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22 Apr, 2024
OTTAWA, CANADA | April 15, 2024 Canada's Semiconductor Council (CSC) proudly welcomes Inpho, the brainchild of industry luminaries Joe Costello and Jim Hjartarson, to its esteemed membership. Formerly known as ELPHiC, Inpho is an emerging technology innovator of new generation Indium Phosphide chips. Inpho is delivering the critical technology for high speed optical data connections required for AI/ML in datacenters today and chip to chip tomorrow. Employing a fabless model, Inpho is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology aimed at transmitters and transceivers. Their approach revolves around monolithic electronic – photonic integration in indium phosphide (InP), promising groundbreaking advancements in the semiconductor landscape. "We are delighted to welcome Inpho to Canada's Semiconductor Council," said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of CSC. “Their innovative contributions in photonic solutions align perfectly with our goals of advancing Canada's semiconductor sector. We look forward to leveraging their expertise and insights to drive further innovation and competitiveness within our industry." Inpho joins a prestigious roster of companies and organizations within CSC, contributing to a vibrant network dedicated to shaping the future of semiconductor technology in Canada. "We are excited to join Canada's Semiconductor Council and collaborate with fellow members to accelerate innovation and drive growth in the semiconductor industry," said Jim Hjartarson, President and COO of Inpho. "Together, we aim to leverage our collective strengths to address industry challenges, seize opportunities, and solidify Canada's position as a global leader in semiconductor technology." About Inpho Inpho is a leading innovator in photonic solutions, dedicated to advancing technological boundaries and driving economic prosperity. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Inpho delivers cutting-edge photonic technologies that empower industries and enable new possibilities. For more information about Inpho, visit inpho.io. 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.
04 Apr, 2024
OTTAWA, CANADA | April 4, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) announced that the Semiconductor Ecosystem & Centre for Talent & Research in Canada (SECTR) is now an official member of the national semiconductor industry association. SECTR is an initiative originated by Larry Kostiuk, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. Led by Jeff McNamee, a seasoned business leader in the technology domain, SECTR’s focus is to champion the growth of semiconductor talent for the exploding demand in this field. Driven by deglobalization and reshoring in North America, projections indicate industry demand for skilled talent will double over the next five years. “SECTR's vision is to create an R&D and training capability focused on compound semiconductors, which would serve as a catalyst for the development and support of the ecosystem in Canada and the semiconductor workforce," said Jeff McNamee, President of SECTR. This collaboration marks an important moment in Canada's semiconductor landscape. Bringing SECTR into the industry association will help CSC fulfill its mandate, while solidifying its commitment to developing a national, cohesive semiconductor strategy. Dr. C. Paul Slaby, Managing Director of CSC, noted “The partnership between SECTR and CSC signifies a concerted effort to bring all semiconductor companies onto the same platform and create a powerful voice representing the key players in this industrial sector in Canada.” For more information about SECTR and its initiatives, please visit: https://sectr.ca/. About SECTR SECTR (Semiconductor Ecosystem & Centre for Talent & Research) is an important initiative dedicated to advancing the semiconductor industry in Canada. Through innovation, collaboration, and talent development, SECTR aims to establish Canada as an important player in the global semiconductor scene. 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.
26 Mar, 2024
March 27, 2024 Canada's automotive sector, the nation's second-largest export industry, stands as a cornerstone of the Canadian economy, boasting significant contributions of $63 billion in exports in 2022 and providing employment to over 125,000 individuals directly, with an estimated 462,000 more in indirect roles . Beyond its economic prowess, the automotive industry in Canada serves as a fertile ground for innovation and technological advancement. As the global automotive landscape pivots towards the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and with Canada poised to surpass China as a leading jurisdiction for lithium-ion battery production , the sector's importance is poised for further expansion and evolution. However, the sector's resilience and growth are not without challenges, as underscored by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly concerning the semiconductor supply chain. The shift towards EVs amplifies this vulnerability, given that EVs require approximately twice as many semiconductor chips as traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Geopolitical tensions have further exacerbated these supply chain risks, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard the automotive industry's stability. Automotive Microchips Working Group Recognizing this imperative, Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) took a significant step forward on March 21st by inaugurating the Automotive Microchips Working Group. Led by Kirk Ouellette, Vice President of Global Strategy at STMicroelectronics, the Working Group convenes senior executives from the semiconductor and automotive sectors, alongside federal and provincial policy experts and representatives from the investment community. Its primary objective is to explore practical strategies to enhance the resilience of Canada's automotive microchip supply chain. The Working Group's agenda encompasses various avenues for bolstering resilience, including design centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and packaging and assembly strategies. These initiatives will undergo rigorous scrutiny, evaluating factors such as development and operational costs, market demand, and the intricate dynamics of the automotive supply chain. The Working Group anticipates concluding its deliberations by March 2025, with an interim report slated for release by August 2024. Through these concerted efforts, CSC aims to solidify Canada’s position as a resilient and competitive player in the global automotive industry while safeguarding its economic interests and fostering technological innovation.
