CMC Microsystems, Canada’s leading hardware accelerator and facilitator, and McMaster University are partnering to advance research and develop new processes and training programs in the field of semiconductors and photonics.

The partnership will see CMC expand its reach and join McMaster Innovation Park (MIP), Canada’s premier research and innovation park supporting startups, business, and research.

The announcement was made at an event today held at MIP in the presence of the Honourable  Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas.

For CMC, strengthening its alliance with McMaster also ensures it supports research and innovation in the Hamilton ecosystem and beyond.

“Building on our long-standing collaboration with McMaster will increase our capacity to drive research and training in the semiconductor and photonics space,” said Gord Harling, president and CEO of CMC. “Being a part of the MIP ecosystem and supporting its network of researchers, entrepreneurs and students, will maximize our presence in the region and help in our efforts to advance the economy and keep Canada competitive.”

For nearly four decades, McMaster’s research community has benefitted from its relationship with CMC, says Andy Knights, vice-president, research (acting) at McMaster University.

“CMC brings 40 years of semiconductor design and fabrication experience to MIP, and a strong network of connections across Canada that will advance opportunities for our research community and significantly expand our ecosystem,” he says. “CMC tools, training, and technical services add real value for companies on the path to growth.”

Minister Tassi celebrated the collaboration and its importance to FABrIC – a new partnership between CMC and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED), announced July 4, 2024, that secures Canada’s future in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

ISED’s investment of $120M over five years will enable FABrIC to develop new Made-in-Canada semiconductor-based IoT products, manufacturing options, and create a resilient and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem in Canada.

“Semiconductors are central in the daily lives of Canadians and are vital to Canada’s economy and national interests,” says Tassi. “Our government’s investment in FABrIC will support Canadian innovators, strengthen our national semiconductor ecosystem and create quality jobs in Southern Ontario and across Canada. By investing in semiconductors today, we are securing economic stability and sustainability for all Canadians.”