Calgary companies increasingly compete in markets far beyond city limits. From its growing technology workforce to its transportation infrastructure, the advantages helping Calgary companies compete globally are also attracting the attention of international investors.
This quarter, Calgary Economic Development (CED) followed those opportunities across North America and Europe. While the destinations and industries varied, each mission shared a common goal: to create new opportunities for Calgary businesses to reach new customers and partners, while bringing investment and opportunity back home.
Life sciences companies convened at CPHI Milan, a major international gathering for the pharmaceutical industry. Photo: Contributed
Canada Investment Summit puts Calgary on investors' radar
At the inaugural Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, global investors, funds and business leaders explored projects across the country. Alberta had 27 projects in the national investment deal book — more than any other province — making the province a prominent part of the conversation.
Calgary brought a compelling case to the table: the city offers Canada’s highest concentration of corporate head offices per capita, deep energy expertise and growing capabilities in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. CED used the summit to translate these strengths into conversations with global decision-makers and about where Calgary fits for future expansion and investment projects.
Ontario also offered opportunities for Calgary’s agribusiness sector. At the Canadian Agriculture Investment Forum in Toronto and Meat Industry Expo in Mississauga, meetings with investors and industry leaders helped identify more than $100 million in potential agricultural investment opportunities. Connections with the Canadian Meat Council and other partners supported Calgary’s strengths in food processing and agricultural technology, backed by access to Prairie agricultural production and major transportation routes.
Across the border, Calgary companies were exploring another route to growth. Eight local businesses joined the fourth Calgary–Phoenix Sister Cities Scale-Up Mission, using targeted introductions to meet potential customers, investors and partners. Engagement with regional economic development and civic leaders built on the two cities’ longstanding relationship and created pathways for continued collaboration.
Calgary’s role as an inland logistics hub was also in focus at the IANA Intermodal EXPO in Long Beach, California. Working with the Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence, CED’s first targeted international investment initiative for the sector produced 10 strategic investor meetings and nine investment opportunities representing approximately $64 million in potential capital investment. Calgary’s connections to major air, rail and highway networks give it a strong position in North American supply chains.
Calgary Economic Development team members at the IANA Intermodal EXPO in Long Beach, California. Photo: Calgary Economic Development
Putting Calgary's innovation and creative talent on the world stage
Some of the Blue Sky City’s biggest opportunities are in industries the city hasn’t traditionally been known for.
Calgary’s technology economy is growing alongside its established industries. The city recorded the fastest tech talent growth among major North American markets in CBRE’s 2026 analysis, with its workforce growing 56 per cent between 2022 and 2025. That momentum was part of the story at ALL IN 2026 in Montreal, where more than 6,500 decision-makers and technology specialists gathered to discuss artificial intelligence.
Alongside Quantum City, Amii, the Government of Alberta and companies from across the province, CED helped introduce potential partners and investors to Alberta’s innovation ecosystem and its expanding AI and quantum capabilities.
In Germany, three Calgary game studios — Fortress Games, Grizzly Moose Games and Oni Prism Studios — took the next step onto the world stage at Gamescom 2026. All three had participated in Calgary Games Kiln, a program born from Calgary’s Creative Economy Strategy that supports the local game development community.
The event marked CED’s first creative industries trade mission, reflecting growing international opportunities for Calgary studios. A Calgary booth in the Canadian Pavilion, curated business meetings and market-entry preparation helped participating companies build relationships across the global games industry.
Calgary’s film and television industry also gained international exposure at the Association of Film Commissioners International’s Global Location Showcase in August. Ranked fourth on MovieMaker’s 2026 list of the best places to live and work as a moviemaker in North America, Calgary showcased its diverse filming locations, experienced crews and production infrastructure to industry decision-makers, building connections for future productions.
Calgary Economic Development team members at the Farnborough International Airshow. Photo: Calgary Economic Development
Calgary competes in rapidly evolving global industries
Aerospace, defence and life sciences took Calgary’s story further into Europe last quarter.
In the United Kingdom, the Farnborough International Airshow brought together some of the world's leading aerospace and aviation companies, providing an opportunity for CED to highlight Calgary's growing presence in the sector.
Building on major recent investments — like Lufthansa Technik's $120-million engine maintenance facility — meetings with senior executives from European and U.S. companies focused on potential expansion opportunities, attracting new industry players and strengthening Calgary's position as a global aerospace and defence hub.
The focus on international industry connections continued in Kielce, Poland, where CED represented Calgary as part of Canada's Lead Nation delegation at the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO).
As Canada increases defence investment and prioritizes domestic supply chains, Calgary companies are already developing many of the technologies and capabilities needed to meet growing demand. From advanced manufacturing and aerospace to AI, quantum and autonomous systems, these existing strengths were central to conversations at MSPO, where CED built industry relationships and explored opportunities to connect local companies with international markets and NATO supply chains.
Meanwhile, Milan brought together some of the world's leading life sciences companies at CPHI, a major international gathering for the pharmaceutical industry.
Calgary’s research expertise, clinical trial infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities offer companies a strong pathway from discovery to commercialization. At CPHI, CED connected with manufacturers, investors and industry partners exploring North American expansion, showcasing Calgary’s advantages as a destination for life sciences investment.
Bringing global opportunities home
A meeting abroad doesn’t become an investment or sale overnight. Some of this quarter’s activity is already contributing to investment pipelines and business introductions, while other conversations are laying the groundwork for longer-term partnerships.
This is why CED shows up in these markets — Calgary businesses don’t have to navigate global opportunities alone. By building relationships in the markets where customers, partners and investors make decisions, CED can help local companies find their way in, while making the case for international companies to invest here.
Want to explore international opportunities for your business? Learn more about CED's trade services.