This agreement aims to foster strategic collaboration between the UK and Canadian semiconductor ecosystems.
Strengthening UK-Canada Semiconductor Innovation
The new partnership recognises the highly complementary strengths of both nations in areas such as:
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Advanced packaging
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Compound semiconductors
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Quantum technologies
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Artificial intelligence (AI)
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Neuromorphic processors
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Sustainable materials
While high-volume digital CMOS production has largely shifted to Asia, the UK and Canada continue to lead in emerging technologies critical to global competitiveness.
Prime Ministerial Meeting Reinforces Semiconductor Alliance
This announcement coincides with a key meeting this week in Ottawa between Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada. The leaders reaffirmed their nations’ strong trade relationship, with a focus on boosting cooperation in:
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Semiconductors
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Photonics
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Emerging materials
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Chip design
Their commitment underlines the MoU’s shared vision of building resilient supply chains and accelerating breakthroughs in this economically vital sector.
Industry Leaders Welcome New Partnership
Charles Sturman, CEO of TechWorks, commented:
“This partnership represents a significant milestone for our semiconductor industries. By connecting two innovation-rich ecosystems, we open the door to deeper collaboration in R&D, talent development, and commercial opportunities.”
Similarly, Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council, added:
“Canada and the UK have long shared a history of collaboration. This agreement naturally extends that relationship to address growing needs for deeper cooperation in the fast-evolving semiconductor sector.”
Key Areas of Collaboration
The MoU outlines a long-term framework built around:
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Sharing market intelligence and technology roadmaps
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Promoting B2B collaboration and trade missions
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Supporting workforce development and academic partnerships
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Facilitating joint R&D initiatives
The goal is to boost trade, investment, and innovation output across the full semiconductor and microelectronics value chain, from chip design to AI, IoT, communications, and mobility applications.
Government Support for Semiconductor Growth
The partnership also has the backing of government leaders in both countries.
UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance, stated:
“This new partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening semiconductor supply chains and driving international cooperation in critical technologies.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry for Canada, added:
“Canada and the UK’s collaboration demonstrates our commitment to advancing innovation and building economic resilience.”
Joint R&D Program Launches for Semiconductor Innovation
Alongside this MoU, TechWorks and CSC are working with both governments on a jointly funded research and development program. This initiative focuses on advanced packaging, photonics, and emerging materials.
Launched by Innovate UK and Canada’s National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), the program invites Canadian and UK organisations to form consortia and submit project proposals. More details are available via Innovate UK’s Business Connect platform:
👉 Canada-UK Semiconductors 2025 R&D Call
Join the Future of Semiconductor Innovation
TechWorks and CSC are calling on stakeholders from industry, academia, and government to get involved in this new partnership and help shape the future of semiconductor innovation between the UK and Canada.
