Our journey across the UK and Germany unlocked unexpected insights, powerful partnerships, and a front-row view into how AI is reshaping the world of advanced manufacturing. Here's what we discovered — and why it matters for the future of industry.
Kicking Off in the United Kingdom: Innovation Meets Legacy
Visit to C. Brandauer & Co Ltd. — Our First Stop
Our journey through the UK began with a visit to C. Brandauer & Co Ltd., a respected leader in precision manufacturing with deep historical roots. Hosted by Rowan Crozier MBE, the tour was both enlightening and inspiring.
Brandauer is known for its relentless pursuit of innovation, continually investing in state-of-the-art equipment to stay at the forefront of precision component production. The company has built a global reputation for exceptional quality and engineering craftsmanship.
One of the highlights of the visit was witnessing the production of razor blades firsthand — a process that demands both technical precision and an unwavering commitment to quality. This experience gave us a deeper appreciation of how traditional manufacturers are embracing continuous improvement to maintain a competitive edge in modern industry.
Learning from Industry at STEAMhouse
After our first stop at Brandauer, we visited STEAMhouse, a dynamic hub for innovation and industry collaboration. This leg of the journey provided us with invaluable opportunities to engage directly with some of the UK’s most forward-thinking manufacturers:
-
Metal Assemblies, recognized for advanced presswork and precision components in the automotive sector
-
Dacfon Technologies, developing IoT and smart connectivity solutions for industrial applications
-
Frederick Cooper, a service-driven, cost-effective leader in wet paint spraying and powder coating
-
Thermo Fisher, a global science and technology leader shaping lab-to-production workflows
- Kollestee UK Global, a technology-driven company delivering innovative, sustainable solutions with a focus on reliability and global impact
These weren’t just surface-level meetings — we had the chance to understand each company’s real operational needs and current pain points. Whether it was about automating legacy processes, adopting predictive maintenance models, or streamlining quality control systems, our conversations helped us clearly see where AI can make the greatest impact.
Strategic Engagements: From Diplomacy to Vision
Meeting the High Commissioner and Trade Representatives at the Canadian Embassy
We began our second day at the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, where we were warmly welcomed by High Commissioner H.E. Ralph Goodale, Trade Commissioner Sanjay Purohit, and Claudio Ramirez, Manager of the Canadian Technology Accelerator programme. Their combined leadership and strategic insights reinforced Canada’s global innovation footprint and encouraged deeper cross-border collaboration.
Panel Discussion: AI in Manufacturing
At the High Commission, we participated in a high-impact panel discussion on AI Technologies in Manufacturing, hosted by James Selka DL, a distinguished figure in the manufacturing sector. We were joined by an esteemed group of panelists including Mark Morley, MBA, Nina Gryf, Aparajithan Sivanathan, and Yazan Qarout, PhD, MIET. Together, we explored how AI is transforming operations, enabling smarter decisions, and driving competitive advantage across the global manufacturing landscape.
Together, we engaged in a thought-provoking conversation on how AI is transforming the manufacturing landscape — from optimizing factory operations to driving strategic decisions across supply chains. With diverse expertise spanning industry, innovation, and policy, the discussion offered a comprehensive view of the opportunities and challenges AI brings to advanced manufacturing.
Power Meetings with Germany’s Industrial Giants
We were honored that our first stop in Germany involved direct meetings with representatives from some of the country’s most iconic and innovative companies, including MAN, BMW, BSH, Infineon Technologies, and Rohde & Schwarz. These conversations offered valuable insights into how Germany’s industrial leaders are approaching digital transformation, sustainable manufacturing, and the strategic integration of emerging technologies across global operations.
These conversations gave us a rare window into how Germany’s industrial giants are approaching the next phase of manufacturing — with a focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and the strategic integration of emerging technologies. It was an exceptional way to begin our immersion into Germany’s innovation landscape.
Showcasing Innovation at Hannover Messe: Eureka Pitch Events
Our final stop was Hannover Messe, one of the world’s largest industrial exhibitions. Here, under the programme’s banner of “AI Technologies in Manufacturing,” we pitched in two Eureka Pitch Events, showcasing how our solutions align with global digital transformation priorities.
These sessions gave us valuable feedback and opportunities for cross-border partnerships in areas such as machine learning-based diagnostics, smart assembly systems, and intelligent production analytics.
Key Takeaways and What's Next
We return with:
-
Deeper insight into AI’s industrial applications
-
A roadmap for international expansion
-
Strategic collaborations with European leaders
-
A renewed vision for scaling Canadian innovation abroad
FAQs
What is the Canadian Technology Accelerators programme?
It’s a government-backed initiative helping Canadian startups scale through mentorship, workshops, and in-market engagement.
Why is AI in advanced manufacturing important?
AI improves efficiency, predicts failures, enhances quality, and optimizes supply chains across industrial sectors.
How do startups benefit from international accelerator programmes?
They gain market access, real-time insights, partner introductions, and regulatory know-how essential for scaling.
What is Hannover Messe?
It’s the premier global industrial expo featuring the latest in smart manufacturing and industrial tech.
How can other companies join CTA?
Apply through the Trade Commissioner Service portal under the relevant sector stream.