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By Ryan Remati-Paquette
December 8, 2025

Who Can Apply for Mitacs Accelerate: Comprehensive Eligibility Guide

Mitacs Accelerate is a premier Canadian program designed to foster innovation through research collaborations between academia and industry. Whether you're a business seeking research talent or an academic institution aiming to expand your collaborative projects, understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial. This guide provides an overview of who can apply and the key benefits of participating in the Mitacs Accelerate program.

Overview of Mitacs Accelerate

Mitacs Accelerate connects organizations with Canada's brightest academic minds, offering leveraged funding to support research-based internships. With funding of $15,000 CAD per four- or six-month internship, the program is open to both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. This initiative aims to optimize business budgets, expand R&D, and facilitate access to skilled research talent. For complete eligibility requirements, see the complete program guide.

Who Can Apply

Eligible Organizations

Mitacs Accelerate is accessible to a wide range of organizations, including:

  • For-profit companies: Engage in innovative research projects that align with your business goals.

  • Not-for-profit organizations: Leverage academic expertise to enhance community-focused initiatives.

The program encourages diverse participation to broaden the impact of research and innovation across sectors.

Academic Institutions

Eligible academic institutions include:

  • Universities and Colleges: Partner with industries to solve complex challenges.

  • Research Institutes: Collaborate with businesses to drive innovation.

Project Requirements

Projects must involve a collaborative effort between the organization and academic partners. They should focus on addressing specific research challenges or exploring new market opportunities.

Participant Eligibility

Eligible participants include:

  • Post-secondary students

  • Postdoctoral fellows

  • Recent graduates

These individuals gain invaluable experience and contribute to impactful projects. The program aims to support the next generation of innovators by providing hands-on research opportunities.

Geographic Eligibility

The program is open to organizations across Canada, promoting nationwide innovation. However, specific project requirements might vary based on regional priorities.

Benefits of Participation

Participating in Mitacs Accelerate offers numerous benefits:

  • Access to Expertise: Gain insights from leading academic professionals.

  • Funding Opportunities: Support for strategic research and development projects.

  • Networking: Build connections with academic and industry leaders.

By engaging in Mitacs Accelerate, organizations can enhance their competitive edge while contributing to Canada's research landscape.

Conclusion

Mitacs Accelerate provides a unique platform for organizations to partner with academia and foster innovation. Whether you're a business or an academic institution, understanding the eligibility criteria is key to participating in this transformative program. For detailed information on application steps and funding calculations, consult the complete program guide. Embrace this opportunity to drive research and development forward.

About the author

Ryan Remati-Paquette - Canadian grants specialist

Ryan Remati-Paquette

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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