine the sector by keeping intellectual property and manufacturing within the country. Co-founded by Josh Ogden, AVSS is striving to counter the trend of Canadian companies relying on foreign technologies and merely assembling imported components.
### AVSS: A Homegrown Solution
AVSS specializes in drone safety systems and dual-use robotic technologies. Established in 2017, the company is known for its parachute technology, allowing drones to operate over people in compliance with aviation regulations. Notably, AVSS is the only parachute manufacturer with its own Means of Compliance (MOC) listed by the Federal Aviation Administration for such operations. The company’s technologies extend to systems for supply drops in remote areas and avalanche mitigation.
Ogden emphasizes that AVSS’s commitment to Canadian manufacturing is not due to a lack of talent or demand but rather a desire to maintain domestic control over intellectual property and production. By designing and manufacturing in Canada, AVSS aims to set a precedent for the industry, highlighting the risks of dependency on foreign-owned systems.
### Context and Competition
The Canadian drone industry has seen a shift towards foreign-licensed technology, with fewer than 20 manufacturers, most of which assemble components sourced globally. This trend raises concerns about national security and the potential for foreign manufacturers to limit technology access during geopolitical tensions.
Ogden points out that while Canada offers support for early-stage development through programs like the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax credit, there is a lack of long-term procurement programs akin to those in the United States. Such programs could enable companies to scale by providing predictable contracts and fostering innovation within the country.
### Industry Implications
The reliance on imported hardware poses a strategic risk, especially as global supply chains become leverage points amid rising geopolitical tensions. AVSS’s approach underscores the importance of maintaining control over the tech stack to ensure national security and economic stability.
The company’s success illustrates that with quality products and niche expertise, Canadian firms can compete globally. AVSS exports to regions including the United States, Europe, and Australia, demonstrating the potential for Canadian-made technology to thrive internationally.
Looking ahead, AVSS and industry advocates like Patrick Searle of the Council of Canadian Innovators are calling for increased federal support to help Canadian companies scale and retain their innovations domestically. This push is crucial as Canada navigates the growing intersection of technology and national security.
As AVSS continues to grow, its commitment to Canadian manufacturing could serve as a model for other tech sectors, emphasizing the importance of domestic ownership in a rapidly evolving global market.
