Canada: High-Tech Impulses from North America’s North at the 11^th NRW Nano Conference

Canada is the official partner country of the 11^th NRW Nano-Conference – and with good reason: like North Rhine-Westphalia, Canada boasts a broadly diversified economic structure, ranging from raw materials to highly innovative technology sectors. Both locations share a strong focus on cutting-edge research, powerful industrial networks, and the promotion of key technologies as drivers of sustainable growth and social progress. Particularly in the high-tech sector, there are striking parallels – and exciting opportunities for new collaborations.

A special highlight of this year’s Nano-Conference is the keynote by Professor Pierre Kennepohl, Associate Dean (Community and Innovation) at the Faculty of Science, University of Calgary. Professor Kennepohl exemplifies the combination of basic research and technology transfer, actively fostering dialogue between academia, industry, and society – always aiming to advance sustainable innovation through shared purpose.

Canadian Delegation Live On Site

In the exhibition area, a joint stand organised by Deep Tech Canada invites you to meet the following Canadian institutes and companies:

• Deep Tech Canada
  Deep Tech Canada accelerates the commercialization of disruptive technologies, spurring economic growth in Canada. By supporting Canadian innovators, we help bring ideas to market quickly, creating new jobs and expanding businesses.
  Contact: Isabelle Cyr, Project Director, Deep Tech Canada

• PRIMA Québec
  Quebec’s innovation hub for advanced materials connects industry and research, supporting knowledge transfer and the development of high-tech solutions for industrial and societal challenges.
  Contact: Sebastien Garbarino, Coordinator RSRI Québec for Horizon Europe

• Performance BioFilaments Inc. (PBI)
  A leader in the production of sustainable nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), PBI enhances the performance and environmental footprint of numerous materials. Its NFC is produced using 100% hydropower from certified forests.
  Contact: Gurminder Minhas, Managing Director

• C-Therm Technologies Ltd.
  Global market leader in thermal conductivity measurement equipment, serving sectors such as automotive, additive manufacturing, nanomaterials, and construction.
  Contact: Adam Harris, CEO

• University of Calgary – Faculty of Science
  Focus areas include materials, quantum technologies, carbon capture, printed electronics, solid-state batteries, and nanotechnology. The aim: practical solutions through close cooperation with industry and policymakers.
  Contact: Prof. Pierre Kennepohl

• University of New Brunswick – Nanocomposites and Mechanics Laboratory (NCM Lab)
  Application-driven research in functionalised materials, biocomposites, additive manufacturing, and high-performance coatings. Bridging materials science and industrial application.
  Contact: Prof. Gobinda Saha

International Networking: Matchmaking and Funding Opportunities

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), organised by ZENIT GmbH, actively promotes international collaborations. During the conference lunch breaks, the EEN offers professional matchmaking sessions – an ideal opportunity to connect with international players and initiate technological partnerships.

In addition, Georg Nagel (AiF Projekt GmbH) will present the German-Canadian ZIM Programme, which specifically supports innovation projects between SMEs from Germany and Canada, thus enabling sustainable cooperation beyond the conference itself.

Canada and North Rhine-Westphalia: Two High-Tech Regions Looking Ahead
Meet the delegation in Dortmund and discover new opportunities for your business or research institution!