Philip Ferguson

Philip Ferguson is an aerospace systems engineer, Professor at the University of Manitoba, and Magellan Aerospace/Price Research Chair in Aerospace Technology. With a PhD from MIT, he has developed spacecraft and drone systems at leading aerospace organizations. As Founding Director of Starlab, his research advances in affordable, reliable space technologies, including solutions that improve connectivity and safety for northern communities. He is also President of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

Breaking the Wall of Arctic Isolation.
Philip Ferguson | Project: ACCESS | Falling Walls Engage Finalist 2026

The ACCESS project supports Indigenous Arctic communities facing climate-driven challenges such as unsafe ice, extreme weather, and limited connectivity. By co-developing solutions with northern communities, ACCESS addresses communication gaps through a drone airship that extends reliable, high-speed satellite connectivity. Technology enhances safety, environmental monitoring, and emergency response for people traveling beyond remote locations.