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Montreal, Canada | December 17, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is delighted to announce that Stathera, a leading provider of next-generation MEMS timing solutions, has joined the Council as its newest member. This addition further strengthens CSC’s mission to unite key players across Canada’s semiconductor ecosystem to drive innovation, commercialization, and global competitiveness. Stathera is recognized as a leader in MEMS timing technology, delivering innovative solutions for applications such as IoT, wearables, telecommunications, and more. Their advancements in timing technology enable greater precision, reliability, and energy efficiency, making them a key contributor to Canada’s growing semiconductor ecosystem. “We are glad to welcome Stathera to the CSC community,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. “Their innovative solutions not only address critical industry needs but also help to position Canada as an already established leader in MEMS semiconductor technologies.” “We are excited to join Canada’s Semiconductor Council and collaborate with industry leaders shaping the future of semiconductors,” said George Xereas, Co-founder and CEO of Stathera. “Our mission is to revolutionize timing solutions with reliable, power-efficient MEMS technology, which is rooted in advanced semiconductor processes. Through CSC’s platform, we aim to drive broader adoption of MEMS-based timing solutions and help position Canada as a global semiconductor hub.” Stathera joins an expanding roster of industry leaders, including semiconductor design firms, manufacturers, and AI chip innovators, all committed to advancing Canada’s semiconductor capabilities. CSC continues to promote collaboration, advocate for strategic investments, and address key challenges in the semiconductor supply chain. For more information about Stathera, visit www.stathera.com. About Canada's Semiconductor Council Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Toronto, Canada | December 10, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is pleased to announce Lightmatter, the leader in photonic supercomputing, as the latest industry association member. As a frontrunner in developing photonic processors that leverage light instead of electricity, Lightmatter delivers groundbreaking advancements to AI chip design and energy-efficient computing, reinforcing Canada’s leadership in sustainable and innovative AI technology. CSC’s AI Chips Working Group submitted a proposal to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) for the recently announced $2.4 billion federal funding for AI compute, which positions Canadian innovation at the heart of a more sustainable AI ecosystem. Lightmatter’s photonic processors align perfectly with this vision, making the company exceptionally valuable within Canada’s tech landscape, which increasingly prioritizes green, high-performance AI hardware. “As we strive to expand Canada’s capabilities in the semiconductor sector, it is vital to partner with innovators like Lightmatter that are transforming AI compute by unlocking bandwidth, energy efficiency, and latency for data centers to scale. Lightmatter’s work complements our ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive, sustainable semiconductor ecosystem that prioritizes power savings and performance,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. “Joining CSC reflects our commitment to advancing the field of AI computation through cutting-edge photonic technology,” Rishi Anand, Senior Director at Lightmatter, shared. “We see immense potential in Canada to support in scaling the data center infrastructure required to power the future of AI. Lightmatter is excited to collaborate with CSC and its members to bring a new dimension of energy efficiency and performance to AI systems.” Canada’s Semiconductor Council looks forward to working with Lightmatter to drive initiatives supporting Canada’s semiconductor supply chain, accelerate R&D, and foster environmentally sustainable solutions for AI technologies. About Lightmatter Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure and enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company’s groundbreaking Passage™ platform—the world's fastest 3D-stacked photonics engine—connects thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light. Designed to eliminate critical data bottlenecks, Lightmatter’s technology enables unparalleled efficiency and scalability for the most advanced AI and high performance computing workloads, pushing the boundaries of AI infrastructure. To learn more visit https://lightmatter.co/ About Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Montreal, Canada | December 2, 2024 Canada's Semiconductor Council (CSC) is pleased to announce that Cadence, an innovation leader in electronic system design, has joined the industry association as its newest member. Renowned for its cutting-edge electronic design automation (EDA) tools, intellectual property (IP), and advanced design services, Cadence brings a wealth of expertise that aligns with CSC's mission to accelerate Canada's growth as a global semiconductor hub. "We are delighted to welcome Cadence to