Canada invests $120M in semiconductors
The government of Canada has announced an investment of $120 million in an over $220 million semiconductor initiative called FABrICm led by CMC Microsystems (CMC).
CMC, a not-for-profit research organisation, will support the creation of the Fabrication of Integrated Components for the Internet's Edge (FABrIC) network, which will operate alongside CMC's partners located across Canada.
FABrIC is a five year initiative designed to strengthen the Canadian semiconductor and smart sensor industry by creating a talent pool of highly qualified people, encouraging innovation in the semiconductor manufacturing process, and providing Canadian businesses with access to foundries. The focus will be on compound semiconductors, photonics, quantum technology and MEMs.
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry said: "Semiconductors are at the centre of Canadians' daily lives and Canada's economy. We have an innovative semiconductor industry that continues to flourish in global markets and capitalize on an increasingly digital and green economy. The creation of FABrIC through CMC will help support Canadian innovators, and I look forward to seeing how it expands our semiconductor industry while creating good jobs. By investing in semiconductors today, we are investing in economic security and sustainability for all Canadians."
Gordon Harling, president and CEO, CMC Microsystems said: "FABrIC provides Canadian entrepreneurs and researchers with essential resources to foster innovation and develop cutting-edge semiconductor products and manufacturing processes in Canada. We have world-class semiconductor talent and manufacturing capabilities in Canada, and ISED's strategic investment in FABrIC will enable Canadian innovators to be competitive in the global semiconductor industry. Support for FABrIC secures Canada's future in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, and it will enable the development of new made-in-Canada semiconductor-based Internet of Things products and manufacturing options, creating a resilient and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem in Canada."
Founded in 1984, CMC conduct researches into microelectronics, photonics, microelectromechanical systems, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and quantum software and hardware.
Canada's semiconductor sector includes over 500 homegrown and multinational companies conducting research and development on, and manufacturing of, semiconductors. This base includes over 100 design firms, 30 applied research laboratories and five commercial facilities in areas such as compound semiconductors, microelectromechanical systems and advanced packaging.
