Governor Spencer J. Cox concluded a trade and diplomatic mission to Ireland and Northern Ireland on Oct. 28, focusing on expanding Utah's business and research partnerships in the life sciences and technology sectors. The delegation, which began its travels on Oct. 20, aimed to connect Utah companies with European and UK markets through meetings with international leaders and site visits to major industrial facilities.
Mission Objectives and Participants
The mission, organized by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in partnership with World Trade Center Utah, included state officials, members of the Utah Legislature, higher education leaders, and Utah business executives. Participants sought to explore opportunities in advanced manufacturing, digital technology, energy infrastructure, quantum computing, and life sciences.
Diplomatic Meetings in Dublin
During the trip, Governor Cox met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin to discuss strengthening existing relationships. According to Gov. Cox, the discussions also addressed issues of concern to families in both regions, including online child safety and increasing access to homeownership.
Medical Technology Connections
The delegation visited Galway to strengthen ties in the medical technology industry. Governor Cox visited Utah-based Merit Medical, which has operated in Galway for 30 years and employs more than 1,000 people, and Medtronic, which utilizes medical technology developed by Salt Lake City-based Scientia Vascular to treat strokes and aneurysms.
Industry Leadership and Synergy
BioUtah reported that the mission included several prominent industry members, such as Varex Imaging, Renegade Medical, Blackrock Neurotech, Bloom Surgical, Intermountain Health, Aust Group, Portal Innovations, and Sera Prognostics. Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah, stated that Utah and Ireland share a common bond as premier hubs for medical technology innovation and that deepening these relationships opens new doors for Utah companies to expand into European and UK markets.
Expanding into Northern Ireland
In Belfast, the delegation met with Northern Ireland Assembly leaders to discuss business opportunities. Governor Cox noted that Northern Ireland’s connections to both UK and EU markets make it a significant partner for Utah companies seeking to reach international customers.
Global Market Integration
The delegation also met with the Irish equivalent to the FDA and various trade associations in Dublin, Galway, and Belfast. In Dublin, the mission included a visit to the startup accelerator Dogpatch Labs and concluded with a technology panel discussion at Google’s European headquarters.
Government Delegation Members
Other government participants on the mission included Ambassador Jeff Flake, GOED Commissioner Jefferson Moss, Senators Mike McKell and Wayne Harper, and Representatives Paul Cutler and Logan Monson.
