New Horizon Aircraft has secured an Applied Research and Development grant of $327,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The new award brings the company’s NSERC-backed research funding to more than $2.5 million, supporting a multi-year collaboration with Fleming College and Ontario Tech University to advance Horizon’s hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
CEO Brandon Robinson welcomed the government’s continued investment, highlighting Canada’s focus on aerospace innovation. “This support has accelerated our ability to attract and retain skilled workers, develop world-class innovative technologies, and bolster Canadian industry,” he said.
Based in Ontario, Horizon Aircraft is developing the Cavorite X7, a hybrid eVTOL offering enhanced speed, range and versatility. The company said its design approach prioritizes mission effectiveness, safety and utility.
Horizon plans to complete testing and certification of the Cavorite X7 and ramp up production to meet projected demand from regional air operators, emergency responders and military clients.
The announcement comes as interest in eVTOL technology continues to grow globally. In May, Anduril Industries UK expanded its partnership with Archer Aviation, Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRéalis to look into civilian and defense use cases for Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft in the United Kingdom, while last year, Airbus and Portuguese aerial services provider Avincis began collaborating to explore electric air mobility opportunities in Europe.
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