News
icspi Receives Strategic Funding from CMC Microsystems' FABrIC Program to Accelerate Breakthrough Semiconductor Measurement Technology
June 26, 2025
Kitchener-Waterloo, ON — June 26, 2025 — icspi, a leader in atomic force microscopy (AFM) technology, announced today that it has received strategic funding from CMC Microsystems through its FABrIC program. This funding will accelerate ICSPI’s development and commercialization of revolutionary measurement tools designed for the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
ICSPI designs and manufactures groundbreaking atom-level measurement tools known as AFMs, leveraging its patented microAFM technology. ICSPI’s desktop AFM systems have redefined atom-scale imaging with unprecedented speed and ease of use, and are used everyday by researchers and engineers in over 40 countries for R&D and quality control. The company is now advancing next-generation inspection solutions by parallelizing its unique microAFM technology, targeting the semiconductor industry’s critical need for faster and more precise defect detection.
“We’re thrilled to receive this funding from CMC Microsystems’ FABrIC program to accelerate our groundbreaking semiconductor measurement technology,” said David Morris, CEO at icspi. “FABrIC’s support accelerates our ability to commercialize a tool capable of detecting nanoscale defects 100 times faster than current industry standards. This advancement not only enhances semiconductor quality but also significantly boosts manufacturing efficiency and yield.”
FABrIC, mandated to secure Canada’s semiconductor future, is a five-year, $223M initiative funded by the Government of Canada and stewarded by CMC Microsystems. It offers targeted funding and collaborative opportunities to Canadian companies developing innovative semiconductor manufacturing processes and related technologies in quantum, photonics, compound semiconductors, and MEMS.
“The 21st century’s most advanced technologies rely on semiconductors. From aerospace and defence, MedTech, telecommunication, automotive, mining, and natural resources, agriculture, oceans, to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors are the fundamental building blocks of the technologies that power the Canadian economy,” said Gord Harling, President & CEO of CMC Microsystems.
ICSPI’s technology addresses a critical industry challenge: a single defect as small as 1 nanometre—approximately the width of DNA—can cause a chip to fail. The company’s ultra-fast inspection tools promise to revolutionize chip manufacturing by speeding defect detection, enabling new fabrication processes, accelerating time-to-market, reducing waste, and boosting chip supply.
About icspi
icspi designs, manufactures, and sells revolutionary nanoscale imaging tools called atomic force microscopes, powered by unique AFM-on-a-chip technology. Headquartered in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, icspi is pushing the boundaries of atom-scale imaging and semiconductor metrology and inspection. For more information, visit www.icspicorp.com.
About FABrIC
Mandated to secure Canada’s future in semiconductors. FABrIC lowers barriers faced by Canadian companies developing semiconductor manufacturing processes and internet-connected products and services for export into global markets. Focused on four core technologies: quantum, photonics, compound semiconductors and MEMS, it offers targeted funding for Fabrication Process and Product Development. Its training, IP registry and repository, design and prototyping services and Quantum Readiness programs support innovation and revitalize the domestic ecosystem.
FABrIC forcefully connects the semiconductor sector into Canada’s major industrial performers: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, aerospace & defence, the auto sector, cleantech, MedTech and mining & natural resources to amplify this country’s economic performance. Launched in 2024, FABrIC is a five-year, $223M project funded by the Government of Canada.