ventureLAB, a prominent global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software startups in Canada, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hudson Valley FastFab Inc. (HVFF), a leader in advancing mature node technology solutions. The collaboration aims to accelerate flexible manufacturing, engineering, and workforce development within the semiconductor and microelectronics industries. This strategic partnership underscores the growing importance of the North American corridor, where Canada and the U.S. unite to enhance the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
Focused on commercialization through its Hardware Catalyst Initiative Lab, ventureLAB is expanding its reach in collaboration with HVFF to support semiconductor startups and scale-ups across the Northeast. The partnership will tap into a range of resources, including advisory services, intellectual property (IP) and investor readiness, lab infrastructure, and corporate networks, to move groundbreaking technologies from concept to market. ventureLAB is also enhancing its offerings to include prototype and early-production run capabilities.
As part of the collaboration, ventureLAB and HVFF will work to expand the HardTech Industrial Cluster™, an ecosystem dedicated to advancing innovation and growth in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors. This initiative capitalizes on ventureLAB’s position as a leading force in the semiconductor space and its unique ability to bring together key stakeholders—startups, academia, the public sector, and industrial partners—from across the entire manufacturing and commercialization process. This integrated approach will strengthen Canada’s national capabilities and contribute significantly to the growth of the knowledge-based economy.
“We are thrilled to partner with Hudson Valley FastFab to enhance North America’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors. This collaboration is just the beginning. Together, we will accelerate commercialization and provide companies with the critical resources they need to succeed in a competitive global market,” said Hugh Chow, CEO of ventureLAB.
Key focus areas for the partnership include:
- Flexible/Hybrid Manufacturing: The organizations will combine their expertise to develop and implement flexible and hybrid manufacturing processes.
- Design and Engineering Support: Joint efforts will encompass design, hardware and software engineering, as well as lab and fab services to accelerate product development.
- Education and Workforce Development: Initiatives aimed at building a sustainable talent pipeline, with an emphasis on talent acquisition for the sector.
Our strategic collaboration with ventureLAB is a game-changer for strengthening the foundation of the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors. Together, we will drive innovation and support the growth of startups, reinforcing North America’s leadership in advanced manufacturing,” said Dick Thurston, Chairman and CEO of Hudson Valley FastFab Inc.
The MOU was signed at ventureLAB’s 4th Annual HardTech Summit, Canada’s premier event focused on Hardware, Semiconductor, MedTech, AI, and Automobility. Markham and the surrounding region are strategically located within the Northeast Semiconductor Triangle, a vital network stretching from Ottawa and Bromont, Quebec, down through upstate New York to Albany.
The ventureLAB-HVFF collaboration highlights the benefits of cross-border partnerships. By combining their strengths, they are creating exceptional opportunities for growth in the North American semiconductor ecosystem, building a strong foundation for an innovation-driven future.
This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for ventureLAB as we engage in high-impact opportunities within the semiconductor ecosystem. We’re excited about what we can achieve together with Hudson Valley FastFab, ensuring these initiatives gain long-term momentum and make a meaningful impact for both today and the future, said Avinash Persaud, VP of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative at ventureLAB.
