Top 26 Spotlight: Voxelis

AI Takes Flight in Civil Aviation

Voxelis is revolutionizing the civil helicopter industry by integrating airborne AI and deep learning technologies. The global civil helicopter fleet undertakes critical activities like wildfire suppression, relying on highly skilled pilots to maximize performance and minimize costs. However, the industry faces a significant pilot shortage, with more pilots retiring than being trained. Voxelis addresses this challenge by equipping helicopters with advanced technology to enhance their effectiveness and preserve pilot skills through data, ensuring the continued availability and efficiency of helicopters in the future.

VoxVision is Voxelis’ flagship product, set to launch in summer 2024. It’s the first certified AI sensor and edge computing system designed for widespread adoption by the civil helicopter fleet. VoxVision transforms helicopters into sophisticated data collection platforms, providing insights into wildfire behaviour, environmental conditions, and pilot skill application during complex missions. The platform enables the deployment of AI models to assist wildfire crews with predictive tools and the potential to convert helicopters into autonomous helitankers. Additionally, VoxVision offers features such as thermal scans, mapping, environmental monitoring, and deep-learning powered insights to enhance operational safety and efficiency.

Sky’s The Limit

The AI-startup has hit some major milestones, notably developing and validating their proprietary 3D path-planning tool that replicates the decision-making process of experienced pilots. Within a year, the company designed and developed VoxVision, which is currently undergoing Transport Canada certification. Voxelis’s small, vertically integrated team has designed and manufactured hardware, custom electronics, sensor-level software, and an in-cockpit mobile application. Their wide range of solutions helped them raise pre-seed funding from strategic angel investors and secure their first launch customer, Contour Helicopters, out of Langley, BC.

In the short term, Voxelis has two key goals — continue talks with potential customers and surpass last year’s performance in the New Ventures BC Competition. After competing in 2023, the company has refined their execution plan and are ready to earn their place among the province’s top startups.

Looking further out, Voxelis’s primary focus for growth includes securing seed funding to develop SaaS products leveraging VoxVision’s capabilities. The company plans to complete certification and qualification testing on beta units in 2024 and improve design for mass manufacturing and cost reduction in 2025. Additionally, the Richmond startup aims to extend certification to more helicopter types and countries, enhancing its global reach and impact.

From Hangar Hand to CEO

Colin O’Neill, CEO and Co-Founder of Voxelis, began his journey in aviation by working alongside his father at a helicopter hangar. His first meaningful (unpaid) job involved assisting the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in cleaning helicopters and learning about their components and systems. This early hands-on experience with complex machines sparked Colin’s passion for aviation and helicopters.

The knowledge and skills Colin acquired during these formative years have been invaluable throughout his career. As a former pilot, he developed a deep understanding of helicopter mechanics and operations, which he now applies daily in his role at Voxelis. Colin’s lifelong passion for aviation and his comprehensive industry knowledge drive his commitment to revolutionizing helicopter aviation with cutting-edge AI technology.