Virtual Incubator Environment (VIE) for Startups

A bundle of design tools and technologies to accelerate your design of innovative products.

VIE logo

CAD and Simulation Tools

  • Startups can access all of the tools listed below.
  • Users will be notified and given access to new software as it becomes available.
  • Let us know if there are other tools you are interested in.
  • Support includes training courses (charges apply), webinars, documentation, and IT support from CMC staff with a maximum 2 business-day response time.

R&D, Prototyping and Testing Services ​

  • Up to 10 engineering hours from CMC staff to help you with your business. Areas of engineering expertise include microelectronics, photonics, MEMS, microfluidics, embedded systems, and more.
  • Access to hardware and software for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications:
  • Includes initial CPU or GPU compute hours, depending on the node.
  • Access to nanofabrication labs for customized or advanced fabrication technologies, allowing you to build research networks with academic institutions and disseminate information across Canada.
  • Access to a wide range of development, test, and measurement systems for short-term needs. 

Fabrication Access

  • State-of-the-art fab processing in microelectronics, silicon photonics, and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). See the fabrication technology page for details.
  • Low-cost fabrication is available through Multi-Project Wafer runs for prototyping/low-volume activity.
  • Assistance in packaging and testing your devices is available.
  • Separate charges apply for fabrication cost, assembly, and testing services. 

Annual Fee

$3,000 CAD

Some services, such as additional CAD licenses, fabrication, and R&D services may have additional costs. 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit an eligibility form to [email protected].

244 Startups over 25 years

CMC provides simplified cost-effective access to leading-edge technologies and enhances research capability for researchers and startups. In the past 25 years, researchers reported 244 spin-off companies – more than half remain Canadian-controlled and active.

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