From 28–30 October, techUK led its first-ever delegation to Ottawa, Canada, marking a significant milestone in strengthening UK–Canada cooperation across technology, innovation and national security. The delegation was led by Sabina Ciofu, International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, and brought together senior representatives from across the UK technology sector.
The delegation included:
Benjamin H. Schleis, Director of International Programmes, Research Innovations Inc.
David Crowe, CEO, Agilexe
Gaz Woolley MBE, UK Business Development Director, Pentenamio
Neil Dorney, Director Federal Sales (Canada), Quantexa
Rachel Dignam, Director of EU, International and Canadian Public Affairs, Sage
Across three days, the delegation engaged with government, trade, and innovation stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration, market entry, and long-term partnership between the UK and Canada.
Day One – 28 October: Tech7 Summit
The delegation began with participation in the Tech7 Summit, hosted in Ottawa by our sister trade association, TECHNATION. Tech7 brings together leading technology trade associations from G7 countries and the European Union to align industry perspectives ahead of the G7 process and shape global digital policy discussions.
techUK was represented by Julian David, CEO of techUK, and Sabina Ciofu, International Policy and Strategy Lead, both of whom participated in high-level panel discussions alongside counterparts from across the G7 and EU.
Julian David spoke on the panel “Digital Trade Without Borders: Aligning G7 Strategies for Innovation and Growth”, which explored how G7 nations can better harmonise digital trade policies to unlock inclusive, secure, and sustainable economic growth. The discussion built on the 2025 Tech7 Joint Declaration, with panellists examining shared commitments to interoperable digital standards, trusted cross-border data flows, and collaborative approaches to AI governance. The session highlighted how coordinated international strategies can reduce friction, foster innovation, and enable businesses and communities to thrive in the global digital economy.
Sabina Ciofu participated in the panel “Scaling Inclusive Innovation”, which focused on how governments and industry can work together to ensure innovation-led growth is inclusive and accessible. She joined Alain Cormier, President, Novipro and Marc Brouillard, CIO and ADM Digital Services, Public Services and Procurement Canada.
The panel was moderated by Sylvie Ouellette, President and Co-Founder of Versatil. Discussion centred on how policies support SMEs in scaling within a digital economy, the role of trust frameworks and multilateral cooperation in enabling adoption of AI and emerging technologies, and how cross-border partnerships can drive inclusive growth for technology SMEs.
The Tech7 Summit provided a strong platform for techUK to contribute to shaping shared G7 priorities on digital policy, innovation, and economic resilience.
Day Two – 29 October: Innovation, Digital Government and Defence Engagements
The second day focused on Canada’s innovation ecosystem, public sector digital transformation, and defence priorities.
The day began with a meeting at Invest Ottawa, the region’s economic development agency, which plays a central role in supporting technology-led growth in the National Capital Region. Invest Ottawa highlighted Ottawa’s strengths in cybersecurity, defence technologies, telecommunications, and software, and outlined how international companies can access local innovation networks, talent, and support programmes.
The delegation then met with the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), a national not-for-profit organisation focused on digital skills development, labour market intelligence, and innovation policy. Discussions explored workforce development challenges, digital skills gaps, and opportunities for UK–Canada collaboration on talent pipelines and future-of-work initiatives.
This was followed by engagement with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the federal department responsible for fostering economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Delegates gained insight into Canada’s digital and industrial policy priorities, including AI, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and data-driven innovation, and discussed alignment with UK policy objectives.
The day concluded with meetings organised by the British High Commission in Ottawa, which convened Canadian defence stakeholders to engage with the delegation. Given the defence and national security focus of several participating companies, discussions centred on capability development, procurement pathways, and opportunities for collaboration within Canada’s defence and security landscape.
Day Three – 30 October: Trade and Regional Opportunities
The final day focused on trade and investment opportunities across Canada, beginning with meetings at Global Affairs Canada, where the delegation met with the Trade Policy team. Discussions centred on Canada’s trade strategy, international economic policy priorities, and how UK companies can engage with and benefit from Canada’s evolving trade framework.
The delegation also met with Consider Canada, which provided a comprehensive overview of Canada’s value proposition for international businesses. Discussions highlighted Canada’s regional diversity, innovation ecosystems across provinces and cities, and the opportunities available in sectors such as digital technology, clean growth, and advanced industries. The session reinforced the importance of understanding regional market dynamics when expanding into Canada.
Strengthening UK–Canada Collaboration
The delegation demonstrated the depth and maturity of the UK–Canada relationship, particularly in technology, innovation, and national security. Across three days of engagement, members gained valuable insight into Canada’s policy landscape, innovation priorities, and regional opportunities, while building meaningful connections with government and industry stakeholders.
For techUK, the delegation marked an important step in strengthening bilateral engagement and supporting members as they explore international growth opportunities. The visit reinforced the strong foundations for continued collaboration between the UK and Canada across digital, defence, and emerging technology sectors.
techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities
techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.
Report: Next steps for UK-Ukraine cooperation in tech, trade and defence
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Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK, techUK
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