Canada's Semiconductor Council," said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of CSC. "Cadence’s state-of-the-art solutions have empowered countless breakthroughs in semiconductor design globally. Their expertise will play a pivotal role as we address key challenges, from advancing chip design capabilities to driving innovation across the Canadian semiconductor supply chain." "Joining the CSC is a natural fit for Cadence, given our shared commitment to advancing the semiconductor industry," said Michael Venditti, Design Engineering Director, Silicon Solutions Group at Cadence. "Canada has tremendous potential to play a key role in semiconductor industry innovation, and we’re committed to working with the CSC and its members to promote semiconductor talent and workforce development in Canada." The addition of Cadence to CSC's membership roster further strengthens the organization's position as a leading voice for the Canadian semiconductor industry, underscoring CSC's momentum in rallying key players to build a vibrant, sustainable, and globally competitive semiconductor industry in Canada. About Canada's Semiconductor Council Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Toronto, Canada | November 14, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is pleased to announce that Ulkasemi, a leader in semiconductor design services, has joined as the newest member of the industry association. With a proven track record in high quality semiconductor design services for semiconductor OEMs, fabless design houses, and electronic system design companies, Ulkasemi’s membership underscores the increasing momentum within CSC’s network of industry leaders, who are committed to establishing Canada as a global leader in semiconductor technology. “We are glad to welcome Ulkasemi to Canada’s Semiconductor Council,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. “Their knowledge and experience in the global semiconductor industry make them a valuable asset to our community. With Ulkasemi’s support, we can further advance our mission of strengthening Canada’s position as a hub for semiconductor innovation and building resilience in the industry.” This addition brings new opportunities for Canadian industry players to leverage Ulkasemi’s global experience and technical capabilities, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data processing, and 5G technologies. “Joining Canada’s Semiconductor Council is an exciting step for Ulkasemi as we continue to expand our presence and collaborate with other innovators in the Canadian semiconductor landscape,” said Enayetur Rahman, CEO, Ulkasemi. “We look forward to contributing to CSC’s mission and working together to strengthen Canada’s semiconductor sector.” Ulkasemi’s addition to CSC highlights the growing importance of collaboration in building a robust semiconductor industry in Canada, capable of supporting next-generation technologies and critical infrastructure. About Ulkasemi Founded in 2007, Ulkasemi provides comprehensive semiconductor design and engineering services to customers worldwide. Specializing in advanced IC design, system verification, and design implementation, Ulkasemi is recognized for delivering high-quality, innovative solutions across various semiconductor applications. For more information, visit https://www.ulkasemi.com/ About Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Ottawa, Canada | November 1, 2024 Canada's Semiconductor Council (CSC) is glad to announce that Infineon Technologies has joined as the latest member of the industry association, further bolstering the Council's mission to support the growth and competitiveness of Canada's semiconductor ecosystem. Infineon, a global leader in semiconductor solutions, is already playing a vital role within CSC’s Automotive Microchips Working Group. The company has been an important contributor to CSC’s report on the automotive microchips supply chain in Canada, pointing out gaps and identifying opportunities for semiconductor companies. Infineon’s extensive expertise in automotive microchips and EV technologies is helping shape critical recommendations to enhance Canada’s semiconductor capabilities, secure the EV supply chain, and drive innovation in the rapidly evolving automotive sector. "We are thrilled to welcome Infineon as an official member of the Council," said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. "Their contributions to our Automotive Microchips Working Group have been invaluable in identifying supply chain challenges and opportunities for Canada. With their expertise, we are confident that Canada can take significant steps forward in building a robust and resilient EV supply chain." Infineon’s membership aligns with CSC’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration between industry leaders, government, and academia, addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities in Canada’s semiconductor sector. As the Council works toward finalizing its recommendations for strengthening the EV semiconductor supply chain, Infineon’s continued participation will help drive meaningful outcomes. "Infineon is excited to deepen our involvement with Canada's Semiconductor Council," said Benoit Rousseau, Vice