Canada and UK partner with semiconductor supply chains
A new agreement to reinforce the semiconductor supply chains between Canada, the UK, and other G7 countries was reached among the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), the United Kingdom's Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult innovation centre, and Quebec-based MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre.
Within the next three years, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will formalise each party's capabilities in designing, fabricating, and packaging semiconductors. It will also focus on enhancing value chains and establishing continuity in research and development through to manufacturing and commercialisation.
"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," stated Evan Solomon, Canadian Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.
Semiconductors are crucial for the high performance of current technologies, such as military defence, telecommunications, satellite technology, and the automotive sector, as well as future innovations, including low-carbon technologies and data centres, according to Innovation, Science, and Economic Development 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," stated Solomon.
The NRC's Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre is North America's sole end-to-end pure play indium phosphide compound semiconductor photonics foundry. It produces technology vital to AI data centres, defence, sensing and quantum technologies, among others.
This energy-efficient technology transmits large amounts of data using laser-generated photons.
CSA Catapult describes itself as the UK's authority on compound semiconductor applications. It works with businesses and academics to eliminate market barriers and "de-risk" commercialisation.
Raj Gawera, head of CSA Catapult, underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration. "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."
