Canadian Semiconductor R&D Partnering Delegation to France

You are invited to apply to participate in the Canadian Semiconductor R&D Partnering Delegation to France, delivered under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP). 

The Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in person from March 16 to 20, 2026, in France. 

Interested companies must apply no later than January 18, 2026. 

The purpose of this delegation is to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) find potential partners in France. Its main goal is to create co-innovation projects in the semiconductor sector.

Targeted partners may include:

• French SMEs
• research institutes
• large French companies

The delegation will focus mainly on:

• jointly developing new products and/or services by combining Canadian and French technologies
• validating the potential of Canadian technology in the French, European and/or other markets
• adapting Canadian technology to the needs and characteristics of these markets

To benefit from this initiative, Canadian delegates should:

• be a profit-oriented SME incorporated in Canada
• have previous experience in or be working toward commercializing technology in Canada or internationally
• have capacity for and interest in co-developing technology with French partners
• be committed to expanding activities to the French and European market
• have sufficient capital and human resources to undertake a multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results.

The delegation is targeting companies working on semiconductor technologies related to: 

• generative artificial intelligence (AI)
• quantum physics
• new generations of telecommunications networks.

The areas of interest include:

• optronics and photonics  
• advanced sensors  
• packaging 
• power electronics  
• specific components for advanced and secure communications (telecoms and the Internet of Things).

The program will include several business-to-business (B2B) meetings and activities with leading organizations in the French semiconductor sector. The goal is to create co-innovation cooperation opportunities. 

The program will specifically include:

• an information session and preparatory meetings before departure, as well as mentoring on pitching techniques in France
• sessions on the French market and co-innovation funding opportunities
• pitches by Canadian companies to French stakeholders (SMEs, multinationals, research labs, centres of excellence and innovation hubs, technology clusters, and other incubators or accelerators)
• targeted B2B meetings with French companies and research centres (between 3 and 5 meetings per participating company)
• networking events with key players in the French semiconductor ecosystem
• visits to major microelectronics ecosystem and technology research centres in Paris, Grenoble, Palaiseau and Lille
• participation in the Minalogic Business Meetings 2026 in Grenoble.

France, along with Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, is a key player in the European semiconductor value chain. 

France has a rich, well-developed semiconductor ecosystem that includes the following:

• competitiveness clusters in microelectronics, such as:
  • Minalogic (Grenoble)
  • Aktantis (South and Occitanie)
  • Systématic (Île-de-France)

These clusters foster cooperation between companies, research centres and academic institutions:

• world-renowned research institutes, including:

  • the laboratories of the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) working on materials science, microelectronics, nanoelectronics, optronics and photonics
  • CEA-Leti (information technology electronics laboratory), specializing in micro- and nanoelectronics, from laboratory to manufacturing

• large industrial groups that are leaders in the sector  

• large end-user groups that support demand for specialized components

• a dynamic industrial fabric: Over a hundred companies in the sector, two thirds of which are SMEs, that have developed a strong partnership culture, thanks in part to European calls for projects

Since 2022, France has had an “Électronique 2030” strategy to increase national production of electrical components by 90%, promoting research, innovation and training. This strategy is part of the broader European technological sovereignty framework. 

In 2023, Europe adopted the European Chips Act (ECA), with a budget of €43 billion, to increase the production and resilience of the European semiconductor supply chain. This legal framework is accompanied by the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) to coordinate industrial R&D between member states. The various projects of the Chips JU are open to international cooperation.  

Therefore, by choosing France for its international development, a Canadian company would enjoy an innovation-friendly environment, easier access to the European market, and numerous opportunities to cooperate with leading partners in the semiconductor industry.

The CIIP may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SME participants for up to 50% of all eligible expenses, including but not limited to:

• economy airfare
• local transportation
• accommodation
• meals
• conference registration fees

1. Click the “Apply" button to access the online application form. Select the official language of your choice and the delegation you want to apply to, then complete all questions.
2. Completed applications must be submitted online no later than January 18, 2026.
3. Global Affairs Canada, through the Embassy of Canada to France, and NRC IRAP will select the Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Selected applicants will be notified no later than January 26, 2026.
4. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support for travel expenses.