01 Feb, 2024
OTTAWA, CANADA | February 1, 2024 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) today announced that Marvell Technology, Inc. , a leader in data infrastructure semiconductor solutions, is now a member. Marvell's engagement with CSC reinforces its commitment to the Canadian semiconductor sector, aligns with its strategic initiative to expand its presence in Canada, and contributes to the growth of North America's semiconductor supply chain. As part of this collaboration, Vice President of Engineering and Country Manager for Marvell Canada, Nizar Rida, shared insights on the company's commitment: "Over the past two years, Marvell has been strategically expanding its presence in Canada. We are very clear that the Canadian semiconductor sector is poised for growth as North America establishes a formidable semiconductor supply chain. As a leader in innovative data infrastructure technology, Marvell sees Canada’s Semiconductor Council as an important part of this country’s semiconductor infrastructure: an essential, national voice ensuring Canadian industry—and the Canadian economy—maximize this new suite of opportunities. Marvell is committed to both the Council and an increasingly successful Canadian semiconductor sector.” CSC, a national semiconductor industry organization, represents a diverse ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components. The council aims to accelerate the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector, fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and facilitating discussions on industry challenges and best practices. Marvell recognizes the strategic importance of contributing to the national semiconductor strategy set forth by CSC and participating in initiatives that position Canada as a key player in the global semiconductor landscape. Dr. C. Paul Slaby, Managing Director of CSC, emphasized the importance of Marvell's involvement: "Marvell's commitment to Canada’s Semiconductor Council is a testament to the growing significance of the Canadian semiconductor sector. As we work towards establishing Canada as a leader in semiconductor research, design, and development, Marvell's expertise and dedication will be invaluable. We look forward to collaborating with Marvell and other industry leaders to strengthen our domestic supply chain and drive innovation in the global semiconductor industry." Marvell's participation in CSC will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, collaboration on industry initiatives, and contribute to the overall advancement of the Canadian semiconductor sector. The company's expertise in data infrastructure technology aligns seamlessly with CSC's mission to enhance Canada's competitiveness in the global semiconductor space. 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. For more information, please visit: https://www.canadassemiconductorcouncil.com/
08 Dec, 2023
OTTAWA, CANADA | December 7, 2023 Canada's Semiconductor Council (CSC) is proud to announce the inaugural Semiconductor Summit, a by-invitation-only event that will take place on February 6, 2024, in Ottawa, Ontario. The summit brings together key industry and government decision-makers from Canada, the United States, and international jurisdictions, to strategize the future of the semiconductor sector in the wake of significant global recalibrations. “This Summit is an important venue for senior industry leaders to define a high-level action plan,” states Paul Slaby, Managing Director of CSC. “This is a working meeting. Private sector leaders will work out actionable priorities and identify short and long-term opportunities to accelerate the growth, development, and competitiveness of Canada's semiconductor sector.” Semiconductors are the 21st century's most vital economic commodity. While low-profile, the semiconductor sector is one of the Canadian economy’s most productive. Characterized by an R&D investment rate of 12.7%, six times that of Canadian industry as a whole, the semiconductor sector is an exceptional driver of innovation. With an average annual salary of approximately $150K, every semiconductor job creates an additional 5.7 indirect positions and contributes another 2.5 times more in additional economic activity. “As the North American semiconductor supply chain reconfigures and advanced semiconductor manufacturing returns, Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish itself as a critical link in the ecosystem,” said Kevin O’Neil, CVP, Legal & Managing Director, AMD Canada. “The $52 billion USD investment to expand US-based advanced semiconductor manufacturing included in the 2022 US CHIPS and Science Act will reshape the market and open up substantial opportunities for Canada's chip sector.” This is an unprecedented opportunity for the Canadian semiconductor sector–one with massive implications across numerous industries, from automotive, healthcare, telecommunications to agriculture and consumer goods. In an increasingly technologically complex world, a vibrant semiconductor sector is essential to Canada’s long-term economic health. CSC’s inaugural Semiconductor Summit is an important step in achieving this. For senior industry leaders and government officials seeking more information, please contact us: info@canadassemiconductorcouncil.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 f or the global semiconductor industry.
