Who Can Apply for the Mitacs Accelerate Program: Eligibility Guide
The Mitacs Accelerate program is a leading Canadian initiative designed to foster research and innovation through collaboration between academia and industry. This program provides leveraged funding to support internships that connect post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows with industry partners. For organizations aiming to drive innovation and solve complex research challenges, understanding who can apply for this program is essential.
Overview of Mitacs Accelerate
Mitacs Accelerate is open to both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations across Canada. The program facilitates dynamic partnerships, allowing businesses to leverage the expertise of Canada's brightest academic minds. These collaborations aim to solve pressing research problems and advance innovative solutions, offering up to $15,000 CAD per four- to six-month internship. For complete eligibility requirements, see the complete program guide.
Eligible Organizations
For-Profit and Not-for-Profit Entities
Industry Partners: Companies of all sizes, from SMEs to large corporations, are eligible.
Non-Profit Organizations: Charities and other not-for-profit entities can also participate, provided they engage in research-driven projects.
Academic Institutions
Universities and Colleges: Academic institutions are integral to the program, supplying students and postdoctoral fellows to participate in these internships.
Research Institutes: Specialized research bodies are encouraged to partner with industry to maximize innovation potential.
For detailed application steps and criteria, refer to the complete program guide.
Eligibility Criteria
General Criteria
Project Requirements: Projects must be research-focused, with clear goals and deliverables.
Internship Duration: Internships can last between four to six months, with options to extend based on project needs.
Participant Requirements
Students and Postdocs: Participants must be enrolled in or have completed a program at a recognized post-secondary institution. They should possess the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the project.
For specific participant qualifications, consult the complete program guide.
Special Cases and Exceptions
The Mitacs Accelerate program is flexible, allowing for project extensions and additional support under certain conditions. This is particularly useful for projects facing unforeseen challenges. Extensions can be requested if the project is 75% complete, with an option to add up to one additional internship unit per intern. Visit the complete program guide for more on project extensions.
Conclusion
The Mitacs Accelerate program is a pivotal opportunity for organizations seeking to enhance their research capabilities through collaboration with academia. By understanding who can apply and the specific criteria involved, potential applicants can align their projects to meet the program's requirements. For comprehensive details and to ensure your application meets all necessary criteria, refer to the complete program guide.
