Germany-United Kingdom artificial intelligence in advanced manufacturing - Canadian Technology Accelerator
The Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) is a premier program managed by Global Affairs Canada's Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), designed to empower Canadian high-potential, high-growth tech companies to explore global opportunities. The Berlin and London CTA teams are excited to announce the opening of recruitment for the next CTA program.
This CTA is targeting 8 to 10 innovative Canadian companies offering artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for the manufacturing industry. The program's first phase includes virtual masterclasses focused on the UK and German AI markets, along with personalized coaching and mentoring for each participant. The second phase takes place in-market, where participants will attend detailed overview sessions about the United Kingdom (UK) and German markets and participate in tailored business-to-business (B2B) meetings with potential clients.
Germany is a major industrial powerhouse and a world leader in key industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering, pharma, and robotics. In 2021, the manufacturing sector accounted for 26.6% of Germany's gross value added. A recent Bitkom survey reveals that 78% of German industrial companies see AI as crucial for future competitiveness, with 70% considering it the most vital technology for their future. Moreover, 82% of manufacturing companies believe Germany should lead the way in AI adoption. Considering this, the German government is set to invest over €1.6 billion in AI research, development, and application during this legislative period, underscoring its commitment to advancing this transformative technology.
The UK is the 8th largest global manufacturing nation with 2.7 million employees and an output of $380 billion CAD in Gross Value Added. Manufacturing industries are looking for radical changes to make it more sustainable, safe, agile, and resilient. The UK manufacturing sector represents nearly 70% of all business research and development funding, primarily aimed to grow manufacturing output and scale through digital technology adoption, innovation, and skills. Furthermore, in 2023, the UK Government announced a further $7.7 billion CAD commitment to the industry, which translates to significant opportunities for Canadian companies with innovative AI solutions tailored for a manufacturing environment.
This CTA program will help selected participants navigate these vibrant markets and connect them to relevant stakeholders to achieve their goals in Germany and the UK. There are unparalleled growth opportunities for Canadian companies looking to expand into these markets, especially if you offer innovative, cutting-edge technologies in areas such as
- computer vision
- machine learning
- natural language processing
- artificial intelligence robotics
- autonomous and sensor technology
- generative AI market
Important dates
| Application deadline | Program dates | Time commitment |
|---|---|---|
| November 13, 2024 | February to April 2025 | 3 hours about the German market 3 hours about the UK market 10 days in the UK and Germany. The tail end of programming is comprised of in-market activities visiting London, Munich, Stuttgart, and Hannover Messe 2025. |
Benefits of joining
The Germany-UK AI in Manufacturing CTA will give you:
- Extensive market briefings on doing business in Germany and the UK, with deep-dive sessions led by sector experts on topics such as the AI in manufacturing landscape, opportunities and challenges of each market, and regulatory frameworks like the EU Data Protection Act and AI Act
- Networking opportunities and connections, with events allowing participants to present to potential buyers, strategic partners, and investors
- Strategic guidance on entering the German and UK markets through tailored mentoring from local industry experts.
Who should apply
High-potential, scale-up stage AI companies who are interested in expanding into Germany and the UK. The applicant must be able to commit to travelling to Germany and the UK for the in-market portion of the programming from March 24 to April 1, 2025.
Your company must have:
- A revenue-generating business with existing market traction and a fully built validated technology
- A passionate management team fully committed to participating in the virtual and in-market program
- A clear go-to-market strategy, specific growth goals, and sufficient resources to enter the UK or German market
The Trade Commissioner Service supports equity, diversity, and inclusion in trade. We strongly encourage companies led by Canadians of underrepresented groups to apply.
Preference will be given to companies with a proven track record with international clients and whose product or service can be commercialized in Germany and in the UK. Additionally, the cohort is seeking companies that already have industrial clients, whether in Canada or abroad.
How the program works
The Germany-UK AI in Advanced Manufacturing CTA is an 8-week hybrid program starting in early February 2025, with most sessions delivered online. The program includes:
- Virtual on-boarding: Introductions to the CTA supporting team, program partners, and fellow cohort members.
- Needs assessment: Analysis of the company's current status, knowledge of the German and the UK market, and program goals.
- Participation in the Hannover Messe 2025, coinciding with the year that Canada will be the Partner Country.
- Virtual market briefings, mentor match-making and coaching sessions.
- Strategic B2B introductions with relevant stakeholders.
Participants will be invited to join the TCS in Germany and the UK to attend the events that will allow them to build and grow their in-market presence and network. Opportunities will be arranged to allow the participants to share their value proposition to key market players, investors, and potential customers during pitching and networking sessions. More information will be shared with the selected cohort.
Testimonial
"I think the CTA UK is the perfect landing pad for any Tech company to launch in the market. It generated insights and results beyond my initial expectations. The UK Canadian delegation were great hosts, and I am looking forward to leveraging our new connections and acquired knowledge to fully embrace the opportunity that the UK market represents. I want to thank everyone involved […] I am truly lucky to have been a part of this and I wish it on anyone with the same aspirations."
"It was one of the finest programs in the recent times. Well planned and thought through."
Contact us
Learn more about the CTA by contacting:
Sebastian Vallejo
Trade Commissioner
Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
Canada's Trade Commissioner Service
sebastian.vallejo@international.gc.ca
Joy del Rosario
Program Coordinator
UK Canadian Technology Accelerator
Canada's Trade Commissioner Service
joy.delrosario@international.gc.ca
