September 2026: Alberta Life Sciences Companies Are Going to Ireland

Ireland Alberta Trade Association
3 days ago
3 min read

There has never been a better moment for Alberta life sciences and health technology companies to explore Ireland as a market.

That is not a line written to fill space. It reflects something we are hearing directly from Irish industry partners: there is genuine demand for what Alberta companies are building. The question is whether Alberta companies are ready to meet it.

This September, the Ireland-Alberta Trade Association (IATA) is leading a trade mission to Ireland for Alberta life sciences and health technology companies. The mission runs September 21 to 24, 2026, combining a strategic day in Dublin with two days at Medical Technology Ireland in Galway. Here is why it deserves your attention.

Ireland is the World's Medtech Capital

This is not a claim Ireland makes modestly. The data is straightforward:

More than 300 medtech companies operate in Ireland, employing approximately 50,000 people
14 of the world's top 15 global medtech firms have operations there
Ireland is the second-largest exporter of medical devices and technologies in Europe
80% of the world's stents are manufactured in Ireland
75% of the world's replacement knees are produced there
33% of the world's contact lenses come from Ireland
65% of global medtech firms carry out R&D in Ireland
Ireland offers up to a 30% tax credit for companies conducting R&D in-country

The European medtech market Ireland provides access to is valued at €160 billion. Ireland has been building this sector for 75 years. That kind of track record does not happen by accident.

Why This Matters Right Now

Global trade is shifting. Companies that were comfortable relying on a single market or a handful of familiar relationships are finding that strategy increasingly fragile.

Ireland offers something rare: a market that is familiar enough to manage entry risk, and different enough to unlock genuine new growth. It is English-speaking, EU-member, and deeply experienced in working with North American companies. Its health system is comparable in size and structure to Alberta's, which means the clinical evidence Alberta companies have built here translates there more directly than in many other markets.

There is also strong regulatory alignment. Ireland operates within the frameworks of HPRA, EMA and the FDA, which means companies entering Ireland are entering a rigorous but well-mapped environment.

What the Mission Includes

We have structured this mission to give Alberta delegates two distinct types of value.

In Dublin on Day 1, delegates will join an Alberta-led executive roundtable and networking reception. This is direct access to Irish industry leaders, health system contacts, and investors who are actively interested in what Alberta companies are building.

In Galway on Days 2 and 3, delegates will attend Medical Technology Ireland, Europe's second-largest medtech event, held September 23 and 24 at the Galway Racecourse. This is where buyers, manufacturers, suppliers and global partners converge. It is the kind of room that takes years to access on your own. We are opening the door.

All delegates receive end-to-end program coordination by IATA, a profile in the official mission brochure, social media promotion, strategic introductions and one year of IATA membership.

Funding Support Is Available

Participating in an international trade mission is an investment. Two programs exist to help offset the cost.

CanExport SMEs provides federal funding for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses pursuing export market development. The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) provides provincial support for Alberta companies growing into international markets. Companies may be able to recover up to 50% of their trade mission costs through these programs. We encourage all prospective delegates to check their eligibility early.

In Their Own Words

“My November visit to Dublin was a fantastic experience. The meetings arranged through IATA opened doors I didn't expect. The Irish life sciences community was genuinely excited to engage with Alberta companies. This is a market worth knowing.” — Tara Cowling, Medlior | Alberta company, November 2025 Ireland visit

Tara's experience reflects what we have consistently seen: there is a warm reception waiting for Alberta companies in Ireland. The relationship between our two places is genuine, and it shows.

The Opportunity in Brief

Space on this mission is limited. The expression of interest deadline is June 4, 2026. Early engagement is strongly encouraged.

This mission is designed for companies working in medical devices, diagnostics, health technology, digital health, health data and AI, biotech, pharma, life sciences manufacturing and health innovation. If your organization is exploring European partnerships, this is the right starting point.

We are here to answer questions and help you assess whether this mission is the right fit for your company.

Expression of Interest Deadline: June 4, 2026 Laureen Regan | President@IrelandAlbertaTrade.com | www.IrelandAlbertaTrade.com