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Technical sessions explored key semiconductor technologies in Photonics and Compound Semiconductors, MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical systems), and Quantum – the technological pillars of FABrIC. Experts from across the Canadian innovation value chain presented their capabilities in manufacturing and design, challenges we face, and the immense growth opportunities for the Canadian semiconductor ecosystem. Experts in training, skills development, upskilling & reskilling, presented innovative ways for Canada to meet the challenges of training, retaining, and developing the Canadian talent pool of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP). Panels also featured entrepreneurs in semiconductor-based technologies presenting their journey to the marketplace, along with investors and representatives from support organizations who partner with firms to bring their innovations to market.   

The Symposium also featured extensive dialogue on the Canadian semiconductor opportunity in a global context. As the United States’ CHIPS and Science Act, and the European Union’s European Chips Act ramp-up, and global geopolitical forces continue to evolve and influence the semiconductor industry, Canada is presented with unique challenges and growth opportunities. Participants were asked to keep this context in mind over the course of the Symposium. With this is mind, input gathered from participants highlighted the point that Canada must be strategic and targeted, focusing supports primarily on specific semiconductor technologies that present the strongest growth opportunities to benefit Canada. These include photonics, compound and power semiconductors, quantum technologies, AI-enabled platforms, and advanced sensing devices. Feedback also emphasized the need for more access to fabrication services and facilities in Canada to enable rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing to accelerate growth and time-to-market.  

The Symposium also featured presentations and panelists representing end-use sectors of semiconductor technologies, including the cleantech sector represented by the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN), mining, represented b the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA), and medical imaging and Image Guided Therapy (IGT) sector, represented by INOVAIT. They illustrated the enormous need for innovative semiconductor-based technologies and applications in their respective sectors and challenged semiconductor professionals to make connections for use cases across industries to meet the enormous need for their innovations across the economy. 

The Symposium also featured a session on FABrIC, an initiative that secures Canada’s future in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. Made possible thanks to an investment of $120M over five years from ISED’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) announced in July 2024, is a crucial step to grow Canada’s semiconductor industry, develop new Made-in-Canada semiconductor-based IoT products, manufacturing options, and create a resilient and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem in Canada. “The reaction to our first Challenge Call exceeded our expectations” said Lynn McNeil, VP of FABrIC. “The expressions of interest to develop projects in semiconductor process manufacturing, and IoT product development showed us how much energy there is in the Canadian ecosystem there is right now. As FABrIC gears up, it was important for us to engage with the Canadian semiconductor community and present opportunity FABrIC presents to accelerate the Canadian semiconductor economy and ecosystem.” 

“Semiconductor innovation in an essential driver for economic growth to benefit all Canadians” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “FABrIC initiatives such as the Challenge Calls and the Symposium are helping Canadian businesses and researchers build a resilient semiconductor ecosystem to compete with the world’s best.”