2025 Ireland Trade Mission: Advancing Alberta’s Global Reach

In partnership with Calgary Economic Development, the Ireland-Alberta Trade Association (IATA) proudly led a week-long trade mission to Ireland in April 2025. This mission marked IATA’s fifth organized delegation to Ireland and underscored 15 years of advancing bilateral trade, investment and innovation between Alberta and Ireland.

Our mission was clear: to help Alberta-based companies explore market entry into the EU by leveraging Ireland’s strategic position as a launchpad for international growth. Over the course of the week, we witnessed how the right people, the right place and the right time can create the ideal conditions for success.

Alberta Delegates: Innovation at the Forefront

We were honoured to be joined by five exceptional Alberta companies representing sectors such as AI, health tech, HR tech, system integration and digital innovation:

My Normative – A health tech company integrating gender-specific data into performance and wellness platforms.
Jambo – A stakeholder relationship management platform supporting ESG and Indigenous relations.
Vanterra HR – A consultancy driving workforce transformation through digital and cultural change.
Micro Engineering Tech Inc. (METI) – A firm focused on advanced system integration and AI-enabled safety solutions.
Archetype Developments Inc. – Specialists in modular construction and sustainable building.

Each company came to Ireland seeking tailored insight, local partnerships, and a deeper understanding of regulatory frameworks and funding supports—essential elements for successful international expansion.

Strategic Sessions, Site Visits & Shared Learning

The week featured curated programming to ensure high-value exposure to Ireland’s vibrant business ecosystem. Highlights included:

Market Entry and Legal Briefings with leading firms Grant Thornton, Byrne Wallace and AIB Merchant Services.
Presentations with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, who provided valuable insights into incentives, talent availability and funding options for Canadian companies entering the Irish market.
We were also joined by Element Fleet Management, a Canadian company operating in Ireland, who shared their real-world experience setting up and growing in the Irish market. Their insights on navigating regulation, hiring and integration were invaluable for delegates considering international expansion.

Site visits were a critical part of the experience, giving delegates first-hand insight into the environments where innovation is thriving:

At the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC), delegates toured one of Ireland’s top startup and scaling hubs, hearing from founders and community leaders about how GEC helps companies succeed through collaboration, mentorship, and global connectivity.
Sector-specific roundtable and a private networking reception with AIB Merchant Services, connecting Alberta companies to banking solutions for Ireland and the EU.
At the Trinity Innovation & Enterprise Centre, hosted by Trinity College Dublin, participants gained a view into the intersection of academic research, commercial innovation, and global entrepreneurship. Trinity’s vibrant ecosystem showcased how universities in Ireland play an active role in scaling startups and facilitating partnerships.

Embassy Reception: A Diplomatic Highlight

A memorable moment came midweek when IATA co-hosted an evening reception with Grant Thornton to welcome the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Dennis King, marking his first official event. Held at Grant Thornton’s offices in Dublin overlooking the River Liffey the event gathered Irish government agencies, business leaders, and our full Alberta delegation.

Ambassador King, Grant Thornton's Mark Shanahan and IATA President Laureen Regan each delivered remarks highlighting the deepening ties between Alberta and Ireland and the potential for even greater collaboration ahead.

Institutional & Industry Support

This mission would not have been possible without the outstanding support, insight, and hospitality of our partners and hosts in both Ireland and Canada:

Calgary Economic Development – Our lead partner and co-organizer, instrumental in recruiting delegates and shaping the mission’s strategic focus.
Canadian Embassy in Dublin and Ambassador Dennis King – For their leadership, partnership, and hosting Ambassador King’s first official event in Ireland with our delegation and the expert input from the Trade Commissioner team.
Grant Thornton Ireland – For generously providing meeting space, business insights and a warm welcome throughout the week.
ByrneWallace Shields LLP – For legal insights related to corporate setup, IP protection and regulatory compliance for Canadian companies.
IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland – For guiding our delegates with expert advice on market entry, talent acquisition, and funding opportunities.
P2 Consulting – Coordinated in-market one-on-one meetings for delegates as part of their business development support.
AIB Merchant Services – For hosting a site visit and engaging with delegates on digital payments, scaling strategies, and customer engagement in the EU market.
Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) – For welcoming us into their innovation hub and facilitating conversations with startup founders and community leaders.
Trinity Innovation & Enterprise Centre – For an engaging presentation and tour highlighting the integration of academic research with global entrepreneurship.
Element Fleet Management – For providing a valuable case study on what it’s like to set up and grow as a Canadian company operating successfully in Ireland.

We also acknowledge the tremendous hospitality and enthusiasm shown all who hosted the delegates and guests.

What Comes Next

For the participating companies, this mission was more than just a fact-finding trip—it was the beginning of informed, strategic expansion. Several delegates are now pursuing follow-up conversations and partnerships with Irish firms and agencies they met during the week.

As for IATA, we remain committed to helping businesses on both sides of the ocean grow together. We believe this mission reaffirmed that Alberta and Ireland share not only common values, but also complementary strengths that, when aligned, can lead to meaningful results.

Interested in Joining a Future Mission?

If you’re an Alberta company looking to explore European markets—or an Irish firm with an eye on Western Canada—we’d love to connect. Reach out to IATA today to learn more about upcoming initiatives, networking events and ways to get involved.

Together, we build bridges that create business.

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