ventureLAB’s virtual HardTech conference dives into domestic semiconductor manufacturing importance

MARKHAM — On June 23, at ventureLAB’s virtual HardTech Conference, a Canadian hardware and semiconductor event, Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion and MP for Markham–Thornhill, highlighted the importance of made-in-Canada semiconductor and hardware-related products, including nano and micro chips.

At the conference, Minister Ng reiterated the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the semiconductor industry in Canada, as part of a panel discussion moderated by Manjula Selvarajah, Technology columnist for CBC radio, which included participants Kevin O’Neil, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, AMD Canada and Jamie Dinsmore, Vice President and Country Manager, Siemens Industry Software. Minister Ng emphasized the importance of raw materials and having a close relationship with the United States, which is an advantage for semiconductor manufacturing and collaboration.

The Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has supported the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, Canada’s first state-of-the-art lab and incubator in the hardware and semiconductor space, to extend its reach to entrepreneurs across Canada with virtual access and greater testing capabilities. This support was provided through investments totalling nearly $10 million since 2019 in ventureLAB, to establish the HCI Lab.

“As technology advances, the demand for hardware and semiconductors continues to surge. Founders in this space are creating the technologies that will power our products of tomorrow, modernize traditional industries, and support a sustainable and resilient Canadian economy.” said Melissa Chee, President and Chief Executive Officer, ventureLAB.