Enterprise Ireland launches Canada Advisory Tech Council

Enterprise Ireland and Industrial Development Authority Ireland have launched a Trade Mission to Toronto and Ottawa this week.

Peter Burke, Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, is expected to launch the country's Canada Advisory Tech Council while in Ontario. The delegation is looking to increase export-ready Irish tech firms through the Canadian business ecosystem. Three Irish tech companies, AI company Brightbeam, fintech company Capisso and security tech company Maya Data Privacy, will discuss Canadian market entry strategy with tech council members.

"Ireland's continued contribution to FDI to Canada, at almost $20 billion CAD, highlights the depth of the economic ties between both countries, and we believe there is a significant opportunity for future growth, both for Irish companies and for Canadian companies seeking a European base," said Burke.

Key sector-specific activities during the mission include meetings between telecoms provider Alpha Wireless and Rogers Communications, as well as dedicated roundtables on cybersecurity and women in leadership.

Data from Enterprise Ireland shows approximately several hundred Irish client companies now export to Canada regularly, spanning digital technologies, industrial technology, life sciences, high-tech construction, fintech, agritech and education.

The Canadian market's significance is further highlighted by the entry of 55 Irish companies into the country last year alone.

Exports from Irish companies to Canada reached a record EUR €585 million (CAD $954 million) in 2024, underscoring growing trade ties between the two countries. This milestone marks a 32 per cent increase from 2021, coinciding with new export and partnership announcements from several Irish technology and services firms.

Irish multinational enterprises operating in Canada collectively employed over 19,000 people in 2024. Separately, firms owned by Irish groups in Canada accounted for 34,000 jobs in the same period.

Canada now ranks as the fourth-largest market for Irish technology and services firms by revenue. The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has facilitated expanded market access for Irish exporters since its implementation.

"Our team in Toronto is focused on supporting more companies to succeed in this exciting market. We now have 300 Enterprise Ireland client companies exporting to Canada on a regular basis, reflecting sustained growth in recent years-especially within the construction, digital technology, and fintech sectors," said David McCaffery, Country Manager Canada, Enterprise Ireland.

Company announcements

Dublin-based HiTech Health has opened a new office in Montreal, further expanding its reach in North America as a contract development and manufacturing organisation focused on cell and gene therapies.

Cork's Sheenco Travel expanded into Canada by recruiting local luxury travel specialists who will focus on delivering tailored experiences for Canadian travellers to Ireland and the UK.

Dublin's Fenergo launched its Agentic AI Suite, with nearly 50 global banks, including Canadian institutions, participating in the early adopter program. The offering covers onboarding, KYC/AML, screening and remediation, and reflects additional AI investment by Enterprise Ireland.

Irish software provider CodeEast partnered with ABEX, a Canadian insurance wholesaler, to implement its ONEview platform, delivering end-to-end automation and data-driven decision-making for ABEX's operations.

Image courtesy of Enterprise Ireland: Peter Burke, Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.