Canada’s Semiconductor Symposium 2026

Agenda

Monday, October 19

Opening Reception

6:30

Opening Reception

Join us for an intimate kick-off to two intense days at our opening reception. Connect with fellow attendees, guest speakers, panelists and partners in a relaxed setting. This will be a great opportunity to network, exchange ideas and initiate new relationships.

7:00

Keynote

Sir Terrence Matthews

Founder and Chairman
Wesley Clover International

Day One: Tuesday, October 20

Sovereignty

The Symposium opens with a series of discussions exploring what a stronger, more self-sufficient – more resilient – Canada looks like. We’ll explore existing and emerging opportunities; the importance of a coherent national strategy and how other nations have transformed their economies with strategic investments in the sector.

9:00

Welcome

9:30

Opening Keynote: What does a more resilient Canada look like

Building a resilient, prosperous economy depends on high-productivity industries capable of operating efficiently and competing globally

10:30

Morning Break

11:00

Semiconductors: Critical Infrastructure at the Heart of Industry

Semiconductor technology is pervasive across all the industries this country relies upon for its economic health. — and what they enable.

Romano Hoofman

Strategic Development Director
Imec

12:00

Luncheon Keynote — A Fulcrum for Economic Reinvention

Economic reinvention is not only possible, it can catalyze prosperity. A senior representative from the Kingdom of the Netherlands — a jurisdiction with a strong semiconductor sector will describe the tremendous economic cascade generated by a vigorous semiconductor sector. And its economic / competitive impact on other domestic industries.

In 2026, the Netherlands is a high-labour cost nation with a strong advanced manufacturing sector.
Known as The “Silicon Valley” of Europe, The Netherlands’ Amsterdam-Delta region’s ecosystem value has risen from $12B in 2015 to over $86B, with a 53% average annual growth rate.

1:15

Global Supply Chains and Common Cross- industry Opportunities

What are the critical weaknesses in the semiconductor supply chain — and where do we have the expertise and significant domestic industrial demand — to make a play? Canada can’t do everything – but are there adjacencies in various end-use industries that suggest common needs / obvious areas to explore?

2:15

Canada’s Semiconductor Council

Paul Slaby

Managing Director
Canada’s Semiconductor Council

2:35

Afternoon Break

3:00

The Foundation Layer: How Canada's Semiconductor Skills Gap Shapes Every Sector That Matters

Yassine Hariri

Manager – IoT & Edge AI
Lead – FABrIC Semiconductor Upskilling Program
CMC Microsystems

4:00

The Emergence of Quantum

Day Two: Wednesday, October 21

Prosperity

Day Two focuses on the intersection between the semiconductor sector and the most important drivers of Canada’s economy. Featuring industry leaders from aerospace & defence, automotive, mining, medtech, advanced manufacturing and oceans, we’ll explore the innovation issues they face and where semiconductor technology has a role. The Symposium explores how Canada’s semiconductor expertise can contribute to the ability of these critical domestic industries to innovate and compete.

9:00