Phil Ferguson, UM Space Systems Engineer, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Magellan Industrial Research Chair of Aerospace at Price Faculty of Engineering is one of just 15 global finalists for Falling Walls Engage 2026. Ferguson will present ACCESS, a project supporting Indigenous Arctic communities facing challenges created by changing climate conditions, unsafe ice, extreme weather and limited connectivity.
ACCESS uses a drone airship to provide satellite connectivity to remote northern communities, with potential applications in emergency response, communications and environmental and safety monitoring.
His work positions Manitoba expertise at the forefront of Arctic research, Indigenous science, and climate resilience.