Fostering Transatlantic Innovation
In a significant move to bolster international collaboration in the semiconductor sector, Innovate UK and Canada’s National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) have launched the Canada-UK Semiconductors competition. This initiative aims to stimulate the development of innovative semiconductor technologies through joint projects between UK and Canadian organisations.

Overview of the Competition
The competition opened on 12th May 2025 and will close at 11am (UK time) on 15th October 2025. Canadian applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) by 23rd July 2025 and must be invited by NRC IRAP to proceed. The competition offers UK registered organisations the opportunity to apply for a share of at least £1 million in funding for collaborative projects with Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Each project can request up to £500,000 in grant funding for UK partners, with Canadian partners eligible for up to CA$500,000 through NRC IRAP.

Eligibility and Collaboration Requirements
To be eligible, UK applicants must collaborate with at least one Canadian SME that is a separate legal entity and not linked to the UK partners. Both UK and Canadian partners must submit parallel applications to their respective funding bodies, and projects must be independently selected by both Innovate UK and NRC IRAP to receive funding.

Project Scope and Focus Areas
The competition seeks to fund a variety of projects across the semiconductor sector, including but not limited to:

  • Compound and wide band gap semiconductors
  • Semiconductor design and intellectual property (IP)
  • Advanced packaging
  • Heterogeneous and hybrid integration
  • Photonics, including silicon photonics
  • Emerging materials
  • Prototyping and low-volume piloting
  • Processing or processes
  • Simulation tools
  • Application areas of interest encompass high-voltage systems, sustainable technologies (such as electric vehicles and renewable energy), communications (including Wi-Fi, 5G/6G, and satellite), sensors, and data centres.

Project Requirements and Funding Details
Projects must last between 12 and 24 months, starting no earlier than 1st April 2026, and ending by 31st March 2028. Most of the project work must be undertaken in the UK and Canada, with no single country or partner representing more than 70% of the total project cost. UK partners can receive funding covering up to 70% of eligible project costs for micro or small organisations, up to 60% for medium-sized organisations, and up to 50% for large organisations, depending on the research category. Canadian SMEs may receive up to 50% reimbursement of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of CA$500,000.

Application Process and Support
UK applicants must apply through the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) portal, while Canadian partners must submit a parallel application to NRC IRAP. The application process includes sections on project details, application questions, finances, and project impact. Applicants are encouraged to contact Innovate UK for guidance and support, especially if they require reasonable adjustments due to disability or long-term conditions.

Strategic Importance and Future Outlook
This competition is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Canada and the UK in scientific research and innovation. A Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024 highlights semiconductors as a key area of focus, recognizing their fundamental role in economic growth, prosperity, and security. By fostering collaborative projects in semiconductor technologies, the competition aims to build resilient supply chains and drive innovation that benefits both nations.

For more information and to apply, visit the Canada-UK Semiconductors competition page.

For a FREE consultation to discuss your project, contact RedKnight today.

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