Innovative Solutions Canada - Challenge Stream (AI Software for Photonics Semiconductor Fabrication) is sponsored by National Research Council of Canada (NRC) through Innovative Solutions Canada. Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) offers a Challenge Stream where federal departments post specific challenges for Canadian small businesses to solve.

AI Software for Photonics Semiconductor Fabrication AI Software for Photonics Semiconductor Fabrication From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada NRC is seeking a software solution that will, through the use of models and data analysis, predict and control the wavelength of a grown semiconductor structure during its fabrication.

Challenge sponsor: National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Funding mechanism: Contract Opening date: January 27, 2020 Closing date: May 22, 2020, 14:00 Eastern Daylight Time Please refer to the tender notice for this challenge on Buy and Sell . Through the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (CPFC), the NRC offers semiconductor foundry services to our clients for the fabrication of photonic devices.

An essential part of those services is the growth by metallo-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) of heterostructures based on Gallium, Indium, Arsenic, and Phosphorus GaInAsP or Aluminum, Gallium, Indium, and Arsenic (AlGaInAs).

The optical properties of these heterostructures are critical for the device performance, and is usually described by the photoluminescence (PL) wavelength, specified as a target (i.e., 1400 nm) and a variation around this target (± 5 nm). Current models used to target this PL wavelength are accurate within ±15 nm. As specifications are often tighter than this, experimental fine-tuning is needed to meet our clients' needs.

This fine-tuning is done using calibration runs, which are costly and time-consuming. NRC would like to see a modeling software developed that will, using empirical parameters as inputs, accurately predict the PL wavelength of a grown heterostructure, without the need for calibration runs.

Desired outcomes and considerations Essential (mandatory) outcomes NRC is looking for a software that can predict the PhotoLuminescence (PL) wavelength of an epitaxially grown semiconductor heterostructure containing a combination of AlGaInAsP layers within ±5 nm of the actual result, for each wafer. At the end of phase 1, a proof-of-concept software is required.

This software must: Be able to extract data from text files for the various process inputs and outputs, with an error rate less than 1%. The inputs and outputs to read are:PL maps, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) profile, Metalorganic Chemical Vapour Deposition (MOCVD) recipe, temperature profile, reflectivity profile, run log. Approximately 500 datapoints are available for each and will be provided by NRC.

Be able to produce a model based on this data and machine learning principles that can, when given a structure and recipe, predict a PL wavelength. Demonstrate that PL variations are non-stochastic below ± 5 nm. Be usable on any windows-based PC, running windows XP or newer versions.

At the end of phase 2, in addition to phase 1 requirements, the software must: Be able to predict the PL wavelength within ± 5 nm for any combination of compositions (Al,Ga,In,As,P) and layer structure, within the boundaries of the available data, when using a MOCVD recipe and a structure as input. Be adaptable by the user; the software must be able to read new data and update its model under the user's control.

Be able to provide recipe parameters when given a structure, target PL, and recent run results, and have the resulting PL be within ±5 nm of this target. The user must be able to fix parameters. Parameters are, for each layer in a structure: Temperature, zone heating, time, multiple gas flows.

Be applicable to any MOCVD tool of comparable capability. Bidders are reminded that under Question 1 a (Scope) proposals must describe how solutions clearly meet all eight of the Essential (Mandatory) Outcomes listed in this section. Bidders should focus their Phase 1 project plan on demonstrating the feasibility of Essential Criteria 1-4.

The remainder of the Essential Outcomes can be focused on during Phase 2 work. The CPFC foundry service at the NRC is a low volume, high diversity semiconductor manufacturing environment that provides early-stage development and pilot-scale production of photonic devices for a variety of clients including a number of Canadian SMEs.

The semiconductor devices produced, such as amplifiers and lasers, are tailored to meet a specific client's need, including a very specific PL wavelength. Growth of a new structure must largely rely on an iterative process of calibration and measurement. The difficulty lies in finding the precise combination of input parameters to produce the required output PL wavelength.

Currently available state-of-the-art modeling software are powerful theoretical models that are well suited to predicting qualitative trends. However, when used to make quantitative predictions of output parameters, such as the PL wavelength, these models are often inaccurate, differing from empirical results by a substantial amount. This inaccuracy is further compounded by natural variations associated with the growth process.

Such models therefore cannot be used in isolation to target a specific output parameter; an iterative process of calibration and measurement is also necessary. Semi-empirical models are often used to bridge the gap between the previous models and empirical results. This method encounters two issues: They are only applicable to a specific semiconductor structure.