President, Product Line Head, Infineon Technologies. "As a leading provider of semiconductor solutions for the automotive sector, we see tremendous potential in Canada to become a key player in the global EV supply chain. Through CSC’s initiatives, we look forward to contributing to the development of strategic solutions that will drive innovation and growth." About Infineon Technologies Infineon Technologies is a world leader in semiconductor solutions, enabling smart, energy-efficient technologies for a wide range of industries, including automotive, power management, and IoT. Infineon’s products and systems help make life easier, safer, and greener, driving sustainable progress in a connected world. To learn more, visit https://www.infineon.com/ About Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Ottawa, ON | October 21, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CMC Microsystems, a not-for-profit organization that accelerates research and innovation in advanced technologies. Through this MOU, CSC and CMC Microsystems have expressed their mutual commitment to working together on collaborative initiatives, leveraging both organizations' strengths to enhance the country’s digital economy. Both parties believe that their combined efforts will bring benefits to the Canadian semiconductor ecosystem by fostering innovation and economic growth. “We’re excited to formalize our relationship with Canada’s Semiconductor Council. By working together, we can ensure that Canadian researchers, start-ups, and companies have access to the tools and expertise they need to innovate in a fast-moving global marketplace. This MOU is an important step in aligning our efforts to support the growth of Canada’s semiconductor ecosystem,” said Gordon Harling, President and CEO of CMC Microsystems. Under the MOU, CSC and CMC Microsystems will collaborate to strengthen Canada’s semiconductor ecosystem by promoting each other's roles through various channels and holding regular discussions to explore new opportunities and address sector challenges. Both organizations will share insights and knowledge by participating in each other's advisory boards, with Paul Slaby and Gordon Harling taking seats on the respective Boards of Directors. Additionally, CSC and CMC Microsystems will support each other’s initiatives, further advancing innovation and growth within Canada's semiconductor sector. “This collaboration with CMC Microsystems is a key part of our mission to build a resilient, competitive, and world-leading semiconductor industry in Canada. By joining forces, we can drive the national strategy for the sector and support the development of innovations that will power Canada’s digital economy,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. The partnership between CSC and CMC Microsystems marks a pivotal step in strengthening Canada’s leadership in the semiconductor ecosystem, building on the unique value each organization brings to the industry. About CMC Microsystems CMC Microsystems is a not-for-profit organization that accelerates research and innovation in advanced technologies including microelectronics, photonics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and quantum software and hardware. CMC manages and powers FABrIC, an initiative that secures Canada’s future in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. For more information on FABrIC including open and upcoming Challenge Calls, how to participate, upcoming events and more visit www.fabricinnovation.ca About Canada’s Semiconductor Council Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Toronto, ON | October 17, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is proud to announce that Groq, a leader in fast AI inference, has officially joined as its newest member. Groq is the creator of LPU™ AI inference technology, a hardware and software platform that delivers exceptional AI compute at scale. Groq offers cloud and on-prem solutions that deliver world class inference speed and quality, while delivering up to 10x more energy efficiency at an architectural level. Groq will support CSC’s AI Chips Working Group mission to enhance Canada’s position as a leader in AI compute. “Groq is excited to join Canada’s Semiconductor Council and work alongside industry leaders dedicated to advancing the semiconductor sector. Canada offers unique opportunities for growth in AI and semiconductors, and we look forward to contributing to the Council’s efforts to shape the future of this critical industry,” said Igor Arsovski, Chief Architect, Groq. Groq joining CSC will further enhance collaborative initiatives aimed at creating new opportunities for Canada’s semiconductor ecosystem. Leaders like Groq are providing fresh perspectives and innovative technologies that contribute to national AI funding policies. This is particularly significant in light of the current ISED consultation process with CSC, where inputs from emerging companies are helping shape the future of AI funding and policy frameworks in Canada. “We enthusiastically welcome Groq to Canada’s Semiconductor Council. Their advanced AI processing solutions and innovative technology will bring invaluable expertise to our community,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. About