Ottawa, ON—October 28, 2025—The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and CMC Microsystems are proud to announce a new national partnership designed to advance Canada’s semiconductor ecosystem by building a highly skilled and future-ready talent pipeline.

This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to equipping Canadian students and early-career professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish in digital and semiconductor-related careers. At the centre of this initiative is the common goal of boosting Canada’s competitiveness in the global technology marketplace through targeted training, innovation-driven partnerships, and expanded work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities.

As part of the partnership, ICTC will create work-integrated learning placements for students with CMC Microsystems’ partners and members, creating direct pathways between emerging Canadian talent and the businesses leading innovation in microelectronics and advanced technologies.

In parallel, both organizations will collaboratively develop and deliver a range of training initiatives focused on semiconductor and quantum technologies. These offerings will engage learners across the spectrum, from middle and high school students to post-secondary institutions and recent graduates, helping to cultivate a new generation of professionals skilled in chips and quantum technologies.

This partnership contributes to a strategic national priority: ensuring Canada’s sovereignty and resilience in the face of global technological competition. Semiconductors are the backbone of modern innovation—from consumer electronics and clean tech to defense systems and critical infrastructure. They are also essential enablers of emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence and quantum technologies, which are rapidly reshaping the global economy. Developing a robust domestic semiconductor talent pipeline is not just an economic imperative; it is fundamental to protecting Canada’s autonomy, security, and long-term prosperity in a digital-first world.

ICTC and CMC Microsystems are additionally co-hosting an event outside of Ottawa, Ontario on November 6th, 2025, to bring together industry leaders and policymakers for a discussion on the pivotal role of semiconductors in shaping Canada’s future priorities. The event will also unveil ICTC’s new landmark report, Mapping Canada’s Semiconductor Industry: Insights on Talent, Workforce Development, and Technological Strengths, which will provide new insights on workforce challenges, industry strengths, and policy directions for building a globally competitive semiconductor sector. More information and registration for the event can be found here.

“At a time when demand for semiconductor talent is soaring globally, this collaboration is a strategic step toward ensuring Canada has a robust, inclusive, and innovation-driven talent pipeline,” said Namir Anani, President and CEO of ICTC. “We are excited to work with CMC Microsystems to inspire and prepare the next generation of semiconductor professionals.”

“The semiconductor sector is a demanding and exhilarating industry,” said Gordon Harling, CEO of CMC Microsystems. “Canada is known globally for producing technically brilliant, creative problem solvers: engineers, technologists, researchers. But as modern economies become increasingly dependent on technology, demand for this talent is fast eclipsing supply. For over three decades, ICTC has been a formidable actor: a national centre of expertise on Canada’s digital economy. CMC Microsystems is proud to work with ICTC to continue building a talent pipeline that protects Canada’s competitive integrity and economic prosperity.”

About ICTC

The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a neutral, not-for-profit national center of expertise with the mission of strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, ICTC has delivered forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. The organization’s goal is to ensure that technology is utilized to drive economic growth and innovation and that Canada’s workforce remains competitive on a global scale. Learn more at https://ictc-ctic.ca.

ICTC’s Work Integrated Learning Digital (WIL Digital) initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program.

About CMC Microsystems

CMC Microsystems (CMC) has been at the forefront of technological change, managing federal and provincial government investments to introduce advanced technology, to support research, and to impact Canada’s industrial high-tech landscape for over 40 years. With support from the Government of Canada, CMC leads FABrIC—a $220 million project to build a vibrant and sustainable Canadian semiconductor ecosystem with world-class talent and global impact. Learn more at: https://www.cmc.ca.