Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization committed to fostering innovation in Canada, and Hon Hai Research Institute, the research arm of the world’s largest electronics manufacturer Hon Hai Technology Group (“Foxconn”), today signed a memorandum of understanding to advance quantum technology in Canada, with the active support of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei.
Through the MOU, the Hon Hai Research Institute will focus on quantum research with Mitacs providing advice on funding and talent development — drawing on its vast network of leading post-secondary research institutions in Canada.
This agreement is the first step in Foxconn’s ambitious plan to expand its R&D and innovation capability in Canada. In addition to quantum research, Foxconn is seeking to develop new research and design facilities in Canada — creating jobs and driving economic growth across the country.
“Through this new partnership, we hope to connect the institute with Canadian professionals and experts with the goal of jointly investing in cutting-edge technology research, beginning in the field of quantum technologies,” said Hon Hai Research Institute’s CEO Wei-Bin Lee. “Through Mitacs, we hope to fund quantum computation research projects in Canada and hire five to ten research interns in the first year.”
“This MOU demonstrates Canada’s commitment to strengthening our trade and investment relations with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. Our government will continue to promote Canada as a world-leading investment destination and create new opportunities for cutting-edge technological research — creating good paying jobs and growing our economy along the way,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business, and Economic Development, Government of Canada.
“Ontario and Canada are home to some of the world’s most qualified research and postsecondary talent,” said Jill Dunlop, Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Through this partnership, Mitacs’s programs and networks will support the Hon Hai Research Institute’s talent pipeline, providing incredible opportunities for Ontario students to gain the skills they need to secure in-demand jobs after graduation.”
“The more successful Canada is at building its international networks of research, the greater the potential to maximize our innovation economy,” added John Hepburn, CEO of Mitacs. “Through today’s agreement, Mitacs will help build a pipeline of talent to advance crucial quantum research, in partnership with one of the world’s leading electronics companies.”
International partnerships that bring together post-secondary research talent and industry from around the world are essential to fostering innovation in the sectors that power the global economy and to ensuring Canada maintains a competitive advantage in the years to come.
Foxconn is also planning to launch a Canadian Software Research & Development Center (SRDC). At the outset, the SRDC will focus on software development, specifically in the areas of electric vehicle experience, human-machine interface design, and usability engineering, as well as other design projects in response to internal or client demand. The SRDC will hire 100 designers and engineers in the first phase.
