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By Émile Audet
December 8, 2025

What Can Mitacs Accelerate Fund: Complete Funding Guide

Mitacs Accelerate is a dynamic program designed to foster collaboration between industry and academia in Canada. This initiative provides funding to support research-based internships, enabling organizations to leverage the expertise of students and postdoctoral fellows. With the potential to drive innovation and solve complex challenges, Mitacs Accelerate is ideal for projects ranging from developing new technologies to enhancing existing processes.

Program Funding Overview

The Mitacs Accelerate program offers a robust funding framework that supports projects with financial assistance. Each internship unit, which spans four to six months, is eligible for $15,000 CAD in leveraged funding. This funding is designed to help organizations optimize their research budgets, expand R&D capabilities, and access skilled academic talent. For a detailed breakdown of funding structures, please refer to the complete program guide.

Funding Amounts & Rates

Funding under Mitacs Accelerate varies based on the project's duration and scope. Typically, projects begin with one internship unit, with opportunities to scale up to ten units. Each unit provides substantial financial backing, enhancing the project's reach and impact. For current funding rates and calculations, visit the complete program guide.

Eligible Expenses

Mitacs Accelerate covers a wide array of project-related expenses, making it a flexible option for various research endeavors. Eligible costs include:

  • Salaries and Wages: Compensation for interns and research personnel.

  • Equipment and Materials: Costs for essential research tools and supplies.

  • Consulting Fees: External expertise required for specialized tasks.

  • Travel and Accommodation: Expenses related to fieldwork or collaboration meetings.

These categories ensure comprehensive support for project execution, enabling organizations to focus on innovation rather than financial constraints. For further details, consult the complete program guide.

Ineligible Expenses

While Mitacs Accelerate is flexible, certain expenses are not covered. Ineligible costs typically include:

  • Overhead and administrative costs

  • Capital expenditures not directly related to the project

  • Personal expenses of interns

Understanding these limitations helps applicants plan their budgets effectively, ensuring all eligible costs are maximized.

Expense Documentation Requirements

Proper documentation is crucial for claiming eligible expenses under Mitacs Accelerate. Participants must maintain accurate records, including invoices, receipts, and contracts, to verify expenditures. This diligence supports transparency and compliance with program guidelines.

Examples of Funded Projects

Mitacs Accelerate has supported diverse projects across industries. Examples include:

  • Developing sustainable agricultural technologies

  • Innovating healthcare solutions through biotech research

  • Enhancing manufacturing processes with advanced materials

These projects illustrate the program's versatility and impact on various sectors.

Funding Disbursement & Claiming Process

Funding is typically disbursed through a reimbursement model, ensuring financial support aligns with project progress. Claims are submitted with detailed documentation, and funds are released upon verification. For complete instructions, see the complete program guide.

Stacking Rules

Mitacs Accelerate allows participants to combine funding with other programs, maximizing financial resources. However, total funding from all sources must not exceed the project's eligible costs. For guidance on combining funds, review the complete program guide.

Real-World Budgeting Tips

To optimize funding, organizations should:

  • Align project timelines with funding cycles

  • Document all expenses meticulously

  • Strategically allocate resources for maximum impact

These practices ensure efficient use of Mitacs Accelerate funding, driving project success.

Conclusion

Mitacs Accelerate offers comprehensive funding for collaborative research projects, supporting innovation across Canada. By understanding eligible expenses and maintaining detailed documentation, organizations can leverage this program to achieve significant research advancements. For a complete overview of funding opportunities, consult the complete program guide.

About the author

Émile Audet - Canadian grants specialist

Émile Audet

Canadian grants specialist
Working at helloDarwin for some time now, I'm in charge of providing you with the information you need on government aid. Dedicated to helping companies in Quebec and Canada reach their full potential, I write on the helloDarwin blog about the various programs, allowances and funding available to enable organizations to make their digital transformation through access to federal and provincial support.

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