In a high diversity, low volume foundry, each structure will require its own empirical model. These semi-empirical models are only applicable to a specific process rather than being of general use. The goal of this challenge is to leverage the disparate data available from a low volume, high diversity foundry to build an empirical modelling system that is generic enough to be applicable to a wide variety of semiconductor structures.

Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge. The maximum funding available for any Phase 1 contract resulting from this Challenge is $150,000. 00 CAD excluding applicable taxes, shipping, travel and living expenses, as required, for up to 6 months (excluding submission of the final report).

Estimated number of Phase 1 contracts: 2 The maximum funding available for any Phase 2 contract resulting from this Challenge is $300,000. 00 CAD excluding applicable taxes, shipping, travel and living expenses, as required, for up to 12 months (excluding submission of the final report). Only eligible businesses that have successfully completed Phase 1 will be considered for Phase 2.

Estimated number of Phase 2 contracts: 1 This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to contract for the total approximate funding. Final decisions on the number of Phase 1 and Phase 2 awards will be made by Canada on the basis of factors such as evaluation results, departmental priorities and availability of funds.

For Phase 1 it is anticipated that two meetings will require the successful bidder(s) to travel to the location identified below: All other communication can take place by telephone, videoconference, and WebEx.

Solution proposals can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria: incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially) 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees Footnote * research and development activities that take place in Canada 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada Footnote * 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work Footnote * 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence Footnote * The official source of the Evaluation Criteria for this challenge is the Government Electronic Tendering System (Buy and Sell) https://buyandsell.

gc. ca/procurement-data/tender-notice/PW-20-00899125 ) In the event of a discrepancy between the information below and the information published on Buy and Sell, Buy and Sell will take precedence. The Bidder must complete the Challenge Stream Electronic Submission Form with a degree of information sufficient to enable Canada’s assessment of the proposal against the criteria and the Evaluation Schema.

The information must demonstrate how the proposal meets the criterion. Part 1: Mandatory Criteria Proposals must meet all mandatory criteria identified by achieving a “Pass” in order to proceed to Part 2. Proposals that do not meet all mandatory criteria will be deemed non-responsive and given no further consideration.

(Bidder’s proposal must address) Describe the proposed solution and demonstrate how it responds to the challenge. Include in your description the scientific and technological basis upon which the solution is proposed and clearly demonstrate how the solution meets all of the Essential Outcomes (if identified) in the Desired Outcomes section in the Challenge Notice.

The Bidder’s proposed solution is clearly articulated, within the scope for the challenge and addresses all Essential Outcomes (if identified) in the Challenge Notice. The proposed solution is articulated as out of scope for the challenge. The proposal does not clearly demonstrate how the proposed solution addresses all Essential Outcomes listed in the challenge.

The proposed solution is poorly described and does not permit concrete analysis. There is little to no scientific and/or technological evidence that the proposed solution is likely to meet the challenge. Indicate the current TRL of the proposed solution.

(Drop Down Menu of the Challenge Stream Electronic Submission Form) Describe the research and development activities that have taken place to bring the proposed solution to the stated TRL. The Bidder has demonstrated that the proposed solution is currently between TRLs 1 and 6 (inclusive), and provided justification by explaining the research and development (R&D) that has taken place to bring the solution to the stated TRL.

The Bidder has not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the current TRL is between 1 to 6 (inclusive) including: There is insufficient/no evidence provided for TRL judgment. The solution involves the development of basic or fundamental research. The solution is demonstrated at TRL 7 or higher.

Insufficient/unclear/no justification explaining the R&D that took place to bring the solution to the stated TRL. The explanation simply paraphrases the description of a given TRL level. Demonstrate how the proposed solution meets one or more of the ISC definitions of innovation below: An invention*, new technology or new process that is not currently available in the marketplace.

Significant modifications to the application of existing technologies/components/processes that are applied in a setting or condition for which current applications are not possible or feasible. An improvement in functionality, cost or performance over an existing technology/process that is considered state-of-the-art or the current industry best practice.

* An “invention” is defined for the purposes of ISC as: “A manufacturing design or any other new and useful improvement that is new or novel, that is, not commonly known or not an obvious derivative of an existing way of doing things. ” The Bidder has demonstrated that the proposed solution meets one or more of the ISC definitions of innovation.

The Bidder has not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the current TRL is between 1 to 6 (inclusive) including: Bidder has not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposed solution meets any of the ISC definitions of innovation; OR Bidder has demonstrated that the proposed solution is an incremental improvement, “good engineering”, or a technology that would go ahead in the normal course of product development (i.e. the next version or release).

