Concordia University president Graham Carr is calling a $15 million “transformational gift” from entrepreneur Mark Pathy “a giant leap for Concordia.” The money, announced on Wednesday, will be used to create a space institute at the Gina-Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science. The new teaching and research facility will train the next generation of specialists and innovators in aerospace engineering. “This gift will serve as a launchpad for careers, companies, and visionary leaders, just like its founder. The Mark Pathy Space Institute will enable Concordia to carve out a leading role in the rapidly evolving aerospace sector in Canada and around the world,” said Carr during the formal ceremony attended by several dignitaries. He noted that the institute will begin its activities “at a strategic moment when governments around the world are placing renewed emphasis on security and defence.” “Thanks to Mark’s donation, Concordia will be able to build on its already considerable strengths in aerospace research and education. The institute will achieve this by attracting new funding and partnerships, and by aligning with government priorities for the benefit of all Canadians,” Carr added enthusiastically. According to the World Economic Forum, the space economy is expected to nearly triple by 2035, reaching a value of $1.8 trillion, compared to $630 billion in 2023. “That’s equivalent to the semiconductor industry today, so it’s huge,” Carr said. It is precisely for this reason that Pathy made such a philanthropic gesture, which Carr described as “extraordinary generosity.” “I felt that Canada wasn’t well-positioned to benefit from that potential and that someone had to do something to create economic opportunities for Canadians. “This philanthropic gesture is a way for me to achieve the goals I find important,” he explained in an interview with The Canadian Press. “If we really want to bring about major change, if we really want to make a big difference, it takes a major investment and it takes passion,” added Pathy, who is president and CEO of the Montreal-based company Mavrik. “This is the kind of visionary philanthropy that transforms a university and inspires a nation. Through his generosity, Mark Pathy will enable our students and researchers to reach new heights and create a lasting legacy in Canada’s space sector,” said Concordia Chancellor Gina Cody. The university approached Pathy to discuss the idea, which quickly piqued his interest. “The university and I were really on the same page. It’s a partnership to accomplish great things for our country and our citizens.” Concordia’s new integrated hub will be the only academic institution in Canada where these four sectors—robotics, propulsion, human health in space, and sustainability—coexist within a single research ecosystem. It will bring together launch capabilities, advanced space technology development, and specialized training under one roof. It is worth noting that Pathy served as a mission specialist aboard Axiom Space’s Ax-1 mission, the first entirely private mission to the International Space Station, conducted in 2022 in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. During his 17-day stay, Pathy carried out scientific research projects, technology demonstrations, Earth observation photography, and outreach initiatives in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in collaboration with Canadian institutions and partners. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 13, 2026. Sébastien Auger, The Canadian Press
