Canadian and Danish Robotics Clusters Sign Collaboration Agreement at World’s Largest Industrial Trade Fair
- amandahacio
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The Canadian Robotics Council (CRC) and Odense Robotics – the respective national robotics clusters from Canada and Denmark – have signed a Letter of Intent designed to deepen collaboration on robotics innovation and adoption between the two countries.
The agreement was signed on April 2, 2025 at Hannover Messe—one of the world’s largest industrial technology trade fairs—by Hallie Siegel, the newly appointed CEO of the CRC, and Søren Elmer Kristensen, CEO of Odense Robotics.
“This agreement brings together two leading robotics nations with a shared vision innovation,” says Hallie Siegel, CEO of the Canadian Robotics Council. “It positions Canada and Denmark as global leaders in robotics adoption, commercialization, and R&D, while opening doors to new markets, talent, and technologies for both our countries.”
The agreement builds on a relationship between the two robotics clusters that was cemented in 2024 when Kristensen visited Canada to deliver a keynote at the third annual Canadian Robotics Council Symposium. It outlines a commitment to jointly advance robotics research, development, and adoption across all sectors in both countries.
“Denmark and Canada both believe in the power of partnerships to drive innovation,” says Søren Elmer Kristensen, CEO of Odense Robotics. “This agreement reflects our shared ambition to accelerate robotics adoption and shape the future of automation, driven by our mutual values of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.”
Underscoring the international significance of the agreement, the signing was immediately followed by a panel of robotics cluster leaders from Canada, Denmark, Germany and Europe, including Rainer Bischoff, Vice President of Industry at euRobotics aisbl, Angela Schoellig, Principal Investigator at the Robotics Institute Germany. Jayson Myers, CEO of NGen, and Ryan Gariepy, Board Chair of the Canadian Robotics Council and Board Member at Open Robotics, delivered opening remarks.
“This agreement is a key milestone for our respective organizations, industries, and societies” says Ryan Gariepy, Board Chair of the CRC. “Partnerships like this will help us accelerate the development and use of robotics to new levels.”
The signing and panel discussion took place against the backdrop of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s opening address at Hannover Messe, where he emphasized the importance of international cooperation among democratic allies when it comes to advancing technological leadership.
As the partner country at Hannover Messe this year, Canada’s participation was part of a broader trade mission aimed at diversifying its trade relationships and expanding Canada’s access to international markets. Scholtz’ remarks that "Canada is not a state that belongs to anyone else. Canada is a proud, independent nation," were welcomed by Canadian delegates, and added further significance to the CRC’s partnership agreement with Odense, and the international panel that followed.
“Robotics clusters are powerful engines of economic development and international cooperation,” adds Siegel. “The presence of robotics cluster leaders from Denmark, Germany and the EU at this international trade event signifies the importance of transatlantic partnerships to Canada. CRC’s collaboration agreement with Odense Robotics is just the beginning.”
About the Canadian Robotics Council
The Canadian Robotics Council (CRC) is Canada’s national robotics cluster, representing the leading robotics stakeholders from industry, government and academia. Our mission is to provide the strategic intelligence necessary to advance the domestic adoption of robotics solutions in Canada and help Canadian robotics innovators succeed on the global stage.
About Odense Robotics
Odense Robotics is Denmark’s national cluster for robot, automation and drone technology. Our purpose is to improve the world with Danish robotics. We offer companies opportunities to develop innovative products and technologies, strengthen their foundation for growth, attract talent and forge relations with new collaboration partners. We do this through projects, networks and events – often in close collaboration with our many partners in Denmark and internationally. Odense Robotics is headquartered in Odense and has regional hubs across the country.
