Canadian businessman and space traveler Mark Pathy has donated $15 million to Concordia University to create a new space institute aimed at training future space engineers. The donation, announced Wednesday, will fund the establishment of the Mark Pathy Space Institute at the university's Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science.
The institute will focus on interdisciplinary research and education in space-related fields, including satellite technology, space robotics, and astronaut training. It will also provide scholarships and fellowships for students pursuing careers in the space sector.
Pathy, who traveled to the International Space Station in 2022 as part of a private mission, said he hopes the institute will help position Canada as a leader in the growing space economy. "Canada has a proud history of space exploration, and I want to ensure that the next generation of engineers and scientists has the tools they need to push the boundaries of what's possible," Pathy said in a statement.
Concordia University President Graham Carr called the donation transformative. "This gift will allow us to build on our strengths in aerospace engineering and create a hub for space innovation that will benefit students, researchers, and the broader community," Carr said.
The Mark Pathy Space Institute is expected to open in fall 2027 and will collaborate with industry partners and government agencies, including the Canadian Space Agency.