Describe in detail the competitive advantages and level of advancement over existing technologies. Where appropriate, name existing technologies as well as potential substitutes or competitors. To demonstrate this, proposals should include the following information: Improvements (minor or major) over existing technologies or substitutes.

Use direct comparison. How the proposed innovation will create competitive advantages in existing market niches or market spaces.

The Bidder has not demonstrated that the proposed solution advances the state-of-the-art over existing technologies, including available competing solutions; OR The proposed solution improves minimally upon the current state of the art, though not sufficiently enough to create competitive advantages in existing market niches; OR The stated advancements are described in general terms but are not substantiated with specific, measurable evidence.

The Bidder has demonstrated that the proposed solution offers one or two minor improvements to existing technologies, including available competing solutions that have potential to create competitive advantages in existing market niches.

The Bidder has demonstrated that the proposed solution offers three or more minor improvements to existing technologies, including available competing solutions, that together are likely to create competitive advantages in existing market niches; OR The Bidder has demonstrated that the proposed solution offers one significant improvement to existing technologies that is likely to create competitive advantages in existing market niches The Bidder has demonstrated that the proposed solution offers two or more significant improvements to existing technologies, including available competing solutions that are likely to create competitive advantages in existing market niches and could define new market spaces; OR The Bidder has demonstrated that the proposed solution can be considered a new benchmark of state of the art that is clearly ahead of competitors and that is likely to define new market spaces Part 2: Point-Rated Criteria Proposals must meet the overall minimum pass mark of 50% to be deemed responsive.

Proposals that do not achieve the minimum pass mark will be declared non-responsive and given no further consideration. (Bidder’s proposal to address) Demonstrate the scientific and technological basis of how the proposed solution addresses the Additional Outcomes (if identified) in the Desired Outcomes section in the Challenge Notice.

If no Additional Outcomes are identified in the Challenge Notice, text entered in this section will not be considered. If no Additional Outcomes are identified in the Challenge Notice, Bidders will receive 10 points. Insufficient or no information provided to demonstrate that the solution will address any of the Additional Outcomes.

0 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the solution will address some (<50%) of the Additional Outcomes. 3 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the solution will address most (50% or more) of the Additional Outcomes. 6 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the solution will address all (100%) of the Additional Outcomes.

10 points Describe potential scientific and/or technological risks to the successful development of the proof of feasibility and how they will be mitigated in Phase 1. Insufficient or no information provided to demonstrate that the Bidder has considered potential risks and mitigation strategies and/or information provided contains significant gaps.

0 points Information provided demonstrates that the Bidder has considered some potential risks and associated mitigation strategies but there are minor gaps in risks and/or associated mitigation strategies. 5 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the Bidder has sufficiently considered the risks and defined associated mitigation strategies. 10 points Demonstrate a feasible Phase 1 project plan by completing the table.

Indicate if any milestones and activities will be completed concurrently Indicate the estimated exit TRL at the completion of Phase 1. (Drop Down Menu of the Challenge Stream Electronic Submission Form) Insufficient or no information provided to demonstrate a feasible project plan for Phase 1 and/or the project plan exceeds the maximum duration indicated in the Challenge Notice.

0 points Project plan for Phase 1 is conceivably feasible but not clearly demonstrated and/or includes gaps. 10 points Information provided clearly demonstrates a feasible project plan for Phase 1. 20 points Describe potential project risks to the successful development of the proof of feasibility and how they will be mitigated in Phase 1.

Bidders should address the following risks, as applicable: Other project-related risks Note to Bidders: S&T risks should not be included in this section. Question 4 addresses S&T risks. Insufficient or no information provided to demonstrate that the Bidder has considered potential risks and mitigation strategies and/or information provided contains significant gaps.

0 points Information provided demonstrates that the Bidder has considered some potential risks and associated mitigation strategies but there are minor gaps in risks and/or associated mitigation strategies. 5 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the Bidder has sufficiently considered the risks and defined associated mitigation strategies.

10 points Demonstrate how the project implementation team has the required management and technological skill sets and experience to deliver the project plan for Phase 1 by completing the table. A member of the implementation team can have more than one role.

Insufficient or no information provided to demonstrate that the project team has the required management and technological skill sets and experience to deliver the Phase 1 project plan. 0 points Information is provided but there are minor gaps in required management and/or technological skill sets and/or experience to deliver the Phase 1 project plan.

