Global partnerships and international technology alliances are key components of CMC's Strategic Plan. CMC Microsystems works with leading vendors and suppliers from around the world to increase the capability of Canada's microsystems researchers. By facilitating new access to advanced technologies, products and services that are not available in Canada, CMC is helping to bridge critical gaps and meet the changing needs of researchers. These initiatives enable the development of new expertise, facilitate opportunities for R&D collaboration and ultimately accelerate the competitiveness of Canadian companies.

Complementing other initiatives across Canada, CMC is pursuing the following actions to help create new opportunities for Canadian university researchers and their industrial partners:

• Purchasing from suppliers located outside of Canada
• Sourcing technology via partners such as MOSIS in the United States and Circuits Multi-Projets® (CMP) in France
• Supporting researchers in Canada who are collaborating with researchers around the world
• Exchanging information and partnering with CMC-like organizations
• Engaging recognized research and technology development leaders in other countries
• Responding to requests from abroad to purchase CMC products and services

CMC has established a Memorandum of Understanding with FUMEC (the United States-Mexico Foundation for Science) to consider opportunities that would benefit research and trade in Mexico and Canada, and possibly stimulate microsystems research collaboration. Left to right: Mr. Guillermo Fernández de la Garza, President and CEO, FUMEC; Dan Gale, Vice-President and CTO, CMC; Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez, Deputy Minister for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Government of Mexico; and Dr. Brian Barge, former President and CEO, CMC.

Strategic International Partnering

Global partnerships and other alliances are key components of CMC's Strategic Plan. CMC works with leading vendors and suppliers from around the world to increase the capability of Canada's researchers. By facilitating new access to advanced technologies, products and services that are not available in Canada, CMC is helping to bridge critical gaps to meet the challenging needs of researchers.

In 2006, CMC built on a growing network of global suppliers, introducing one new optoelectronics technology and piloting two new technologies in MEMS and microfluidics with the research community. These initiatives enable the development of new expertise and create opportunities for R&D collaboration.

Other outcomes in 2006 include:

Increasing Canada's profile in global microsystems community:

• CMC was proud to lead a Canadian delegation to the 12th World Micromachine Summit in Beijing, China.
• CMC participated in a global forum on MEMS, hosted by FUMEC to explore new opportunities to reap the economic benefits of microsystems in Canada and Mexico.

Demonstrating leadership among global micro and nano organizations:

• CMC hosted the first meeting of six microscale/nanoscale technology and service delivery organizations that aim to capitalize on diverse interests to increase microsystems-intensive R&D and improve competitive advantage in the global economy.

“CMC’s relationship with MOSIS has delivered high return on investment to Canadian researchers, as the ability to produce a working prototype is essential to enhance the credibility and validity of research in the international community or with potential investors.”

César Piña,
Director,
MOSIS Service,
Marina del Rey, California

“The agreement between CMP, CMC and MOSIS is helping to improve the international visibility of all three collaborating organizations. This profile is essential to facilitate a common understanding of the value each organization contributes independently to its stakeholders, as well as the potential of our collaboration on microsystems worldwide.”

Bernard Courtois, PhD,
Director,
CMP, Grenoble, France