Closed
Source verified July 9, 2026
Indigenous Pathways initiative
Co-funded Indigenous R&D partnerships
Latest source updateLast Update: May 18, 2026Latest change: Indigenous Pathways now shows clearer eligibility rules, funding terms, and contact/get-started instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 18, 2026
Latest change: Indigenous Pathways now shows clearer eligibility rules, funding terms, and contact/get-started instructions.
Indigenous Pathways eligibility and funding updated
Indigenous Pathways now includes explicit eligibility criteria for Indigenous partner ownership, board composition, and student participation, along with clearer guidance on who can apply. The page also makes the application flow more visible with get started and get in touch links, a contact form, and updated contact endpoints, while expanding the stated benefits and target audiences.
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
For-profit organizations with self-identifying Indigenous persons holding 50% or greater ownership shares.
See full eligibility
Overview
Mitacs Indigenous Pathways supports for-profit organizations with 50% or greater Indigenous ownership, not-for-profits with 50% or greater Indigenous board membership, and Indigenous Governments or Indigenous Government-owned entities, with up to 75% of R&D costs covered. Projects must be at least four months long and involve an Indigenous student assigned to the work.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Collaborative research and development projects.
- Projects that connect organizations with Indigenous student talent.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit organizations with self-identifying Indigenous persons holding 50% or greater ownership shares.
- Not-for-profit organizations with board membership consisting of 50% or greater self-identifying Indigenous persons.
- Indigenous Governments or Indigenous Government-owned entities.
Eligible expenses
- Project costs for collaborative R&D activities.
- Costs covered through co-investment with Mitacs funding support.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Fit with Indigenous innovation priorities.
- Potential to address needs of Indigenous communities.
- Value of the collaborative R&D partnership.
- Use of Indigenous student talent.
How to apply
- Step 1
- Start by selecting Get started / Lancez-vous on the Mitacs website.
- Step 2
- Connect with a Mitacs advisor.
- Step 3
- Complete the contact form and submit your interest online.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are connected with a Mitacs advisor for guidance.
- Projects are reviewed through the program’s eligibility requirements.
- Funding is linked to approved collaborative R&D projects.
- Applicants move ahead with project launch after the funding arrangement is in place.
Additional information
- Mitacs provides one-to-one support through an advisor.
- The program is designed for collaborative R&D projects.
- Projects can be scalable and multidisciplinary.
- The initiative supports Indigenous-led research and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Pathways initiative Program
What is the Indigenous Pathways initiative?
Mitacs Indigenous Pathways supports for-profit organizations with 50% or greater Indigenous ownership, not-for-profits with 50% or greater Indigenous board membership, and Indigenous Governments or Indigenous Government-owned entities, with up to 75% of R&D costs covered. Projects must be at least four months long and involve an Indigenous student assigned to the work.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Pathways initiative Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Pathways initiative program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Pathways initiative program, you must:
The partner organization must be a for-profit organization with 50% or greater Indigenous ownership, a not-for-profit organization with 50% or greater Indigenous board membership, or an Indigenous Government or Indigenous Government-owned entity.
The student assigned to the project must be a self-identifying Indigenous person.
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Pathways initiative?
Collaborative research and development projects.
Projects that connect organizations with Indigenous student talent.
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Pathways initiative?
You can contact Mitacs by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the Indigenous Pathways initiative available?
The Indigenous Pathways initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Indigenous Pathways initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Pathways initiative is a Grant and Funding