AxialBridge Strengthens Canada-UK Ties Through Strategic Delegation Visit to Calgary

AxialBridge Strengthens Canada-UK Ties Through Strategic Delegation Visit to Calgary

Calgary, AB – June 5, 2025 – AxialBridge recently had the privilege of hosting a distinguished delegation from Northern Ireland and Great Britain, including Victor Gault, Tim Brundle, and Joann Rhodes MBA. Over several days, the group engaged with Alberta’s thriving health and life sciences, technology, and agtech sectors, with the aim of enhancing bilateral relationships and expanding collaborative opportunities between Northern Ireland and Alberta.

For over a year, AxialBridge has been actively developing initiatives to foster Canada-UK partnerships that benefit our clients and partners. In the coming weeks, the company will announce new strategic partnerships and programs that will advance this mission.

A highlight of the visit was the delegation’s tour of Innovate Calgary’s Life Science Innovation Hub. This experience was especially significant as Ulster University embarks on a major institutional expansion, bolstered by recent City and Growth Deals funding valued at approximately $4 billion CAD. This funding marks an unprecedented opportunity for Northern Ireland’s innovation landscape. Joann Rhodes MBA, representing the Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI), found the visit invaluable in validating her strategic vision for developing Northern Ireland’s innovation clusters. AxialBridge extends its gratitude to Nima Najand and Inês Bartilotti for their warm hospitality during the visit.

The delegation also met with Invest Alberta’s Global Partnership team, led by Shane M. Jaffer, and participated in insightful presentations from Lin Tang of Calgary Economic Development, highlighting the depth of Alberta’s life sciences ecosystem. Discussions underscored the strong parallels between Northern Ireland and Alberta and emphasized the mutual benefits of closer Canada-UK collaboration. Special thanks to John Richardson and Alejandra Gutierrez for their support in facilitating these engagements.

Further advancing the dialogue, AxialBridge participated in a panel discussion at Inventures 2025 focused on market diversification beyond the United States. The panel featured industry leaders including Dan Gooding, Amanda J.W. McNaughton, Robb Stoddard, Nima Najand, and Jeevan N., and reinforced the shared theme of innovation through collaboration.

The delegation’s week culminated with a private reception and dinner hosted by His Excellency Rob Tinline, British High Commissioner to Canada, and Jonathan Turner, British Consul General to Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. This exclusive event provided an opportunity to deepen discussions around strategic objectives and future initiatives. AxialBridge thanks the High Commissioner for his ongoing support and advocacy, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining momentum in this vital partnership.

As AxialBridge prepares for a follow-up visit to the UK in the coming weeks, the company remains dedicated to driving innovation, commercialization, and investment that strengthen international ties and foster economic growth.