Groq Groq builds fast AI inference technology. Groq® LPU™ AI inference technology is a hardware and software platform that delivers exceptional AI compute speed, quality, and energy efficiency. Groq, headquartered in Silicon Valley, provides cloud and on-prem solutions at scale for AI applications. The LPU and related systems are designed and manufactured in North America. Learn more at groq.com . About Canada’s Semiconductor Council Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Vancouver, BC | October 3, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is pleased to announce that Ansys has joined the Council as its newest member. As a leading provider of simulation tools used extensively by semiconductor companies worldwide, Ansys brings critical expertise to support the advancement of semiconductor innovation across Canada. Ansys’ semiconductor solutions are widely adopted by chip manufacturers to ensure that designs meet demanding performance and power requirements, particularly for advanced applications like 5G, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing. The company’s platform allows engineers to detect and mitigate potential issues early in the design process, leading to more robust, reliable, and energy-efficient chips. “Ansys’ simulation tools are essential for driving efficiency and accelerating innovation in semiconductor design,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. “There are synergies between providers of advanced EDA tools and the semiconductor design companies that use them. Being part of an organization that encompasses both types of industry members will help to further grow our industry.” Ansys joins a growing list of leading industry players working with CSC to address key challenges in semiconductor manufacturing, research, and development, including talent attraction, funding, and scaling opportunities. “We’re excited to partner with Canada’s Semiconductor Council to help foster the growth of the semiconductor sector,” said Rafiq Somani, Ansys Area VP and Country Manager of Canada. “Our simulation software empowers companies to overcome the most complex challenges in semiconductor design, and we look forward to supporting the ecosystem in Canada.” About Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Toronto, ON | September 10, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is pleased to announce that Tenstorrent, a next-generation computing company that builds computers for AI, has joined as its newest member. This marks a significant milestone in CSC’s ongoing efforts to advance Canada’s semiconductor industry, particularly in the rapidly growing fields of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Tenstorrent is renowned for its innovative approach to AI and machine learning, developing cutting-edge hardware and software solutions that push the boundaries of performance and efficiency. By joining CSC, Tenstorrent is poised to contribute its expertise and leadership to help shape the future of Canada’s semiconductor ecosystem. “Tenstorrent joining Canada’s Semiconductor Council is a tremendous boost for our industry,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of CSC. “Their pioneering work in AI hardware aligns perfectly with our mission to position Canada as a global leader in semiconductor innovation. We look forward to the valuable insights and advancements Tenstorrent will bring to our collaborative efforts.” Eric Duffy, Global Head of Business Development at Tenstorrent, will take a seat on CSC's Advisory Board and assume the role of Chair of the AI Chips Working Group. With a wealth of experience in business development and AI hardware solutions, Eric is uniquely positioned to guide the Working Group in harnessing Canada’s significant AI talent and thought leadership to create distinct competitive advantages in the global semiconductor market. “Tenstorrent’s membership in Canada’s Semiconductor Council reflects our commitment to accelerating the growth of AI, not just in Canada but globally,” said Jim Keller, CEO of Tenstorrent. “We are excited to work alongside other industry leaders to drive innovation and ensure that Canada remains at the forefront of AI and semiconductor advancements.” The addition of Tenstorrent to the Council is expected to enhance Canada’s competitive edge in the global semiconductor market, particularly in areas where AI and high-performance computing intersect. The company’s innovative approach and proven track record will be instrumental in advancing the Council’s strategic goals and reinforcing Canada’s position as a leader in semiconductor innovation. About Tenstorrent Tenstorrent is a next-generation computing company that builds computers for AI. Tenstorrent is headquartered in North America, with offices in Toronto, Austin, Santa Clara, Belgrade, Tokyo, Bangalore, Seoul, and Singapore. Tenstorrent brings together experts in the field of computer architecture, ASIC design, advanced systems, and neural network compilers. Tenstorrent is backed by Fidelity, Samsung Catalyst Fund, Hyundai Motor Group, Eclipse Ventures and Real Ventures, among others. Learn more at tenstorrent.com. About Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
