How introductions to industry helped Skygauge Robotics land pilot projects

Strategic connections through the MaRS Corporate Innovation team helped the drone-inspection startup deploy its technology.

For a glimpse into the future of work, look up. Skygauge Robotics’ Nikita Iliushkin calls his startup’s new generation of drones a “workforce in the sky,” because of their ability to perform physical labour far above the ground. Outfitted with robotic arms and ultrasonic sensors, these aerial workhorses can inspect heavy equipment and perform manual jobs, such as rust removal and painting.

Iliushkin and his co-founders, Linar Ismagilov and Maksym Korol, developed the prototype while studying engineering at York University. “We tried a lot of different use cases and landed on physical work as a unique application,” says Iliushkin. They filed their first patent and launched the company in 2016.

Manually inspecting bridges, pipes and other key infrastructure can be a time intensive, dangerous and expensive endeavour. Not only can Skygauge’s drones assess facilities for superficial signs of wear and tear more safely and cost effectively, its ultrasonic sensors can spot cracks beneath the surface and other potential issues early on. “With aging infrastructure, there aren’t enough qualified people to keep it adequately inspected and maintained,” says Iliushkin.

The co-founders knew their drones could fill this gap, and potentially transform the economics of how industrial assets are inspected and maintained in the process. But, in order to scale their solution, they needed to build out their sales pipeline.

In heavy industry, there can be “a general aversion to new technologies,” says Iliushkin. “You need introductions to the right decision-makers who can make change possible in these organizations.” Finding a trusted network of potential corporate partners and industry leaders who could champion Skygauge’s technology was crucial for the venture to gain commercial traction.

Securing warm introductions to industry players

As a MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund startup, Skygauge was able to tap into the MaRS Corporate Innovation team for support. The group works with corporate partners interested in collaborating with startups or purchasing new technology. “Our main goal is to help startups secure either investments or commercial agreements with corporate partners,” says Mick Malowany, who is a senior manager on the Corporate Innovation team.

For Skygauge, that meant introductions to heavy-industry players and opportunities to demonstrate its solution. In February 2026, Skygauge was included in a MaRS Sessions showcase, an event series where corporate partners are invited to learn about new startups and hear their pitches.

Gaining commercial traction

Skygauge’s value prop was immediately compelling to the MaRS Sessions showcase audience. “It was clear to the corporate partners that this would massively improve their asset integrity management and their maintenance budgets,” says Malowany. “Drone-based inspections come with a much more favourable risk profile and price tag, allowing these facilities to inspect more frequently, detect and repair faults early, avoid major failures, and keep equipment in service longer — all of which equates to significant savings.” Following the event, leaders at Mitsubishi requested a meeting with the startup, which led to an in-person visit to its facilities.

“Of all our investors, MaRS has given us the most relevant introductions for commercial traction,” says Iliushkin, noting global players Italian oil and gas company Eni and building materials producer VCNA. Skygauge is in ongoing conversations with Mitsubishi, and its drones were recently used in an exhaust stack inspection project for steel and mining company ArcelorMittal Dofasco. “By being introduced to the right people, we were able to land pilot projects, deployments, demonstrations and have had continued deployment success in all these different industrial settings and environments.”

What’s next

Skygauge is exploring physical AI to develop a next generation of drones, moving from manual piloting to autonomous navigation. It’s also deepening its partnerships and scaling its technical capabilities. The startup recently developed specialized attachments that can remove rust, clean a surface and repaint it, which are now being tested with the Royal Canadian Navy, says Iliushkin. “We’re using it as a foundation to expand into other aspects of our technology — that’s really our next big push as a company.”

Founded: 2016
Program: MaRS IAF
Services: MaRS Corporate Innovation

MaRS programming is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and by the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

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Photo courtesy of Skygauge