Peterborough, ON – (August 25, 2025) – Fleming College is proud to announce a major win for local innovation and clean technology: a new $450,000 grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to support the ongoing development of Canada’s first fan-in-wing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The three-year Applied Research and Development (ARD) project will be led by a team of researchers from Fleming’s Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) and researchers from Ontario Tech University’s Machining Research Laboratory (MRL) and Advanced Digital Design, Manufacturing, and Metrology Lab (AD2MLabs). Together, the teams will advance Horizon’s flagship aircraft, the Cavorite X7, a hybrid eVTOL built for clean, efficient regional air travel.

Through advanced simulations, engineering design, and manufacturing development, Fleming and Ontario Tech researchers will help finalize the design of the Cavorite X7’s wing-integrated fan system. This innovative propulsion technology enables the aircraft’s vertical lift off like a helicopter before the unique wing design transitions mid-air to allow for efficient high-speed flight like a conventional airplane.

The Cavorite X7 represents exactly the type of challenge CAMIIT was built to take on. By combining advanced simulation, design, and manufacturing expertise, the team is helping accelerate one of Canada’s most promising aerospace innovations.

The partnership gives students the opportunity to work as paid research assistants, gaining hands-on experience solving aerospace challenges and preparing for careers in advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and engineering.

“We are proud to continue this meaningful collaboration between leading Canadian academic institutions and Horizon Aircraft. Fleming College and Ontario Tech University have been incredible partners over the years, and have meaningfully contributed to our collective success,” said Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft. “Together we will continue to push the boundaries of leading-edge sustainable aerospace technology here in Canada, employ the most talented Canadian engineers and technicians, and cement Canada as an innovative force that is committed to building a better future.”

About Horizon Aircraft
Horizon Aircraft, based in Lindsay, ON, is an advanced aerospace engineering company that is developing one of the world’s first hybrid eVTOL aircraft that offers industry-leading speed, range, and operational utility.

About CAMIIT at Fleming College
The Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) connects industry with Fleming’s leading expertise in smart technologies, advanced manufacturing, and prototyping to fuel the next wave of industrial innovation.

About Ontario Tech University’s MRL
The Machining Research Laboratory at Ontario Tech University is a multidisciplinary lab conducting research to develop and improve techniques in subtractive and additive manufacturing.

About Ontario Tech University’s AD2MLabs
The Advanced Digital Design, Manufacturing, and Metrology Labs at Ontario Tech University advances research and training in design optimization, simulation, additive manufacturing, and intelligent metrology to support next-generation industrial systems.

About Fleming College 
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 8,500 full-time and 445 part-time students, and 95,000 alumni.

For more information, please contact: 
IES@flemingcollege.ca 

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Elise Moore 
Communications Officer  
Elise.moore@flemingcollege.ca  

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