Mitacs Accelerate
Canada
Connect organizations with academia for research and innovation collaboration
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Researchers And Facilities
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Mitacs
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Mitacs Accelerate program supports collaboration between academic institutions and public or private sector organizations, offering up to $15,000 per placement to facilitate applied research and innovation. Eligible activities include research internships for students at all post-secondary levels, which involve collaboration with industry partners to solve research challenges and commercialize results.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Mitacs Accelerate grant offers structured funding modalities designed to support research and innovation collaborations between academia and industry. The financial terms are established to maximize both academic contributions and practical applications.
- The contribution from the partner organization starts at $7,500 per internship unit (4 to 6 months) which is matched by Mitacs for a total research grant of $15,000 per unit.
- Interns receive a minimum allowance/salary of $10,000 from each funding unit.
- Partner organizations engaging in six or more internship units with at least three unique interns have the option to contribute $6,000 per unit, qualifying for a research grant of $13,333, maintaining a minimum intern allowance of $10,000.
- Mitacs does not provide additional funds beyond the standard grant amounts, but partner organizations may increase their contributions at their discretion.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Mitacs Accelerate grant supports a wide range of research and development initiatives, bridging academic expertise with practical applications in industry or non-profit settings. Projects eligible for this grant focus on innovation, commercialization, market identification, and long-term collaborative research efforts.
- Innovative research initiatives aligning academic research with industry needs.
- Projects aimed at commercializing research results and identifying new market opportunities.
- Collaborative research efforts between high-level researchers and partner organizations.
- Application of postsecondary research expertise to address practical challenges faced by partner organizations.
- Long-term research and development projects involving graduate and postdoctoral researchers.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 25,000
Research and development of a new biodegradable packaging material with university collaboration
$ 35,000
Creating a market analysis for sustainable energy products in collaboration with local universities
$ 45,000
Identifying new markets for eco-friendly home cleaning products through partnership with graduate students
$ 35,000
Commercialization of a new software solution for remote team collaboration through market research and analysis
$ 15,000
Developing an AI-driven financial analysis tool in collaboration with university experts
$ 25,000
Development of a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new tech startup
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements for participating companies and organizations.
- Eligible entities include for-profit corporations and non-profit organizations, municipalities, and hospitals operating in Canada.
- Companies and non-profit organizations operating outside of Canada may be eligible as additional partners on projects with a Canadian partner organization.
- Organizations must have an economic or productivity focus, especially if they are non-profit organizations, municipalities, or hospitals, as reviewed by peer evaluators.
- All participating entities need to ensure interactions with the internship participants, whether on-site or virtually.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Canadian students and postdoctoral researchers from partner colleges and universities who are pursuing or have graduated in a variety of academic disciplines. The program also welcomes participation from individuals who have graduated recently, within two years, and international students who meet specific visa requirements. Eligible partner organizations include both for-profit and non-profit entities, municipalities, and hospitals across Canada. International businesses can participate as additional partners, given they collaborate with a Canadian organization.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are no specific exclusions or restrictions about the types of companies or industries that cannot apply mentioned in the provided context. The eligibility criteria are inclusive of a wide array of entities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant outlines that a portion of the funds must be used towards specific project-related expenses within the context of the grant.
- A minimum of $10,000 allocated to the intern's stipend or salary per 4-6 month internship unit.
- Up to $5,000 from the total grant amount can be used for research-related expenses.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is accessible to companies in Canada with opportunities for international partners. Specific information about geographical eligibility within Canada is provided by contacting Mitacs advisors, especially for certain provinces.
- All Canadian provinces and territories.
- International partners when involved with a Canadian organization.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and requirements.
- Innovation and originality of the applied research methodology.
- Feasibility of the project plan and timeline.
- Potential impact on industry partners and economic sectors.
- Integration of student and research talent in solving industry challenges.
- Contribution to knowledge transfer and commercialization opportunities.
- Alignment with both academic and industrial objectives.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility and Policies
- Consult Mitacs' Policy on the Responsible Conduct of Research.
- Review eligibility criteria and guidelines on the Mitacs website.
- Understand the specific requirements for non-Canadian partners if applicable.
- Step 2: Digital Application Process
- Download the Acceleration digital application form.
- Submit your application via the Acceleration Registration and Application Portal (PID).
- Step 3: Non-Digital Application Process
- Download the Acceleration non-digital application form from the "Request" section.
- Gather all required signatures from interns, supervising professors, and the organization's representative.
- Send your application package to your Mitacs advisor.
- Step 4: Verification and Peer Review
- Acknowledge that the peer review takes approximately six to eight weeks.
- Mitacs contacts participants with results and relevant instructions.
- Step 5: Funding and Project Commencement
- Wait for Mitacs to invoice the partner organization upon proposal submission.
- Ensure that the organization partner’s contribution is paid so funds can be released to the educational institution.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The Mitacs Accelerate grant is transitioning towards a digital application process, eliminating paper submissions to improve the user experience through digital tools.
- A new online application portal for the Accelerate program is available, and applicants should verify their projects meet the criteria for this digital process.
- Funding is limited for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, requiring potential applicants in these areas to contact a Mitacs advisor before applying.
- The Indigenous Pathway initiative has reached its project capacity for 2024-2025, and new projects can only commence from April 2025.
- Invoices sent to partner organizations are refundable if the project application is unsuccessful, ensuring funds are only committed upon approval.
- A survey summarizing project outcomes and experiences must be submitted at the project’s conclusion, contributing to program evaluation and improvements.
- The international collaboration option allows interns to interact with international partner organizations either virtually or in person, aligning with the home institution's travel policies.
