TechWorks and Canadian Semiconductor Council Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen UK – Canadian Semiconductor Innovation and Collaboration

TechWorks, the UK industry association for semiconductor and deep tech innovation, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Canadian Semiconductor Council (CSC) to foster strategic collaboration between the UK and Canadian semiconductor ecosystems.

The agreement recognises the highly complementary strengths of both nations in areas such as advanced packaging, compound semiconductors, quantum technologies, AI, neuromorphic processors, sustainable materials, and more. While traditional high-volume digital CMOS production manufacturing has shifted eastward, the UK and Canada remain at the forefront of innovation across emerging technologies critical to future global competitiveness.

This coincides with the meeting this week in Ottawa between Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada to reaffirm the strength of the Canada-UK partnership, deepening trade ties as trusted partners and, in particular, agreeing to work together to enhance both nations’ complementary strengths in semiconductors, photonics, emerging materials and chip design. Their commitment underscores the vision set out in the MoU to build resilient supply chains and accelerate breakthroughs in this key economic growth sector, which is of great importance to both countries.

Charles Sturman, CEO of TechWorks, commented, “This partnership represents a significant milestone for our respective semiconductor industries. By connecting two innovation-rich ecosystems, we are opening the door to deeper collaboration in R&D, talent development, and commercial opportunity. Through shared strengths and common mind-set, we can help build resilient supply chains and accelerate the technologies that will define the next decade.”

The MoU sets out a long-term collaborative framework based on:

• Sharing market intelligence, roadmaps, and best practices
• Promoting business-to-business collaboration and trade missions
• Supporting workforce development and academic partnerships
• Facilitating bilateral R&D initiatives, including participation in international innovation programs

Both countries aim to enhance their global competitiveness by increasing trade, foreign direct investment, and innovation output across the full semiconductor and microelectronics value chain—from design to manufacturing to end-use applications in AI, IoT, communications, mobility, and more.

“Canada and the UK have long shared a rich history of collaboration, and this agreement is a natural next step in addressing the growing need for deeper cooperation in the semiconductor sector—especially as global trade dynamics continue to shift rapidly,” said Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council.  “By strengthening ties and leveraging our mutual strengths, we can create new opportunities and lasting impact for both nations.”

The UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: “This new partnership reflects the UK and Canada’s shared commitment to strengthening semiconductor supply chains and deepening international cooperation in critical technologies. “It will help create new opportunities for businesses and researchers and support our Plan for Change through long-term economic growth.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions added: “Canada and the United Kingdom’s partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing innovation and building economic resilience. We are strengthening our leadership in innovation, reinforcing secure supply chains, and creating new opportunities for businesses and researchers on both sides of the Atlantic.”

TechWorks and CSC are also working with the UK and Canadian governments to support innovation and economic growth in this critical sector, supporting a jointly funded research and development program focusing on advanced packaging, photonics, and emerging materials. This was recently launched by Innovate UK and Canada's National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The program aims to foster innovation and resilient supply chains: https://iuk-businessconnect.org.uk/opportunities/canada-uk-semiconductors-2025/. The call for proposals is open to Canadian and UK organisations who wish to form project consortia to collaborate on innovative products, processes, or technology-based services.

TechWorks and CSC invite stakeholders across industry, academia, and government to engage with this partnership and participate in shaping the future of semiconductor innovation between our two nations.