IBM Joins Canada's Semiconductor Council

Waterloo, Ontario | January 27, 2025 Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is pleased to announce that Applied Brain Research (ABR), a leader in the development of AI solutions, has joined as the newest member of the industry association. Kevin Conley, ABR’s CEO and Director, will take a seat on CSC’s Advisory Board. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Chris Eliasmith, ABR CTO and renowned professor at the University of Waterloo, ABR is at the forefront of leveraging neuroscience and machine learning to create efficient, scalable solutions for complex computing challenges. With their groundbreaking work in neuromorphic hardware and AI software, ABR is helping reshape the future of intelligent systems, advancing technologies across industries such as robotics, automotive, and IoT. “ABR’s unique perspective will be important as we advance Canada’s position in the global semiconductor value chain and drive growth in AI and emerging technologies,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of CSC. Through joining CSC and contributing to CSC's AI Chips Working Group initiatives, ABR plays a valuable role in accelerating innovation in areas such as energy-efficient computing, advanced AI development, and enhancing global technology competitiveness. “Canada is poised to lead in the development of sustainable, efficient, and ethical AI infrastructure from the data center to edge devices,” said Kevin Conley, CEO of ABR. “We are excited to join CSC and contribute to building a stronger semiconductor ecosystem that supports innovation and positions Canada as a global technology leader.” As a member of CSC, ABR will collaborate with key stakeholders to tackle challenges such as talent development, supply chain resiliency, and commercialization of advanced technologies. About Applied Brain Research Applied Brain Research Inc (ABR) is a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence technology founded by alumni of the Computational Neuroscience Research Group at the University of Waterloo. ABR is leading a new wave of product development targeting ultra-low power Edge AI, enabling a new level of capability in low-power critical applications. ABR’s revolutionary time-series AI processor uses 100x less-power than other high-functionality edge AI hardware, and supports AI models up to 10-100x larger than other low-power edge AI hardware. For more information visit: www.appliedbrainresearch.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.

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.