Aerospace, Autonomous Systems & Robotics

ASRL advances visual navigation, localization and mapping for mobile robots in both space and terrestrial environments, through methods like Visual Teach & Repeat and SLAM. ASRL’s work produces datasets, software and algorithms that support long-term autonomous robot navigation without GPS, applicable to planetary rovers, field robotics and other mobile systems.

CARRE expands and unifies research and teaching in aerial robotics. CARRE supports the development of new technologies, the advanced training of highly qualified personnel, and the dissemination of research outcomes to strengthen Canada’s innovation capacity in aerial robotics.

CROBE develops flying laboratories: drones equipped with high-resolution sensors to study vegetation health and plant productivity, measure trace gases, and monitor environmental change. It brings together aerospace studies, robotics, plant biology, remote sensing, and atmospheric science, along with computing to process the data collected by drones.

CDL Defence is an objectives-based accelerator stream for founders developing dual-use technologies that improve mission capability, resilience and national security. It helps ventures align with real buyer needs, navigate government pathways, and build evidence for testing and procurement with allied partners.

CDL Space is an objectives-based accelerator stream for founders of early-stage space and space-related technology startups, in areas such as satellite communications, Earth observation, robotics and AI. It pairs them with mentors—entrepreneurs, investors and astronauts—to sharpen business strategy, raise capital and scale their technologies.

DAIR is a collaborative innovation platform that connects industry, academia, and government across Canada’s aerospace ecosystem. As a funding partner, U of T contributes research expertise and participates in shared R&D initiatives focused on aeroacoustics, advanced materials, propulsion and next-generation aerospace systems. DAIR provides access to secure research space and state-of-the-art facilities, supporting advanced aerospace development and commercialization.

The Entrepreneurship Hatchery is a venture studio in U of T Engineering whose programs help students, faculty and alumni build startups, with funding that lets student founders work on their companies full-time. Its aerospace stream runs with Start@UTIAS, and it gave early support to Kepler Communications, now building secure satellite links between orbit and the ground.

UTIAS is a globally recognized centre for research and graduate education in aerospace engineering, robotics, and space systems. UTIAS advances foundational and applied research in aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, autonomy and spaceflight, supported by strong international partnerships and deep industry engagement. Through initiatives such as Start@UTIAS, UTIAS also accelerates the translation of aerospace and robotics innovations into applications.

Kepler Communications is building a network of satellites that exchange data directly in orbit by laser, which it describes as “the internet for space.” It was founded in 2015 by U of T graduate students through the University of Toronto Aerospace Team, with early support from the Entrepreneurship Hatchery, Start@UTIAS and the Creative Destruction Lab.

NordSpace is developing launch vehicles, satellites and supporting infrastructure to give Canada its own path to space: Taiga, a rocket used to test technologies, and Tundra, designed to carry small satellites into orbit. It was founded in 2022 by Rahul Goel, a U of T Engineering alumnus and PhD candidate at the Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Repellion Technologies develops thin, low-power sensors that detect ice the moment it forms and signal when it has cleared, so de-icing runs only as long as needed. Built on research from U of T Engineering professor Kevin Golovin’s lab, they could keep military and civilian aircraft and drones flying safely across the North and protect equipment in remote communities.

RI is a globally recognized hub for interdisciplinary research in robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. Bringing together researchers from engineering, computer science, health and design, RI advances foundational and applied work in perception, manipulation, human-robot interaction and learning-enabled autonomy. Its facilities include a dedicated indoor drone testing arena.

StarSpec builds hardware and software for satellites, including star trackers, power systems and flight computers, by making off-the-shelf components fit for space, which lowers the cost of Earth observation, infrastructure and national security missions. Founded by a U of T aerospace PhD alumnus and supported early by UTEST, it also tracks environmental change in northern regions from orbit.

Start@UTIAS helps graduate students at the U of T Institute for Aerospace Studies turn their research and technologies into startups, with mentorship, legal and accounting help, networking and capital. Part of the Entrepreneurship Hatchery, it gave early support to Kepler Communications, now building secure satellite links between orbit and the ground.

TightBeam Photonics builds smaller, more portable and less expensive optical ground stations, using photonic chips to bring satellite data down to Earth by laser in place of radio. Supported by UTEST and U of T’s Innovations & Partnerships Office, it was selected for the 2026 cohort of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).

TISL designs algorithms for robotic intelligence, working towards embodied AI and robot learning models inspired by how people learn. Current TISL work covers foundation models for scene representation, simulation environments, robust policy learning, and neural three-dimensional reconstruction.

TRAIL advances autonomy, perception, and decision-making for robotic systems operating in complex environments. TRAIL researchers develop algorithms and integrated systems for mapping, localization, motion planning and multi-sensor fusion, with dual-use applications in aerial robotics, autonomous vehicles, infrastructure inspection and safety-critical operations.

UTEST is an accelerator for research-based startups founded by U of T faculty, students and staff, with investment capital, mentoring, incubation space and entrepreneurial training. Its portfolio includes TightBeam Photonics and Cohesys, chosen in 2025 for NATO’s DIANA, and NanoMorphix, ByteShape and CERT Systems. It runs in partnership with Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners (TIAP).

UTE connects the accelerators across U of T’s three campuses that help students, faculty and alumni turn research into companies, among them dual-use ventures that serve civilian and defence customers alike. Its “no wrong door” approach gives founders a way in at any stage or in any industry, with mentorship, funding and domain expertise.