Program

1:00-4:30 PM Industry Tours: Kanata North Technology Park (bus transportation from venue provided)

Join us for exclusive tours of leading companies in the Kanata Research Park, Canada’s largest Technology Park and a hub for innovation in semiconductors, optics, and telecommunications. The Ottawa region boasts one of North America’s most complete compound semiconductor ecosystems, with capabilities spanning chip design, foundry, prototyping, packaging, and testing. This is a unique opportunity to see innovation in action and connect with industry leaders shaping the future of Canada’s semiconductor landscape.

(Agenda details to follow)

3:00-4:00 PM Semiconductor Training for Non-Techies

Join us for an engaging one-hour session tailored specifically for non-technical professionals in roles like HR, finance, procurement, and IT. If you’re not directly involved in chip design or manufacturing but need to grasp the basics of the semiconductor industry, this session is for you! We’ll break down complex concepts, simplify the jargon, and give you practical insights into the unique nature of the industry, its target markets, and future trends. Gain the foundational knowledge you need to enhance your efficiency and stay ahead in today’s tech-driven world.

The TnT training series is brought to you by FABrIC—a project funded by the Government of Canada and managed by CMC Microsystems. TnT training provides participants with a foundational knowledge to enhance their efficiency and stay ahead in today’s tech-driven world. There will be opportunities to enroll in the full training for a deeper dive into the semiconductor industry.

4:00-5:00 PM AI Chips in the Age of Open Architecture: Workshop

Tenstorrent is a Canadian-founded AI hardware company pioneering next-generation semiconductors built on the open-standard RISC-V architecture. In this session, Eric Duffy, Senior Director of Business Development at Tenstorrent and CSC AI Chips Working Group Chair, will lead a discussion on:

• Strategic choices in AI hardware design—balancing performance, power, and programmability.
• Opportunities and challenges in the RISC-V ecosystem—from hardware integration to software enablement.
• Scaling AI compute—leveraging Tenstorrent’s interconnect fabric for efficient scale-out solutions.
• The rise of high-performance chiplets—how modular, customizable architectures are reshaping semiconductor design.
• Why all of this matters—navigating the intersection of AI hardware, supply chain resilience, and geopolitics.

This session is designed for business leaders, technologists, and policymakers looking to understand the future of AI chip development and the role of open architectures in shaping the industry.

7:00-9:00 PM Private Pre-Summit Reception (Invitation Only)

This is a by-invitation-only gathering of senior executives and policymakers for a private pre-summit reception ahead of CHIPS NORTH. This intimate event offers a unique opportunity to connect with key decision-makers, discuss emerging priorities, and set the stage for the main summit in a relaxed, high-level setting.