OTTAWA, CANADA | August 26, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) announced that nanoFAB, a premier open access semiconductor micro and nano fabrication and materials characterization centre based at the University of Alberta, has joined the industry association. This strategic partnership enhances the collaborative efforts within the Canadian semiconductor ecosystem, leveraging nanoFAB’s success in supporting startup and SME semiconductor manufacturing needs through state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise to drive commercialization growth in the sector. “We are delighted to welcome nanoFAB to Canada’s Semiconductor Council,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of CSC. “nanoFAB's open access cutting edge capabilities and success in supporting proof of concept, MVP and early stage production of semiconductor products by industry make it a valuable addition to our community. Their membership will significantly bolster our efforts to foster a robust, innovative, and globally competitive semiconductor industry in Canada.” Established in 1999, nanoFAB is a world-class facility offering comprehensive micro and nanofabrication and characterization services to academia, industry, and government. With over 20 years of experience, nanoFAB provides researchers and businesses with access to advanced tools and processes, enabling groundbreaking research and the development of next-generation technologies. “Joining Canada’s Semiconductor Council aligns with our mission to enable and empower companies to create new semiconductor technologies in Canada, and our vision to grow an industry focused semiconductor manufacturing capability,” said Dr. Eric Flaim, Director of nanoFAB. “We are excited to collaborate with CSC and its members to drive forward technological advancements and contribute to the thriving semiconductor ecosystem in our country.” nanoFAB's addition to CSC comes at a time of rapid growth and transformation within the semiconductor industry. As a member of CSC, nanoFAB will participate in collaborative initiatives, contribute to policy discussions, and engage in strategic projects aimed at enhancing Canada’s position in the global semiconductor landscape. Canada’s Semiconductor Council is dedicated to propelling the growth and development of the nation's semiconductor sector. Welcoming nanoFAB into CSC's membership strengthens our efforts to create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem, positioning Canada at the forefront of global semiconductor technology and commercialization. About nanoFAB nanoFAB is a premier open access semiconductor micro and nano fabrication and characterization centre located at the University of Alberta. Providing comprehensive semiconductor fabrication and characterization training and services, nanoFAB supports research and development, and multi-sector niche, high-value product manufacturing across academia, industry, and government. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a commitment to innovation, nanoFAB supports over 200 groups, including over 50 companies, providing training to over 500 HQP and supporting over 200 industry jobs annually. This enables the creation of next-generation technologies, while fostering collaboration within the scientific and business communities. For more information about nanoFAB, visit: https://www.nanofab.ualberta.ca/ About Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. CSC is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. The organization's goal is to strengthen our domestic supply chain resiliency and future in the digital economy by establishing Canada as a leader for semiconductor research, design, development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Chip firms push for 'buy Canadian' approach to $2B AI compute plan
The Logic, Oct. 2024
Firms making chips and other computing hardware in Canada are urging the federal government to include them in its $2-billion plan to build ou the country's artificial intelligence infrastructure, instead of splurging on U.S. tech giants.
Canada Steps Up Semiconductor Investment
EE Times, Jul. 2024
The Canadian federal government recently stepped up its support of the country’s semiconductor industry directly and indirectly with recent funding announcements, but there is more work to be done if Canada’s chip sector is to scale up and not repeat past mistakes. In early April, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $2.4 billion CAD (about $1.75 billion) for AI-related investments, with most of it—$2 billion CAD (about $1.5 billion)—directed at a new AI Compute Access Fund aimed at providing access to computing capabilities and technical infrastructure.
Canada Invests Millions to Build Chip Network as US Races Ahead
Bloomberg, Jul. 2024
Canada will invest C$130 million ($88.2 million) over five years to build a national chip network, as calls intensify for the government to do more to bolster its lagging semiconductor sector. Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne announced the outlay from the federal Strategic Innovation Fund on Thursday. The investment supports a C$220 million project led by the nonprofit research accelerator CMC Microsystems to help Canadian startups...
