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CMC Microsystems Welcomes Budget 2021 Innovation Investments

April 20, 2021 — CMC Microsystems, manager of Canada’s National Design Network® (CNDN), a leading technology and innovation support organization in Canada, welcomes Budget 2021, presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. “We congratulate Minister Freeland and the Government of Canada on Budget 2021,” said Gordon Harling, President and CEO of CMC. “The Government of Canada has made it clear that innovation, research, and advanced technology ecosystems will play a critical role in the economic recovery from the pandemic and will fuel growth.”

CMC notes the following investments in particular:

  • $360M over 7 years to launch a National Quantum Strategy.
  • $443M over ten years for the pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
  • $90M over five years for the National Research Council to retool and modernize the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre. (CPFC)
  • $7.2B over seven years in additional funding for the Strategic Innovation Fund. (SIF)

“Quantum computing, artificial intelligence and photonics are emerging areas of advanced technology where Canada already has internationally recognized expertise. CMC is at the forefront of developing these technologies and enabling Canadian firms to compete globally” said Mr. Harling. CMC also congratulates the Government for providing additional funding for the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which promotes innovation and productivity initiatives with a pan-Canadian scope, including advanced manufacturing. Additional support for the Strategic Innovation Fund gives Canada an opportunity to strengthen its leadership in emerging areas of the innovation economy such as advanced manufacturing and developing specialty high-value products with high growth potential.

CMC also applauds investments in some of our partner organizations:

  • $500M over three years to the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for bio-innovation laboratory upgrades.
  • $500M over five years for the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).
    • IRAP will also receive additional funding for intellectual property protection services.   
  • $708M over five years to MITACS to create work-integrated innovation internships.

“Investments in leading edge opportunities like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, as well as supporting programs like the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) will pay dividends for all Canadians in the future” concluded Mr. Harling.

About CMC Microsystems:

CMC Microsystems works with researchers and industry across Canada’s National Design Network® (CNDN). We provide access to world-class platforms for Computer Aided Design (CAD), prototyping and manufacturing services (FAB), training and support (LAB) for researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry. Our services are geared for microsystems, nanotechnologies, photonics, sensors, quantum technology and AI and support innovative sectors of the next-generation economy. CMC reduces barriers by offering simplified access to the right tools to create tomorrow’s technologies. Our network is made up of over 10,000 entrepreneurs and researchers at 60 post-secondary institutions across CNDN.

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For more information, contact:

CMC Microsystems
Kevin Dobie
(613) 539-1027
kevin.dobie@cmc.ca


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