## [From lab to launchpad: Manufacturing Canada’s next generation of advanced platforms](/spotlight/research/lab-to-launchpad-manufacturing-canadas-next-generation-of-advanced-platforms) /sites/default/files/spotlight-images/2026-04/anoush-poursartip-masi_960x640_shutterstock_2341162039.jpg MASI MASI is Western Canada’s centre of excellence in marine, aerospace, subsea and naval systems, anchored at the University of British Columbia. [MASI](https://apsc.ubc.ca/MASI) is establishing Canada’s first Pacific-Arctic hub for world‑leading research, innovation and training that supports national sovereignty, security and sustainable blue economy growth. Building aircraft, submarines and maritime platforms is a design challenge – but equally importantly, this is a manufacturing challenge. Even the most innovative engineering concepts remain theoretical without the industrial capacity to produce them at speed, at scale and within cost. As Canada ramps up investment in defence and sovereign industrial capability, the ability to translate innovation from the laboratory to the production line has become a national strategic priority. [Dr. Anoush Poursartip](https://mtrl.ubc.ca/anoush-poursartip/) is at the forefront of this work. A Professor in the Department of Materials Engineering at UBC, he has nearly four decades of experience in the digital manufacturing of advanced composite structures, primarily for the aerospace sector. His research spans the full arc from fundamental science to industrial applications. Through his leadership of the [Composites Research Network](https://crn.ubc.ca/) and the [Composites Knowledge Network](https://compositeskn.org/) he has helped build the capacity of Canada’s manufacturing sector. We talked with Dr. Poursartip about how advanced manufacturing is essential to Canada’s capabilities in the aerospace, marine and subsea industries. ## **What are some areas of focus for MASI’s Advanced Manufacturing group?** We need aerospace, land, marine and submarine platforms – systems that fly, drive, sail and go under the water to deliver a mission. This requires manufacturing. It is one thing to have an idea, but if you cannot manufacture at scale and at the required speed, cost and quality to meet your parameters, you have nothing. Although manufacturing is often considered an afterthought, it is at the heart of all successful platforms. [MASI’s Advanced Manufacturing group](/MASI/advanced-manufacturing "Advanced Manufacturing") brings together researchers with deep expertise in materials science, digital fabrication and process engineering to accelerate how platforms are designed, built and scaled. [MASI's Advanced Manufacturing group](/MASI/advanced-manufacturing "Advanced Manufacturing") ## **How does your research fit into this?** Whether in aerospace, land, marine or subsea applications, weight and performance are critical. Advanced composite materials are prime example of achieving high performance at low weight, and they lend themselves to the complex shapes required in applications in these sectors. My work focuses on designing the manufacturing process itself so that you can produce composite parts quickly, reliably and at scale. Today, this includes using AI and machine learning to accelerate the creation and use of a physics-based description of the manufacturing workflow – often called a digital twin. With that foundation in place, a new production line or facility can be launched more efficiently because you have optimized the processes before installing physical equipment. Advances in AI and machine learning have created a new generation of modelling tools. Automation has improved dramatically and it is now possible to handle larger and more complex problems. University-based researchers are well-positioned to push the boundaries of what’s possible. ## **What industry challenges does CRN and CKN address?** The central challenge is turning a design into a producible part across a wide range of sizes and production rates. This is fundamentally a dual-use activity. For example, my group supported the BC Cancer Agency on a [lightweight carbon-fibre device for breast cancer treatment](https://crn.ubc.ca/2026/04/02/crn-spotlight-advancing-breast-radiotherapy-through-composites-innovation/) that holds the breast in position to improve precision and patient comfort during radiotherapy. The underlying science and engineering is identical to what we use when designing an airplane wing. [Lightweight carbon-fibre device for breast cancer treatment](https://crn.ubc.ca/2026/04/02/crn-spotlight-advancing-breast-radiotherapy-through-composites-innovation/) Closing the gaps between design intent and manufacturing reality requires doing rigorous science in a pragmatic and practical way. We have deep expertise in this area. The [Composites Research Network (CRN)](https://crn.ubc.ca/) – which was funded by Boeing and has been going strong since 2012 – has worked with more than 250 companies, including SMEs, to help them scale up and be more agile and competitive. The complementary [Composites Knowledge Network (CKN](https://compositeskn.org/)) connects industry to practical tools like the [Knowledge in Practice Centre](https://compositeskn.org/knowledge-in-practice-centre/) and a program of educational events and webinars. [Knowledge in Practice Centre](https://compositeskn.org/knowledge-in-practice-centre/) Our job as engineering researchers is to coordinate, harness and advance fundamental understanding with the very clear goal of changing practice. This means staying close to the challenges our partners in industry and government are grappling with. It also means engaging with certification. All engineering products that put human life at risk are highly regulated, and understanding how to use regulation as a tool for managing innovation – rather than as a barrier to it – is essential. ## **Why did you want to get involved with MASI?** Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Canada needs to “build, partner and buy”. That’s what gives Canada sovereign capability, not just in defence but across the board. MASI is a response to this ambition, bringing together both individual and collective competencies to support Canada’s success. MASI is one way that we are organizing these capabilities into a coordinated response to existing and emerging opportunities. We also have great breadth and great depth, making us an outstanding partner. *Read more about how the CRN helps companies* [*turn ideas into manufacturing processes*](https://apsc.ubc.ca/spotlight/research/helping-smes-be-more-competitive) *by solving challenges in design and fabrication; improving capabilities in manufacturing, maintenance and repair; and providing end-to-end support from research to engineering implementation.* - [Research Excellence](/topics/research-excellence "Research Excellence")