Alberta-Germany / Alberta-France Matchmaking Symposia 2017

From November 19-30, 2017, the GCCIR and members of Alberta Ministry of Economic Development and Trade accompanied a group of 17 innovative Albertan companies on the 2017 Matchmaking Trip to France and Germany. This year, our Matchmaking Symposia took place in Munich, Düsseldorf, Dresden, Paris and Lyon, marking our third trip to France and our sixth trip to Germany. Over these two events, Albertan companies had the opportunity to meet with 67 German and 43 French participants. Most of the Albertan companies also participated in site visits to the Life Sciences Center in Düsseldorf, the Fraunhofer IKTS in Dresden, and Centre for Studies and Technological Research in Microelectronics in Tours.

In addition to the formal program, company representatives had the opportunity to also enjoy cultural events, such as an excursion to the Ayinger Brewery just outside of Munich, a guided tour of the Schifffahrtsmuseum in Düsseldorf, a visit of the Arc de Triomphe, and tour of the old city – Vieux Lyon – in Lyon.

The goal of these trips continues to be facilitating partnerships between Albertan companies and potential partners, with whom they can undertake innovative technology development projects supported by either the Alberta-Germany Collaboration Fund or the Alberta-Canada-France Collaboration Fund.