Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) were participants at the International Aerospace Innovation Forum in Montréal, organized by Aéro Montréal. With the support of JobsOhio, they led an Ohio delegation that showcased the state's prowess in aerospace innovation and established new connections with representatives from industry, academia, and the government. The Ohio delegation included Kim Holizna (Ohio Aerospace Institute), Bob Tanner (Parallax Advanced Research), Glenn Richardson (JobsOhio), Steve Petras (Council of the Great Lakes Region), and Mark Haberbusch (NEOEx Systems). The week began with a welcome dinner, during which the team was joined by the Delegate to Quebec Jean-Francois Hould and Sanaa ElMaazi.
Kim Holizna and Bob Tanner represented OAI and Parallax through several thought leadership and business development initiatives. Bob was a featured panelist on a discussion of Air Corridors and the Social Acceptability Challenges of AAM, and provided expert insights drawing from his work with the FAA and NASA as it relates to community engagement. Kim and Bob participated in additional roundtable discussions with industry and government leaders pertaining to US-Canadian cooperation in business development and research in the civilian aerospace and defense sectors. A participant of the forum, the European Aerospace Association, invited Kim to become a member and participate in a future roundtable, furthering the global reach of Parallax and OAI. Kim participated in B2B meetings with several organizations who expressed interest in Ohio as a possible destination for a US company location. Kim will continue to build a relationship with those organizations as well as plans to invite them to Ohio for further discussions.
The Parallax and OAI team met and explored international business development and supply chain opportunities with representatives from 19 countries. This included an introduction of a delegation participant, Mark Haberbusch of NEOEx Systems, who shared information on his liquid hydrogen technology with Canadian industry leaders. Together, the group discussed opportunities that lay the foundation for a groundbreaking collaborative AAM/Drone Use Case project.
The visit concluded the trip with a visit to Bombardier, where the team met research and business development leads from the organization. Kim, along with Glenn Richardson of JobsOhio, presented the value of Ohio as a place to do business and the opportunities that exist within the region.
Many of the Forum’s sessions revolved around net zero emissions, AAM, and alternative fuels. Quebec unveiled “ESPACE AÉRO,” a new aerospace innovation zone. Premier François Legault, along with federal and provincial ministers and industry giants Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, shared their vision for the future of aerospace. Boeing has committed an investment of $250 million toward the venture. This news, in conjunction with OAI’s participation in the GLASTA initiative to bridge Quebec and Ohio aerospace industry, provides encouraging momentum for collaboration.
The Parallax and OAI team is looking forward to continuing the conversation with the global connections made at the International Aerospace Forum. Together, we can accelerate innovation and shape the future of aerospace.
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About Parallax Advanced Research
Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects. More information on both organizations can be found at Parallax and OAI websites.