Government of Canada Releases Updated Critical Minerals List
Natural Resources Canada, Jun. 2024
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that the Critical Minerals List has been reviewed and updated following substantial consultations to focus our efforts in developing robust critical minerals value chains. To determine which minerals are considered critical, Canada released its first Critical Minerals List in March 2021 with a commitment to review the minerals identified as critical every three years. The list guides federal policy and programs and signals government areas of priority to stakeholders.
Investing in semiconductors to create jobs, economic growth, and new opportunities
Prime Minister of Canada, Apr. 2024
Semiconductors power the world. From computers to medical equipment, to electric vehicles, semiconductors – or microchips – produce so much of what we depend on. They are also critical in the global race to scale up and adopt artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies that have the potential to transform our economies. As global supply chains adapt to meet increasing demand, we can leverage Canada’s innovation and talent to grow our microchip industry....
Canada puts $59.9M into IBM’s $1B Quebec semiconductor packaging expansion
The Logic, Apr. 2024
The federal government is providing $59.9 million in financing for a $226.5-million expansion of IBM’s semiconductor packaging plant in Bromont, Que., and for the tech giant to develop quantum technologies with a local R&D lab, The Logic has learned. IBM is planning to spend more than $1 billion over five years on the plant, a key asset in Canada’s plans to create continental chip supply chains.
Intel wins $19.5 billion in CHIPS Act funding as 'historic' semiconductor spending spree heats up
Msn.com, Mar. 2024
The Commerce Department is taking its biggest step yet toward onshoring semiconductor manufacturing with a historic $19.5 billion funding deal with Intel, which the Santa Clara, Calif.-based semiconductor giant plans to use for four new production facilities across the country. President Biden signed the $53 billion CHIPS and Science Act into law in August 2022, committing to ensure that the U.S. could design and manufacture the advanced computer chips that power everything from lawnmowers to supercomputers on its own soil...
SPARK and the Canadian Semiconductor Opportunity: A Global Endeavor with Local Roots
SPARK Microsystems, Mar. 2024
SPARK Microsystems is proudly headquartered in Montreal, and we celebrate our roots here! More importantly, we take care to help cultivate these roots. Today, our local technology ecosystem is blossoming. The semiconductor business opportunity in Canada continues to flourish, thanks in large part to our talented and enthusiastic peers and partners in the Canadian tech, academic and investor communities. We share great aspirations to make Canada’s tech sector among the world’s great technology hubs.
Canada's Inaugural Semiconductor Summit: A Call to Action for Growth and Collaboration
BNN Breaking, Feb. 2024
On a brisk day in Ottawa, the wheels of progress turned within the walls of a summit that could very well dictate the future trajectory of Canada’s role in the global semiconductor landscape. February 6, 2024, marked a significant milestone as the Canadian Semiconductor Council hosted its inaugural Semiconductor Summit, drawing together a diverse collective of 150 participants across government, academia, and businesses.
Now is the time to embrace Canada for an integrated North American semiconductor supply chain
DIGITIMES Asia, Feb. 2024
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked many economies to address the disruptions caused throughout the global semiconductor supply chain. Whether the result of so-called "security nationalism," unsettled competitive trading regimes, or warfare destabilization, we are experiencing a new competitive era in semiconductor manufacturing. Canada has become a major participant in those ongoing reshoring recalibrations...
How Canada's Chip Sector Could Get Its Groove Back
EE Times, Jan. 2024
The chip business in Canada is poised for a renaissance—one that may well depend on alliances in the United States, experts told EE Times. The country north of the 49th parallel has had a semiconductor industry for decades, but there’s been a gap in its growth: Due, in part, to the failure of a stalwart telecom giant, globalization and outsourcing to other parts of the world, its expansion hit a bump at the start of the millennium.
Canada Must Double Down on Chip Industry Talent
EE Times, Jan. 2024
The brain drain to the U.S. has always been a challenge for the Canadian tech sector at large: Both homegrown and international chip companies looking to scale up in Canada are likely to face some headwinds as they try to hire the needed talent. Experts told EE Times that Canada is making many of the right moves with a steady pipeline of talent coming out of its universities who can staff the sector, which is heavily focused on R&D and design, driven in part by the AI boom.