Building UK–Canada technology partnerships: techUK’s 2026 delegation to Ottawa
The delegation combined policy discussions with practical conversations about doing business in Canada: understanding government priorities, navigating public-sector procurement and building relationships with potential partners.
With growing interest in Canada in diversifying its international partnerships and increasing appetite among techUK members to engage with the Canadian market, the visit provided a timely opportunity to connect UK capabilities with Canadian needs.
Strengthening the UK–Canada technology relationship
Our meeting with colleagues at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) explored opportunities to deepen bilateral technology cooperation, including on AI. We discussed Canada’s engagement with the UK’s AI Security Institute and the contribution industry can make to the wider partnership through innovation, investment and skills.
At Global Affairs Canada, discussions with the digital trade team covered the UK–Canada technology and trade relationship, the evolving Canada–US context, and the links between trade diversification and economic security. Digital trade, trusted technology and cybersecurity were central to the conversation, alongside market access for UK businesses.
The delegation also met Yasir Naqvi MP, providing an opportunity to introduce members’ capabilities and discuss the contribution that closer technology ties can make to the bilateral relationship.
Cybersecurity, defence and trusted technology
Cybersecurity and defence were prominent throughout the programme. The participating companies brought expertise spanning secure communications, endpoint and cross-domain security, cyber resilience, and workforce development.
Engagement with the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) explored the Canadian defence and security landscape and opportunities to build relationships with local industry. Discussions focused on how UK capabilities could support Canadian priorities, including secure information sharing and interoperability between trusted partners.
At the British High Commission, the delegation met the defence and trade teams. The meeting helped connect members’ interests with the wider UK–Canada defence relationship and provided valuable context for companies exploring opportunities in the market.
Participation in TECHNATION’s cybersecurity programme also brought members into conversations with Canadian industry and public-sector stakeholders, helping them better understand the local ecosystem and priorities for collaboration.
Understanding procurement and digital government
For companies entering a new market, understanding how government buys technology is essential. Public-sector procurement was therefore a core strand of the visit, including through TECHNATION’s procurement events and discussions around Canadian government purchasing and routes to market.
The programme also included engagement with the Canadian Digital Service’s Enterprise Digital Credentials team. This connected digital government priorities with questions around trusted credentials, secure services and the capabilities needed to support digital transformation.
These conversations gave members an opportunity to explain their experience, ask practical questions and consider where their solutions could contribute to Canadian public-sector needs.
Connecting technology with skills and local partnerships
Skills formed an important part of the delegation’s offer. Alongside discussions about technology adoption and cyber capability, we explored the importance of training, reskilling and credentials in helping organisations build the workforce they need.
Bringing cyber specialists and Pearson together in the same delegation enabled us to connect conversations about secure technology with the people and skills required to deploy and use it effectively.
Engagement with Invest Ottawa added a local perspective on the technology ecosystem and the support available to businesses exploring a presence in Canada. Together with the wider industry programme, this helped members consider potential partnerships and their next steps in the market.
Continuing the engagement
The visit reinforced the breadth of opportunity for UK–Canada technology cooperation, from AI and digital trade to secure government systems, defence and workforce development. It also underlined the value of sustained engagement: understanding the market, building local relationships and following up on specific opportunities.
We are grateful to the Canadian officials, industry organisations and partners who welcomed the delegation, to the British High Commission for its support, and to TECHNATION, our Canadian sister association, for its continued collaboration.
If you are a techUK member interested in the Canadian market, please do reach out, I and the team would love to hear from you!
