The National Research Council of Canada (NRC), United Kingdom-based Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult and Quebec-based MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI) have strengthened their collaboration to build a strong and resilient semiconductor supply chain for both countries, and other G7 countries.

“As Canada continues to strengthen ties with reliable partners, we are proud to partner with CSA Catapult and C2MI to strengthen the semiconductor industry both in Canada and the United Kingdom. This international collaboration is the first of many to ensure we build a strong Canadian economy.”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“This partnership is a vital step toward building a strong and resilient semiconductor supply chain for Canada and our G7 partners. Semiconductors are the backbone of our digital future, powering everything from AI data centres to defence systems. They are essential for building AI data centres in Canada that are more energy efficient while ensuring sensitive and private information remains in Canada. This partnership will accelerate innovation, secure sensitive data within our borders, and position Canada as a global leader in advanced technology. Together, we are laying the foundation for the next generation of cutting-edge digital infrastructure.” 

—The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“The NRC’s Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre has a long history of fabricating semiconductors to power the most modern telecommunications and data communications networks, including AI infrastructure. Combining our strengths with those of our partners—CSA Catapult and the MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre—positions our countries as global leaders in the development and commercialization of semiconductor devices.” 

—Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada

“We’re delighted to sign this MoU with our Canadian partners and look forward to establishing a long and mutually beneficial relationship between ourselves, the UK and Canada. Strategic alliances are integral to the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in semiconductor R&D, and I am pleased to see CSA Catapult lead the way and strengthen collaborations with our Canadian partners at the centre of a thriving semiconductor industry across the entire value chain.”

—Raj Gawera, head of CSA Catapult

“Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at C2MI, and we are proud to be part of this international alliance. Our expertise in accelerating the commercialization of semiconductor components will lead to supply chain stability for companies in the photonics market for both our countries.” 

—Marie-Josée Turgeon, CEO, MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI)

• Semiconductor lasers are a type of photonic device that uses compound semiconductor materials such as indium phosphide (InP) or gallium arsenide (GaAs). It is more energy-efficient to transmit large amounts of data with photons generated by lasers than with electrons. Applications include internet connectivity, AI data centres and high-performance computing infrastructure, military defence, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), wearable health technology and more.

• About the CPFC: The NRC’s Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre is the only end-to-end pure play indium phosphide compound semiconductor photonics foundry in North America and is critical to the semiconductor laser supply chain. For over 20 years, the CPFC has worked with clients from start to finish on design refinement, creation, testing and fabrication of wafers. As a pure play facility, they focus on bringing client-led designs to market. Their custom photonics components and photonic integrated circuits are used in various applications, including AI data centres, military, defence, high-performance computing, telecom, sensing, quantum technologies and more.

• About Catapult: CSA Catapult is the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialization. They work with startups, small and medium-sized businesses, large organizations and academia to de-risk commercialization, eliminate barriers to market and accelerate compound semiconductor technologies.

• About C2MI: Supported by a world-class infrastructure in the fields of microelectromechanical systems manufacturing, advanced semiconductor assembly, compound semiconductors and electronic systems, and printable electronics, MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI) is at the heart of all industrial sectors integrating components essential to the use and deployment of digital technologies.

Associated links

• Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy
• National Research Council of Canada
• Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre
• CSA Catapult
• MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI)

Isabella Orozco-Madison
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
isabella.orozco-madison@ised-isde.gc.ca

Cindy Caturao
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
cindy.caturao@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
National Research Council of Canada
613-991-1431
1-855-282-1637
media@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

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