The Canadian delegation showcased state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities in semiconductors, photonics, and packaging technologies. The UK can learn from Canada’s investment in pilot facilities, benefiting the high-tech ecosystem.

Professor Andrea Ferrari

The delegation, led by the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, was hosted recently by Professor Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre, with a bilateral dinner held at Corpus Christi College, ahead of key discussions on advancing research partnerships.

The delegation toured Cambridge West, home to the Cambridge Graphene Centre and the Department of Engineering’s Electrical Engineering Division, where they explored state-of-the-art electronic R&D shaping the future of global industries.

Canada and the UK are at the forefront of research in several key areas, including quantum technology and next-generation photonic circuits and packaging.

Advances in graphene-integrated photonics, layered materials-based quantum communications, halide perovskite, organic semiconductors, organic solar cells, thin-film transistors, and thermoelectric waste heat harvesting were also highlighted.

The delegation explored next-generation optical networks and emerging applications for space power systems, which have the potential to revolutionise global digital infrastructure.

Professor Ferrari said: “We were honoured to welcome the UK and Canada delegations as an ideal follow-up on the G7 Semiconductors meeting we hosted in Cambridge in September 2024. The Canadian delegation showcased state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities in semiconductors, photonics and packaging technologies. The creation of strong links and collaborations with UK companies and universities will strengthen both countries. The UK can learn from Canada’s investment in pilot facilities, benefiting the high-tech ecosystem.”

At the dinner, Colin Barker, Senior Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, stated: “Canada and the United Kingdom share a deep and enduring partnership, built on our common values, strong trade ties and mutual commitment to innovation. This trade mission to Cambridge highlighted the immense potential for collaboration between our two nations in pioneering technologies that will define the industries of the future.”

Dr Iain S Mauchline, Head of Semiconductors at Innovate UK, added: “With the global nature of the semiconductor supply chain, the need to establish strong collaborations with like-minded ecosystems is essential. Canada and the UK share similar interests and aspirations to develop key areas of technology. The recent Canadian delegation has interacted with a wide range of UK academics, research and technology organisations (RTOs) and industry. A group of UK semiconductor companies will be heading over to Canada in April 2025 as part of an Innovate UK Global Business Innovation Programme to experience the Canadian ecosystem. These twin visits will strengthen the collaboration opportunities between Canada and the UK.”

Expert insight on the UK-Canada partnership

For Canada’s Semiconductor Council, Paul Slaby, Managing Director, emphasised: “Geopolitical realignment demands forging stronger collaborative partnerships. Canada and the UK share a deep history of collaboration, and by working together, we can strengthen our supply chains, accelerate innovation through joint R&D, and create new opportunities for business growth, talent exchange, and investment. Broadening the Canada-UK partnership through diversified business relationships is a critical step toward building a more resilient and competitive semiconductor ecosystem in both nations, ensuring long-term economic growth and technological leadership.”

Adapted from a news article published on the Electrical Engineering at Cambridge website – written by Michael Shuff.