2027 AEAC National Student UAS Competition

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Canada’s next generation of drone innovators will return to Southeast Alberta for the 18th Annual AEAC Student UAS Competition

Medicine Hat, Alberta – June 17, 2026 – The Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) is pleased to announce that Medicine Hat, Alberta, has been selected as the host location for the 18th Annual AEAC Student UAS Competition, scheduled for May 14–16, 2027.

The 2027 competition will once again be made possible through the collaborative efforts of regional partners, led by Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development.

Flying portions of the competition will be hosted at the Len Young Memorial Airfield, home of the Medicine Hat RC’ers Flying Club, with Prairie Rose School Division providing space for teams to develop and maintain equipment. The competition will bring together Canada’s top university and college student teams to design, build, and demonstrate advanced uncrewed aerial systems while competing in a challenging real-world mission scenario.

The annual competition has become Canada’s premier student event focused on remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and autonomous aerial technologies. For more than 17 years, the competition has provided students with an opportunity to apply classroom learning to practical engineering challenges while developing skills in design, manufacturing, software development, flight operations, project management, and systems integration.

Jordan Cicoria, Chair
Aerial Evolution Association of Canada

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada, we are thrilled to announce the return of the AEAC Student UAS Competition to Medicine Hat in 2027.

The success of the 2025 event demonstrated the strength of the aerospace ecosystem that has emerged in Southeast Alberta and the commitment of local partners to support the next generation of innovators.

The Student UAS Competition has become one of Canada’s premier experiential learning opportunities in aerospace and autonomous systems. Each year, students are challenged to solve real-world problems, work as multidisciplinary teams, and demonstrate technologies that will help shape the future of Canada’s RPAS sector.

We look forward to welcoming student teams, sponsors, researchers, government partners, and industry leaders from across the country back to Medicine Hat as we continue building Canada’s future workforce and advancing innovation in autonomous aerial systems.”

Sean Blewett, General Manager, Community Futures, Entre-Corp

“The region employs over 550 individuals directly in the UAS Sector, with further growth expected. Hosting the AEAC Student UAS Competition provides Southeast Alberta with a unique opportunity to showcase our growing aerospace capabilities while connecting directly with some of Canada’s most talented engineering and technology students.

The success of the 2025 competition demonstrated what can be achieved when industry, education, government, and community partners work together. We are excited to build on that momentum and welcome competitors, sponsors, and visitors back to Medicine Hat in 2027.

This event helps inspire future careers, supports innovation, and reinforces Southeast Alberta’s position as a leading center for UAS research, testing, training, and technology development.”

Scenario

The Hooved Ecological Resources Division of a southern Albertan conservation group is seeking an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to assist their efforts in surveying and tagging local wildlife. Bidders are invited to submit a design paper and perform a mission demonstration in May 2027. A preview of flight assessment criteria are given in the 2027 Assessment Preview.

2027 Assessment Preview

The competition consists of three phases.

  1. Phase I requires Bidders to submit their proposals outlining UAS design concepts, flight strategy, and plans by January 15, 2027.

  2. Phase II, the flight demonstration, will take place May 14 – 16, 2027 in Medicine Hat, AB, where bidders showcase their UAS prototypes in actual flight scenarios.

  3. Phase III consists of a mission report due May 26, 2027 which analyzes the actual performance of the UAS and how it measured up to the intended performance.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the competition, all competitors must be enrolled either part-time or full-time at a Canadian college or university for the Fall 2026 and/or Winter 2027 terms. We highly encourage teams to embrace diversity by comprising students from various academic programs and years, ranging from first year to graduate programs. Our goal is to promote collaboration and diversity of expertise, encouraging a holistic approach to problem-solving.

Moreover, we welcome joint teams consisting of students from multiple institutions, enabling meaningful collaboration between universities and colleges. Embracing diversity in team composition strengthens the fabric of innovation, fostering an environment where different perspectives and backgrounds converge to create groundbreaking solutions.

We invite all participating teams to embrace our DEI focus as they prepare for next year’s competition. Let’s work together to build a more inclusive and equitable industry, ensuring that every voice is heard and celebrated in the journey of aerial evolution.

Expression of Interest/ Registration

Formal registration will be announced in mid-September  along with the publication of the CONOPS, the rules and logistics document.  

For general inquiries or to express their interest in participating in the competition, send the following information: college/university name, team name, team contact email, and team Google Drive compatible email to competition@aerialevolution.ca 

A Growing Aerospace Hub

Medicine Hat and Southeast Alberta are solidifying their position as one of Canada’s emerging aerospace hubs. The sector supports more than 550 direct jobs and is anchored by key assets, including several RPAS companies, the Foremost UAS Test Range, the Dave Rozdeba South Alberta Flight Academy, and close proximity to the DRDC Suffield Research Centre.

Supported by an expanding network of post-secondary institutions, industry partners, and economic development organizations, the region offers a highly collaborative environment well-suited to advancing RPAS innovation and developing a skilled workforce.

Building Canada’s Future Aerospace Workforce

The AEAC Student UAS Competition has helped launch hundreds of careers in aerospace, Defence, engineering, robotics, software development, and commercial drone operations. The competition continues to serve as a national platform where students gain hands-on experience while connecting directly with industry leaders, government agencies, researchers, and potential employers.

The 2025 competition, also hosted in Medicine Hat, attracted 19 registered university teams from across Canada, with 15 teams and more than 175 students participating in the Phase II flight competition. The event showcased innovative wildfire detection and response systems designed and operated by student teams representing some of Canada’s leading engineering institutions.

About the AEAC Student UAS Competition

The AEAC Student UAS Competition is Canada’s longest-running national student competition dedicated to uncrewed aerial systems. Since its inception, the competition has challenged university and college teams to develop innovative solutions to real-world operational problems while fostering technical excellence, teamwork, safety, and innovation.

The competition serves as a bridge between academia and industry, helping develop the next generation of professionals who will lead Canada’s rapidly growing RPAS sector.

About the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada

The Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) is Canada’s national association dedicated to advancing the commercial drone and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) sector. For more than two decades, AEAC has worked with industry, academia, government, and stakeholders across Canada to promote innovation, safety, education, and economic growth within the Canadian drone ecosystem.

About Community Futures Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development

Community Futures Entre-Corp is a federally funded not-for-profit economic development organization based in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Community Futures Entre-Corp works to support the growth of aerospace and advanced technology industries across rural Alberta while creating new opportunities for businesses, communities, and future talent.

Media Contacts

Declan Sweeney
Executive Director
Aerial Evolution Association of Canada
Email: declan@aerialevolution.ca

Sean Blewett
General Manager
Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development
Email: sblewett@albertacf.com