Canada’s first-ever Aerial Drone Competition series officially took flight last week and it all started at Concord Pacific’s Presentation Centre in Burnaby.
The national debut marks a major milestone for Canadian STEM education, bringing a globally recognized robotics and drone program into the local spotlight. And this week, families can see young innovators compete live at the Western Canada Regional Final in Vancouver.
A New Era for Youth Robotics in Canada
The series, titled Mission 2026: “Time Warp,” is hosted by Vancouver Integem in partnership with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), the same organization behind VEX Robotics. The launch is also backed by major innovation partners Google and the Defense Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Consortium (DSEC).
Their shared goal is simple: give Canadian students a hands-on path into drone technology, programming, engineering, and real-world problem-solving.
“This competition is more than a contest, it’s a launchpad for creativity, leadership, and future-ready skills,” said Amanda Liang, CEO of Vancouver Integem and Event Partner for Aerial Drone Competition West Canada. “Bringing this STEM program to Canada marks a turning point for youth innovation in Western Canada.”
What the Competition Looks Like
Students aged 10 to 18 design, build, and pilot drones through a series of missions that mirror real engineering challenges.
The program features four core components:
1. Teamwork Mission: Two teams collaborate during a 90-second challenge combining free-pilot manoeuvres and preprogrammed tasks.
2. Piloting Skills Mission: Students demonstrate precision, control, and aerial agility in a manual flight test.
3. Autonomous Flight Mission: Teams code their drones using Python or Blockly to navigate entirely on their own.
4. Communications Mission: Competitors present engineering notebooks, code, and design rationale to judges — similar to real engineering team reviews.
Each challenge builds skills in coding logic, STEM application, analytical thinking, and collaboration. It’s education disguised as high-energy competition.
The Burnaby Launch at Concord Pacific
The first Canadian scrimmage and press launch happened at Concord Pacific’s Burnaby Presentation Centre. The showcase gave students a chance to test their drones in front of media, sponsors, and partners, and the early talent was impressive.
“The scrimmage at Concord Pacific showcased an impressive level of teamwork and student leadership,” said Liang. “Participants demonstrated strong communication, technical resilience, and collaborative problem-solving.”
The event also underscored Concord Pacific’s ongoing support for youth innovation and community programming, something Metro Vancouver families have seen through its long-standing sponsorship of local sports, arts, and cultural initiatives.
Regional Finals This Weekend in Vancouver
The Western Canada Qualifying Tournament takes place Friday, December 6, at City Square Shopping Centre, right across from Vancouver City Hall.
City Square – West Wing (Main Level)
555 W 12th Ave, Vancouver
Friday, December 6, 2025
Competition: 10 am–4 pm
Awards Ceremony: 4 pm
The event is free and open to the public, making it an accessible and family-friendly way to experience competitive drone tech up close. Spectators can watch from the shopping centre’s main level, with full access for media.
A total of 20 teams will compete, with top performers advancing to the Aerial Drone Competition Regional Championships in spring 2026 and potentially the World Championship hosted by RECF.
Special guests include:
• Vancouver Deputy Mayor Sarah Kirby-Yung
• Vancouver School Board leadership
• Representatives from Google and Vancouver Integem
Just show up, no tickets required.
If you’re looking for a unique family outing or want to support youth innovation in Vancouver, the City Square event offers a rare chance to watch the next generation of Canadian tech talent take flight.
