News: Suppliers
4 July 2025
National Research Council of Canada signs MoU with Quebec’s C2MI and UK’s CSA Catapult
Together with UK-based Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult and Quebec-based MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI), the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has put in place a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen connections and grow a strong and resilient semiconductor supply chain for Canada, the UK, and other G7 countries.
Over the next three years, the MOU aims to align each partner’s capabilities in designing, fabricating and packaging semiconductors. The collaboration is about creating a strong value chain between Canada and the UK, and should smooth the path from development to production.
As well as powering military defence equipment, radar detection systems, high-performance computing, telecommunications, satellites and sensing, semiconductors are also essential for building AI data centers in Canada that are more energy efficient while ensuring sensitive and private information remains in Canada. Semiconductors are expected to continue to be critical for driving future economic growth in Canada, spurring innovation in emerging technologies such as quantum, and supporting efforts to attract and retain experts in strategic sectors in Canada.
“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,” states The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “This international collaboration is the first of many to ensure we build a strong Canadian economy,” she adds.
“This partnership is a vital step toward building a strong and resilient semiconductor supply chain for Canada and our G7 partners,” believes The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Semiconductors are the backbone of our digital future, powering everything from AI data centers to defence systems… This partnership will accelerate innovation, secure sensitive data within our borders, and position Canada as a global leader in advanced technology,” he adds.
“The NRC’s Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre [North America’s only end-to-end pure-play indium phosphide photonics foundry] has a long history of fabricating semiconductors to power the most modern telecommunications and data communications networks, including AI infrastructure,” notes National Research Council of Canada president Mitch Davies. “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,” he adds.
“We look forward to establishing a long and mutually beneficial relationship between ourselves, the UK and Canada,” says CSA Catapult’s head Raj Gawera.
“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,” says C2MI’s CEO Marie-Josée Turgeon.
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nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/nrc-facilities/canadian-photonics-fabrication-centre
