ONTARIO INVESTS IN AETHON AERIAL TO ADVANCE NEXT GENERATION UTILITY INSPECTION TECHNOLOGY

Aethon Aerial, in collaboration with York University, AeroVision Canada, and SpatialData.AI, will develop an EV-integrated inspection platform for utility and infrastructure operators with support from the Government of Ontario through OVIN. 

BURLINGTON, Canada, August 4, 2026 – Aethon Aerial is pleased to announce its participation in a collaborative research and development project supported through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) R&D Partnership Fund. The project represents a total investment of $1.5 million, including $500,00 from the Province of Ontario through OVIN and over $1 million from industry partners. 

The project brings together Aethon Aerial, York University, AeroVision Canada, and SpatialData.AI to develop an innovative EV-integrated inspection platform designed to enhance distribution asset and urban vegetation management inspections for utility and infrastructure operators.

Supported through OVIN, the initiative will focus on advancing technologies that improve the efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability of critical infrastructure inspection programs using autonomous drones operating from autonomous electric vehicles. By combining expertise in aerial data collection, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and applied research, the project aims to help modernize inspection workflows while supporting the transition toward cleaner and more connected mobility solutions.

Quotes:

“We are proud to be working alongside York University, AeroVision Canada, and SpatialData.AI on this important initiative, this project represents the future of infrastructure inspection. By bringing together industry leaders, academic research, and advanced data technologies, we are developing solutions that will help utilities make smarter decisions, enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure, and improve operational efficiency. We are grateful to OVIN for supporting innovation that enables Ontario companies and research institutions to collaborate on groundbreaking technologies that strengthen our province’s leadership in advanced mobility, data-driven infrastructure management, and clean technology development.” - Alastair Jenkins, Founder and CEO of Aethon Aerial

“Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector continues to demonstrate the innovation, talent and ambition needed to lead in a rapidly evolving global market. Through OVIN, we are helping Ontario companies accelerate the development of transformative technologies, strengthen strategic partnerships, and bring made-in-Ontario solutions closer to commercialization. Investments like these play an important role in reinforcing Ontario’s supply chain and ensuring the province remains competitive in the industries of the future.” 

- Raed Kadri, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) at OCI   “Ontario’s continued leadership in automotive and mobility innovation is built on the strength of collaboration. By bringing together innovative SMEs, industry partners, researchers, and government, OVIN is creating the conditions for made-in-Ontario technologies to move from concept to commercialization faster. These investments are helping build a more resilient, competitive automotive ecosystem—one that creates high-value jobs, attracts investment, and ensures Ontario remains a global leader in the future of mobility.”  - Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation 

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About Aethon Aerial

Aethon Aerial is a trusted leader in airborne inspection and LiDAR mapping, delivering advanced solutions to major utilities. Powered by proprietary technology and a scalable, cloud-based artificial intelligence platform, Aethon has achieved rapid growth in the aerial inspection and data analytics sectors. Aethon’s innovations help utilities reduce wildfire risk, enhance infrastructure performance, and strengthen safety, all while reducing maintenance costs and improving operational efficiency. For more information: www.aethonaerial.com

About Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)

The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies. 

Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies. 

For more information: www.ovinhub.ca