The Western Canada Aerospace Initiative (WCAN) evolved from Bio Rocket, an ambitious engineering capstone project started at the University of Calgary in 2024. Originally focused on developing Proteus, Alberta's first student-designed liquid rocket, the team completed the first static fire test of a student-developed liquid rocket engine in Alberta in August 2025. Recognizing a broader regional need for collaborative technical projects, shared infrastructure, and talent development, the team transformed their project into a non-profit organization and founded WCAN in 2026.