UBC Okanagan is set to establish an advanced airborne sensing lab thanks to $1.35 million in funding from the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan). Led by the UBC STAR (Survive and Thrive Applied Research) initiative, the future lab in the sky will provide B.C. businesses with access to advanced remote sensing capabilities for diverse applications, from environmental monitoring to technological development and more.
With this investment, UBC STAR is equipping a small aircraft with infrared, radar and hyperspectral imaging technology. The airborne lab will gather high-resolution data about the earth’s surface without direct contact, helping local companies test and refine new technologies, accelerate existing projects and gain a competitive edge in the global sensor data market.
Empowering local businesses and innovation
UBC STAR’s Airborne Sensing Lab is projected to contribute significantly to the region’s economic growth, creating high-value job opportunities and supporting more than 10 small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, the lab will serve as a hub for collaboration between academic researchers and industry professionals, driving new advancements in sensor technology and data analytics.
“This is a very exciting partnership between UBC research capabilities and leading Okanagan companies,” said Dr. Keith Culver, Director of UBC STAR. “We are delighted to bring the world real innovation from the Okanagan, solving problems here at home while creating export opportunities contributing to the region’s economic growth and resilience.”
Building on UBC STAR’s success, this initiative will help expand UBC Okanagan’s research in fields such as precision agriculture and forestry. It also aligns with efforts to provide Indigenous communities with enhanced environmental monitoring tools to help support sustainable land and marine resource management.
Strengthening B.C.’s tech and innovation ecosystem
“British Columbia is home to incredible talent and innovation, and this investment will help local businesses take their technologies to the next level,” said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for PacifiCan. “By supporting the development of the first airborne sensing lab in Western Canada, we’re giving B.C. companies the tools they need to expand into global markets, strengthen the local tech sector, and create new opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous communities. This is a great example of how industry and academia can work together to drive economic growth and sustainability.”
Funded through PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, this venture reinforces UBC Okanagan’s role as a leader in applied research and industry partnerships, advancing sustainable growth and technological innovation in B.C.
This article and pictures were sourced from UBCO Research and Innovation.