10 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the project team has the required management and technological skill sets and experience to deliver the Phase 1 project plan.

20 points If your business were to receive funding from Innovative Solutions Canada, describe what actions (e.g., recruitment strategy, internships, co-op placements, etc.) might be taken in Phase 1 to support the participation of under-represented groups (e.g., women, youth, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, visible minorities) in the research and development of the proposed solution.

Each Bidder in their response to this question must focus only on describing relevant programs, policies, or initiatives that it currently has in place or would put in place to support the R&D effort in Phase 1. Note: Do not provide any personal information of individuals employed by your company or that of your subcontractors in the response.

No description and/or concrete examples of actions provided that would be taken to encourage greater participation of under-represented groups. 0 points A description and concrete examples of actions to encourage greater participation of under-represented groups provided. 5 points Demonstrate a realistic financial proposal for the Phase 1 project plan by completing the table.

Insufficient information provided and/or information provided significantly lack credibility. Does not demonstrate a realistic financial proposal for the Phase 1 project plan. 0 points Information is provided but some costs lack credibility and/or are unclear for the Phase 1 project plan.

7. 5 points Information provided contains credible elements to clearly demonstrate a realistic financial proposal for the Phase 1 project plan. 15 points Describe the financial controls, tracking and oversight that will be used to manage the public funds throughout Phase 1.

Bidders should indicate if an individual or firm will be managing the public funds and provide their credentials and/or relevant experience. Insufficient or no information provided to demonstrate the Bidder’s ability to manage public funds in Phase 1. 0 points Information provided is vague and/or contains gaps.

The Bidder has some controls, tracking and/or oversight in place to manage the public funds in Phase 1. 5 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the Bidder has strong financial controls, tracking and oversight to manage public funds in Phase 1. 10 points Demonstrate a realistic overview for the prototype development plan if selected to participate in Phase 2.

Responses should include: estimated cost for materials project risks and mitigation strategies Note: A more detailed proposal will be requested if selected to participate in Phase 2. Insufficient or no information provided to demonstrate that the Bidder has contemplated a realistic overview for the Phase 2 prototype development.

0 points Information provided demonstrates a conceivably realistic overview for Phase 2 prototype development, however there are gaps and/or the strategy is vague. 6 points Information provided demonstrates that the Bidder has a clear and realistic overview.

12 points Demonstrate a realistic overall commercialization approach/business model that can successfully take the technology/service to market, and how the technology/service will help you develop and sell other products.

Responses should include: Target markets (excluding Government of Canada) Transition to a commercially-ready product or service Any other indicators of commercial potential and commercial feasibility Note: A more detailed proposal will be requested if selected to participate in Phase 2 or the Testing Stream. Insufficient or no information provided to demonstrate that the proposed solution has commercial potential.

0 points Some information provided to demonstrate that the proposed solution has commercial potential, however there are gaps in the commercialization approach. 6 points A realistic commercialization approach is provided that demonstrates that the proposed solution has commercial potential. 12 points Describe the benefits that could result from the commercialization of the proposed solution.

Bidders should consider the potential benefits using the following three categories and provide justification for each claim: Innovation Benefits: Expected contribution towards the enhancement or development of new industrial or technological innovations within your firm.

Responses could include: potential spillover benefits, creation of intellectual property, impact on productivity of the new technology, etc. Economic Benefits: Forecasted impact on the growth of Canadian firms, clusters and supply chains, as well as its expected benefits for Canada's workforce.

Responses could include: number of jobs created, number of high-paying jobs, investment in Canada’s economy, etc. Public Benefits: Expected contribution to the broader public to the degree that the solution is expected to generate social, environmental, health, security or other benefits to Canada.

Responses could include: solution-related environmental benefits, solution-related accessibility benefits, and solution-related impact on Indigenous communities. Benefit not identified or insufficient claim of benefit. 0 points Benefit has marginal increment or limited justification.

1 point Benefit is significant and well justified. 2 points Benefit not identified or insufficient claim of benefit. 0 points Benefit has marginal increment or limited justification.

1 point Benefit is significant and well justified. 2 points Benefit not identified or insufficient claim of benefit. 0 points Benefit has marginal increment or limited justification.

1 point Benefit is significant and well justified. 2 points Please refer to the tender notice for this challenge on Buy and Sell . All incoming questions regarding this specific challenge should be addressed to SIC-ISC@pwgsc.

gc. ca You can also consult the Frequently asked questions about the Innovative Solutions Canada Program. A glossary is also available.