Mitacs Programs
Mitacs is a Canadian innovation organization that connects graduate students and postdocs with industry partners through funded research internships, fellowships, and international exchange programs.
Overview
Mitacs is a Canadian non-profit organization that builds partnerships between universities, companies, and government to fund and manage applied research and training programs across Canada. With more than 25 years of experience, Mitacs connects researchers with organizations that need innovation capacity. Since its founding, Mitacs has supported more than 40,000 partnerships across provinces and territories.
What You Can Find Here
- Mitacs Accelerate: paid 4-month research internship units for graduate students and postdocs in company-sponsored projects
- Mitacs Globalink Research Internship: 12-week summer research placements at Canadian universities for international undergraduate students
- Mitacs Elevate: two-year postdoctoral fellowships with industry co-supervisors and research funding
- Mitacs Business Strategy Internship: MBA and business graduate students working on strategic projects for Canadian companies
- Mitacs Globalink Research Award: funding for Canadian undergraduates to conduct research abroad
- Mitacs Entrepreneur: support for researchers who want to commercialize their innovations
- Mitacs Training: professional skills workshops in leadership, communication, and entrepreneurship
Who Should Use This
- Graduate students in Canada who want paid, industry-relevant research experience
- Postdoctoral researchers looking for fellowships with direct industry collaboration
- International undergraduates interested in summer research in Canada
- Canadian undergraduates who want research opportunities abroad
- Small and medium businesses that need affordable access to research talent
- Large organizations seeking applied R and D collaboration with universities
- University researchers and supervisors building industry partnerships
How to Get Started
- Visit mitacs.ca and choose the program that matches your profile
- For Accelerate and Elevate, coordinate with a university supervisor and an industry partner
- Prepare a project plan with clear applied research outcomes
- Submit your application through the Mitacs portal during the active intake window
- Track status and requested revisions from Mitacs program officers
- After approval, follow reporting milestones and program compliance requirements
Things to Check Before Applying
- Eligibility differs by program and may depend on student status, citizenship, and institution
- Accelerate projects usually require industry co-funding
- Globalink and Elevate have specific intake cycles and deadlines
- Projects should be applied research, not pure product delivery
- Funding amounts and rules can change each year, so verify details on the official site
- Provincial top-up opportunities may exist and can improve project budgets
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mitacs only for Canadian citizens or permanent residents?
No. Eligibility depends on the program. Some programs include international applicants, while others target Canadian participants. Always check the official eligibility page for the specific program.
How much funding can an Accelerate project provide?
Accelerate is built from 4-month units and each unit provides stipend support for the intern. Typical funding structures combine Mitacs support with partner co-funding, and projects often stack multiple units.
Can startups participate in Mitacs programs?
Yes. Startups and SMEs commonly participate in Mitacs programs, especially when they need focused R and D support and talent from universities.
How competitive is Globalink Research Internship?
It is competitive and selection depends on academic performance, research fit, and host matching. Applicants should prepare strong academic records and clear research interests.
Are there options for Canadian students to do research abroad?
Yes. The Globalink Research Award supports eligible Canadian students who complete research placements at partner institutions outside Canada.