What began as one of Canada’s earliest drone schools has evolved into a connected ecosystem for drone training, R&D, and industry collaboration. As AlteX marks its 10-year milestone, we are proud to introduce the next chapter: AlteX droneHUB.
Yifei Zhao
operations manager
What began as one of Canada’s earliest drone schools has evolved into a connected ecosystem for drone training, R&D and industry collaboration. As AlteX marks its ten year milestone, we are proud to introduce the next chapter – AlteX droneHUB.
While our identity is evolving, our vision remains the same – helping people and organizations implement results-driven drone solutions through education and innovation.
AlteX began in 2016 when we launched one of Canada’s first drone training programs in partnership with Humber College.
At the time, our experience came from building and flying heavy-lift drones for film production. Together with two other teams within IATSE 667, we helped establish one of the first drone departments for aerial cinematography.
Our vision was to train the next generation of filmmakers using flying cameras. What surprised us was that most students entering the program were not from the film industry. They came from: construction, public safety, environmental services, infrastructure and many other sectors. We were fortunate to work alongside these early adopters and hear their vision to improve traditional workflows with drones. For many clients, training was only the beginning.
As relationships grew, so did opportunities to collaborate. Our experience building drone hardware, combined with our clients’ specialized industry knowledge, came together to create practical, result-driven solutions across a wide range of applications. That experience opened our eyes to the future of drone technology.
Over the years, AlteX Academy evolved far beyond traditional drone education. As the industry developed, we recognized that drone pilots needed more than certification.
They needed support both before and after training to:
- Better understand drone technology
- Choose training based on their operational needs
- Build workflows with equipment purchase
- Receive operational guidance
- Network within the drone community
- Collaborate with industry professionals
That is where the vision for a dedicated drone facility began: a place designed to support the drone pilot community. In 2018, we began turning that vision into reality at our current site in King City.
What started with pop-up tents and office trailers gradually evolved into: specialized geodesic domes, dedicated flight stations, measurable flight exercises, controlled flight environments and a member-based clubhouse.
We didn’t want to set up just an empty field with clear airspace. We wanted to build a destination. A place where pilots can train in controlled environments, develop skills through measurable exercises, and grow as a community.
A facility provides the space. A hub is created by the people who use it. In 2025, we welcomed Drone Vector, a member-based organization focused on supporting drone pilots through networking, collaboration, and community engagement. With devoted industry professionals leading Drone Vector, we are now able to provide:
- Regular flight practice
- Monthly industry events
- Specialized workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Ongoing peer support for pilots at every stage of their journey
This sense of community is what brings the facility to life. Ideas, collaboration and networking are what make this a true hub.
Over the last decade, drones have taken us from aerial filming into industries such as construction, infrastructure, environmental services, and public safety. That journey has been exciting, challenging, and constantly evolving. AlteX droneHUB marks the next stage of that evolution. As drone technology continues to advance, we believe the future belongs to organizations and communities that bring together learning, collaboration and innovation.
Thank you to our students, instructors, partners, community members and everyone who has been part of AlteX over the past 🎉10 Years.🤩 Your support, curiosity and collaboration helped shape what AlteX is today.
If you would like to take part in this exciting journey:
- Connect with us to share ideas and explore collaborations
- Join our monthly community events
- Book a free discovery flight to find the right path for your drone
- Follow us on Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn for upcoming events and workshops!
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Expert Geophysics Implementing Drones for Mineral Exploration
Expert Geophysics partnered with AlteX DroneHUB to train their pilots on the DJI Flycart 30, a heavy-lift drone built for demanding industrial applications. Their team completed both Advanced Drone Pilot certification and DJI Enterprise Training, gaining the tools and confidence to expand their drone operations.