We've been appointed – as our third engagement with the company – by Winnipeg-based engineering software company CEMWorks to support its expansion in South Korea.
CEMWorks develops physics-based virtual prototyping tools for advanced computational electromagnetic simulation, helping engineers design and analyse complex electronic systems.
Its simulation software platform, Emerald, uses a proprietary solver to run simulations up to 100 times faster than conventional tools and is used in the design of advanced microelectronics including AI processors, advanced semiconductor packages, high-speed digital chips and mmWave antennas.
We’ll be working closely with CEMWorks to target significant growth opportunities in South Korea, where tech giants like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are investing heavily in high-performance computing, AI chips and next-generation electronic systems. As these architectures become increasingly complex and densely integrated, fast, accurate electromagnetic (EM) simulation will be essential in managing the design bottlenecks they create.
The timing also couldn’t be better. Government agencies are supporting commercial dialogue between Canada and South Korea in the electronics space, exemplified by initiatives such as the Canada Semiconductor SME Trade Mission, bringing together Canadian R&D and engineering capabilities with Korea's manufacturing scale. And Korean firms are keen to diversify their technology supply chains, opening the door for trusted overseas partners.
CEMWorks first turned to us last year to validate the commercial opportunity for its products in Taiwan. This was a market it identified as having strong potential due to the need for sophisticated EM simulation across the complex electronics systems and components used in rapidly-growing sectors like integrated circuit (IC) design and manufacturing. We organised a high-impact roadshow with potential end customers and partners there for our client last summer.
Building on that experience, we then ran a roadshow for CEMWorks in South Korea this April as part of the Team Canada Trade Mission 2026. This gave us a clear picture of the company’s opportunities and enabled us to identify the most relevant needs and pain points in Korea’s tech sector. We’re now using that valuable insight to tailor CEMWorks' offering and market expansion strategy.
Our business development team in Seoul is focused on deepening CEMWorks' relationships with Korean semiconductor companies and suppliers by helping our client build relevance among influential players and establish the trust western companies need to succeed in Korea.
Gabriel Lafond-Wise, Head of Business and Partnerships at CEMWorks, said: “South Korea is one of the most exciting semiconductor markets in the world right now. The scale of investment going into AI chips, advanced memory like HBM, advanced packaging and next-generation electronic systems is unlike anywhere else, and the demand for simulation tools that can keep pace with that complexity is growing fast.
“Having worked with Intralink on two previous engagements, we've seen first-hand how effectively their teams open doors in Asia. Their Seoul team's relationships and deep understanding of the Korean market make them the right partner to help us build on our early momentum and turn it into tangible commercial outcomes. We're excited to see what we can achieve together.”
If you’d like to discuss the prospects for your semiconductor business in Asia, please contact Siavash Kianpour at siavash.kianpour@intralinkgroup.com.
