Environmental & Innovation Forum 2026 Feature Speaker: Nicole Harbauer
Nicole Harbauer
Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada
Nicole Harbauer is a Trade Commissioner with Global Affairs Canada, where she supports Alberta-based energy sector and cleantech companies looking to seize international opportunities. Nicole develops programming to showcase the work of companies with capabilities in emissions reduction and carbon management to international buyers. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC), and the Steering Committee for the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN). Previously based in the United Arab Emirates, Nicole led the development of Canada’s commercial program at Expo 2020 Dubai. She was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Prior to joining the public sector, Nicole served as the Director of Operations at the Economic Club of Canada, Canada’s leading public affairs forum.
The Government of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps Canadian exporters grow and succeed through international trade. Businesses that work with the TCS get access to funding and support programs, international opportunities, and a network of Trade Commissioners in more than 160 cities worldwide.
Session Details
From Pilot Project to Global Market: What Alberta Innovators Need to Know About Scaling Internationally
Developing an innovative technology is one challenge. Achieving the scale needed to create lasting value is another—and increasingly, global markets are essential to that success.
Nicole will explore what Alberta innovators need to consider when taking proven technologies beyond Canada and into international markets, including:
Why global markets matter. Innovation does not create its full value until it is adopted at scale, and international markets can provide Alberta resource technologies with the opportunity to achieve that scale.
What the world wants from Alberta. Technologies and expertise developed through Alberta’s experience responsibly developing its resources can have applications well beyond our borders.
Overcoming barriers to global growth. Nicole will provide a practical look at the non-technical barriers innovators can encounter when scaling internationally and what companies should understand as they pursue opportunities in new markets.
Her session will provide an important international perspective on how environmental innovations developed and proven in Alberta can reach new customers, access larger markets and compete globally.
