Artificial intelligence

You know those trips where everything moves fast, where every pavilion you visit gives you a glimpse of the future… except this future isn’t so distant. In fact, it’s already happening—right here, right now. That’s the essence of Hannover Messe.

This year, Canada was the guest of honour. Quite the recognition for what is considered one of the world’s largest industrial and technology trade shows. An incredible showcase, yes—but also a serious responsibility: to prove what we’re made of when it comes to innovation, technology, and industrial transformation.

And we didn’t show up halfway. More than 600 Canadians were part of the delegation: businesses of all sizes, government representatives, researchers, innovators, and curious minds—all united under one banner, driven by collaboration and openness. And get this: nearly 300 of those companies were from Quebec. Proof of our province’s strong technological momentum and appetite for innovation.

AI Everywhere, All the Time

If one theme dominated the conversations and demonstrations this year, it was artificial intelligence. It was everywhere—truly everywhere.

From optimizing equipment maintenance and improving energy efficiency, to guiding robots on assembly lines and predicting factory logistics needs, AI has become omnipresent.

Not in a trendy or experimental way—but through concrete, integrated, and deployed solutions. Europe seems to have moved past the testing phase; we’re now talking about large-scale implementation. And even for those of us who work in AI, it’s impressive—sometimes even a little unsettling.

Let’s be honest: if we want to keep pace—or better yet, stay ahead—we need to accelerate. Global innovation isn’t slowing down to wait for laggards. The countries gaining ground today are securing strategic advantages for decades to come. And in this global tech sprint, it’s not just about innovating—it’s about commercializing quickly, training talent, and above all, collaborating smartly.

A Unifying Mission

Beyond the technology, what struck me most was the spirit that united the Canadian mission. Seeing so many people from different provinces, industries, and backgrounds working together was genuinely inspiring. And that’s exactly what we need right now: cohesion, vision, and a collective push to strengthen our ecosystem.

Connections were made, ideas took root, and projects began to form. For many SMEs, it was their first step onto the global stage. For others, it was a chance to reinforce strategic partnerships or explore new markets. In every case, this kind of mission acts as a catalyst—it builds momentum.

The Shadow of Trade Tensions

It’s impossible to talk about global innovation without acknowledging today’s geopolitical climate. Even in the aisles of a tech fair, U.S. tariffs were a recurring topic. With elections approaching in Canada and a rise in protectionist rhetoric, uncertainty is in the air.

And businesses feel it. Some are hesitant to invest, while others are actively looking to diversify their markets. The takeaway is clear: we need to strengthen our trade ties elsewhere—particularly with Europe.

That’s where Canada’s role becomes strategic. We’re seen as a reliable, agile, and innovative partner. There’s a huge opportunity to build on that reputation.

What I Took Away

This mission to Hannover was more than just a trade show—it was a wake-up call. The world is moving fast. AI is truly changing the game. Automation is advancing rapidly. And the global economic and political context only adds a sense of urgency.

But it was also full of hope. Because despite the challenges, Canada has everything it needs to play in the big leagues. We have the talent, the ideas, the resources, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Now it’s time to double down on speed, collaboration, and above all—the will to act.

It’s time to take the next step: to encourage the responsible adoption of new technologies, to support our companies in scaling globally, and to foster an environment where experimentation, boldness, and innovation can thrive.

And most importantly—it’s time to move forward together.

If this mission taught me one thing, it’s that the future isn’t written alone. It’s built through networks, teamwork, and shared ambition.