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, artificial intelligence (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 coincided with recent meeting in Ottawa between Sir Keir Starmer and Mark Carney 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.
TechWorks CEO Charles Sturman said: “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 research and design 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; and facilitating bilateral R&D initiatives, including participation in international innovation programmes.
Global competitivenessBoth 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, Internet of Things (IoT), communications, mobility, and more.
Paul Slaby, managing director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council, said: “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. By strengthening ties and leveraging our mutual strengths, we can create new opportunities and lasting impact for both nations.”
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.”
TechWorks and CSC are also working with the two governments to support innovation and economic growth in this critical sector, supporting a jointly funded research and development programme focusing on advanced packaging, photonics, and emerging materials. This was recently launched by Canada's
National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). 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 the two nations.