23 Oct, 2023
TORONTO, CANADA | October 4, 2023 StarIC CEO takes the latest seat on Canada's Semiconductor Council advisory board StarIC, a leading provider of high-performance custom ASIC designs and IP, has announced it has joined Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) to shape Canada’s semiconductor strategy. StarIC Co-founder and CEO, Imran Ahmed, takes a seat on the advisory board to help CSC accelerate the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. "Since day one, StarIC has been dedicated to growing Canada's presence in the semiconductor industry. Leveraging the highly skilled talent pool and the proud legacy of thriving semiconductor companies in Canada, we've established a solid foundation for StarIC's global endeavors. With our team spread across the great Canadian landscape, StarIC is thrilled to collaborate with CSC to foster a dynamic ecosystem that will empower the rise of the next generation of semiconductor firms in Canada," shared Imran Ahmed, Co-founder and CEO of StarIC." CSC is a national semiconductor industry organization representing a broad ecosystem of companies and institutions involved in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor components.The purpose of the Council is to further boost Canada’s competitiveness in the global semiconductor space. “CSC is on a mission to lead the national semiconductor strategy and implement an action plan that positions Canada to be an important global developer, manufacturer, and supplier of embedded semiconductor products,” said Dr. C. Paul Slaby, Managing Director, CSC. “StarIC will be an important member in our national platform to collaborate and discuss industry challenges, best practices, and share resources and ideas to gain visibility across the global tech industry, prioritizing the interests of the Canadian semiconductor industry.” StarIC delivers premium ASIC and system solutions, an expanding library of silicon-proven IPs, and world-class mixed-signal design expertise. About StarIC Inc. StarIC is a world-class provider of premium analog/mixed-signal semiconductor IP and custom design solutions. StarIC has amassed extensive design experience and silicon-proven IP in multiple technology nodes and applications. StarIC has worked with clients in broad areas of application, including wireline, optical/photonics, sensors, IoT, automotive, telecom, machine-learning hardware, consumer, biomedical, and aerospace areas. Based in Toronto, Canada the team is led by industry experts in the field of mixed-signal design. For more information, please visit: https://www.staric.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 and development, and manufacturing at the forefront of commercialization and innovation for the global semiconductor industry. For more information, please visit: https://www.canadassemiconductorcouncil.com/
18 Oct, 2023
MONTREAL, CANADA | August 15, 2023 SPARK CTO appointed seat on the Council’s advisory board SPARK Microsystems, a Canadian fabless semiconductor company specializing in next-generation short-range wireless communications, today announced it has joined Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) to shape the semiconductor strategy in Canada. SPARK Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Frederic Nabki, will serve as an advisory board member and help CSC with its mission to accelerate the growth and development of Canada’s semiconductor sector. “CSC is dedicated to establishing Canada as a vital hub of innovation in the semiconductor value chain. As a new member of CSC’s advisory board, I look forward to working with the Council and its members to develop a sustainable model for semiconductor growth that propels Canada’s economic growth and serves as a key enabler of other industry sections,” said Frederic Nabki, Co-founder and CTO, SPARK Microsystems. The CSC is a national semiconductor industry association representing a broad ecosystem of Canadian microelectronics companies, microchip manufacturers, R&D organizations, and relevant government labs, agencies, and universities. The purpose of the Council is to further boost Canada’s competitiveness in the global semiconductor space. “CSC is on a mission to lead the national semiconductor strategy and implement an action plan that positions Canada to be a leading global developer, manufacturer, and supplier of embedded semiconductor products,” said Dr. C. Paul Slaby, Managing Director, CSC. “SPARK will be an invaluable asset in our national platform to collaborate and discuss industry challenges, best practices, and share resources and ideas to gain visibility across the global tech industry, prioritizing the interests of the Canadian semiconductor industry.” SPARK Microsystems has developed an innovative short-range wireless solution based on UWB technology which dramatically reduces energy consumption for connected devices while delivering high-data rates and low latency on par with wired connections – without the wires. Its performance attributes are essential for enabling the next generation of wireless connected mobile devices and sensors optimized for high energy efficiency, driving a significant reduction in battery usage and replacement. About SPARK Microsystems SPARK Microsystems is building next generation short-range wireless communication devices. SPARK UWB provides high data rate and very low latency wireless communication links at an ultra-low power profile, making it ideal for personal area networks (PANs) used in mobile, consumer and IoT-connected products. Leveraging patented technologies, SPARK Microsystems strives to minimize and ultimately eliminate wires and batteries from a wide range of applications. For more information, please visit www.sparkmicro.com. Contact Details Rainier Communications Jenna Beaucage +1 508-340-6851 jbeaucage@rainierco.com Company Website https://www.sparkmicro.com

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...

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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