Leveraging Canada’s world-class fabrication capabilities in foundational and emerging platform technologies: MEMS, compound semiconductors, quantum and photonics processes and silicon photonics.
- February 2, 2026
- Montréal, QC
FABrIC, a five-year, $217M initiative to secure Canada’s future in semiconductors, has launched its Round 2 Fabrication Process Development Challenge.
Focussed in two areas: MEMS, compound semiconductors, quantum and photonics processes, as well as silicon photonics-related processes — this call offers small and medium-sized Canadian enterprises (SMEs) with less than 500 employees enhanced access to commercial prototyping capacity.
Over the decades, Canadian universities, research institutes and industry have developed world-leading semiconductor fabrication capabilities. From advanced process technologies using materials like GaN, InP and SiN, to laser-based and other emerging device platforms, these are critical national assets, vital for innovative SMEs developing next-generation processes and products.
Canada’s rich legacy in telecommunications has also created world-leading capability in silicon photonics. This heritage, together with the advanced semiconductor processing capabilities of our research institutes, positions Canada as a leader in the rapidly growing silicon photonics sector as it increasingly forms the backbone of the internet and AI datacenter ecosystem, as well as many emerging aerospace, consumer and defence applications.
These specialized facilities are often challenging to access by small and medium-sized enterprises. FABrIC is creating, improving and enhancing SME access to these processes — empowering the private sector to build made-in-Canada products using made-in-Canada semiconductors. This will increase the security of Canada’s supply chain, expand the national commercial footprint and elevate Canada’s influence in global technology markets.
Offering up to $1M support — as much as 40% of eligible project expenses — Expressions of Interest (EOIs) must be received by March 2, 2026, 9pm ET.
Additional information, full application guides and forms may be found here.
FABrIC: A Generational Investment by the Government of Canada
Launched in 2024, FABrIC is a five-year, $217M initiative of the Government of Canada to advance domestic capabilities in advanced semiconductor design and manufacturing. Managed by CMC Microsystems, FABrIC fosters collaboration across the national ecosystem, harnessing the deep excellence of industry, not-for-profits, the post-secondary community and government.
Mandated to galvanize existing strengths in photonics, MEMS, compound semiconductors and quantum technologies, it accelerates commercialization, amplifies our competitive advantages and maximizes the economic impact of Canada’s semiconductor sector. Domestically and internationally. FABrIC connects the semiconductor sector into Canada’s major industrial performers: the auto sector, mining and natural resources, agriculture, medtech, oceans, aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing. As change and uncertainty upend global trade relationships, forging these connections is integral to the semiconductor sector, to the ability of these critical Canadian industries to innovate and compete – and to national sovereignty.
Building a vibrant and sustainable Canadian Semiconductor Ecosystem with world-class talent and global impact.
For over 40 years, CMC Microsystems has accelerated research and created a path to commercialization in advanced technologies: microelectronics, photonics, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and quantum software and hardware. It pioneered a national infrastructure that lowers the cost and complexity of technology adoption by creating and sharing platform technologies, including access to state-of-the-art design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities. Its programs have created a national network of over 11,000 researchers and more than 1,200 companies developing innovations in advanced technologies.
CMC Microsystems is a not-for-profit organization.