CMC Microsystems Consultation:

Project Ideas for Anticipated 2019 CFI Innovation Fund Competition

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is likely to launch a new Call for Proposals for an Innovation
Fund (IF) competition in winter 2019 with an earliest deadline for proposals of October 2019. Experience
has shown that planning and multiple reviews lead to stronger proposals and better success rates. CMC
Microsystems is coordinating the development of a multi-institutional proposal for Canada’s National
Design Network® (CNDN) and participating as a strategic partner. CMC has the expertise in managing
and supporting nationally-distributed infrastructure, a solid understanding of the research environment
and a broad knowledge of microsystems and the multiple disciplines and sectors which it supports.

Do you have project ideas? Are you interested in working with others in championing the project
for your institution? Let CMC know and notify your institutional office of research services.

RESEARCH - The ideal project has a big research idea that warrants a coordinated, multi-institutional,
multi-disciplinary effort. The planned research must be novel and cutting edge when the infrastructure
will be ready for use. It must be internationally relevant and may boast international collaborations. The
potential benefits to Canada are clear, lasting, and aligned with Canadian priorities.

PEOPLE - The project’s leaders (group of up to 10 Principal Users with possibly one outside of Canada)
are established researchers with exceptional track records who have the skills, knowledge, and
experience to lead a large, multi-institutional Canadian project. The project’s Other Users may number
in the hundreds from academia and industry. Their planned research is thematically aligned with the
project and there is a demonstrated willingness to help specify, develop and exploit nationally relevant
research platforms.

INFRASTRUCTURE - Unlike the research, the planned infrastructure does not have to be new or novel.
The project does have the potential to develop custom research infrastructure that is too large or
complex for one group to develop. Examples of such technology platforms include:
• Software tools, IP, and development boards for advancements in Artificial Intelligence,
Machine Learning and neuromorphic chips
• Instrumentation and cryo-electronics for quantum experiments
• IoT development platforms for advances in systems and algorithms for autonomous vehicles
and smart infrastructure

The project should build on previous projects and may leverage Canada’s extensive existing investments
such as the nanofabrication laboratories. The project has the potential to enable continuing access to
the extensive suite of Computer-Aided Design tools currently made available via CMC. The current
source of funds for these expires in 2021.

To learn more and share your ideas:

• Gordon Harling, President and CEO, CMC Microsystems, harling@cmc.ca, 613 449 6820
• Peter Stokes, Director CFI Projects, CMC Microsystems, stokes@cmc.ca, 613 484 2058
• https://community.cmc.ca/community/infrastructure-fund-project

CMC Microsystems July 25, 2018