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Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security - Canada
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Source verified July 12, 2026

Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security

Applied research funding for defence innovation
Offered by
Mitacs
Official source: innovation.mitacs.ca
Latest source update
Last Update: July 12, 2026
Latest change: The Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security call FAQ and guidance now show a June 1, 2026 to August 17, 2026 application window, a late November 2026 outcome period, and new advisor-led submission and intern-profile requirements.
View change
Mitacs Defence and Security Call updated
The Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security Call FAQ and guidance now show a defined application window from June 1, 2026 to August 17, 2026, with reviews running August to October 2026 and outcomes communicated in late November 2026. The call page also adds advisor-led submission steps, a call-specific application form, and a new intern profile form requirement when a TBD intern is identified. Eligibility and scope guidance were clarified with a 30 IU maximum project size, at least 50 per cent of internships needing named interns, and more explicit guidance on projects beyond five years post-PhD. The call’s examples and sector language were also expanded to better describe defence and security project fit, including dual-use technology.
Funding available
$ 750,000
Deadline
August 17, 2026
Opened June 1, 2026
Location
Canada
Who can apply

Canadian postsecondary institutions.

See full eligibility

Overview

Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security supports industrial innovation partnerships in Canadian defence and security. The program funds applied research projects aligned with defence priorities and can provide up to $20,000 per master’s or doctoral unit and $25,000 per postdoctoral unit.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 750,000 $
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Applied R&D projects in defence and security.
  • Innovation partnerships in areas such as aerospace, digital systems, AI, cybersecurity, in-service support, protection of personnel, sensors, space, specialized manufacturing, training, simulation, unmanned systems, quantum science and technologies, and Arctic sovereignty.
  • Projects supporting dual-use technologies relevant to defence and security.

Documents Needed

  • The paper application form specified for this call.
  • A conflict-of-interest evaluation for Accelerate Entrepreneur applications.
  • A letter of support from the host incubator for Accelerate Entrepreneur applications.
  • The New Trainee Profile form when a trainee to be named is designated.

Official resources

Official page

Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security Call

Supporting document

Mitacs Accelerate and BSI Project Start and End Date Policy

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian postsecondary institutions.
  • Canadian companies and other organizations involved in defence and security innovation partnerships.
  • Researchers from the postsecondary sector.
  • Multinational companies may participate as a partner when the project provides clear benefits to Canada’s defence industrial infrastructure, includes applied R&D in Canada, engages Canadian research teams significantly, and focuses on defence industrial strategy priorities.
  • Accelerate Entrepreneur applications are eligible.

Who is not eligible

  • Applications submitted as part of an approved proposal framework cannot be combined with this call.
  • Joint CRSNG-Mitacs applications are not eligible.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Selection criteria

  • Whether the project clearly fits the priority technological domains defined in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
  • The proposed technological orientation.
  • The project’s relevance to defence and security issues.
  • The role of the partner organization in the defence ecosystem.
  • Applications must reach the threshold required to advance to committee review after external peer review.

How to apply

  • Contact your Mitacs advisor to begin the application process.
  • Use the paper application form specified for this call.
  • If applying through Accelerate Entrepreneur, complete the conflict-of-interest evaluation and provide a letter of support from the host incubator.
  • If a trainee to be named is designated, complete and submit the New Trainee Profile form.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by Mitacs and assessed through external peer review.
  • A committee makes the funding decision after the review process.
  • If a proposal does not reach the threshold to advance to committee review, applicants are informed of the result.
  • Applicants are notified once review and processing are complete.
  • Proposals that meet Accelerate criteria but are not selected for this call may continue under standard Accelerate funding amounts and standard Accelerate start and end-date policies apply to approved projects.

Additional information

  • The Indigenous Pathways Initiative is included in this call.
  • Applicants must declare any potential conflict of interest at the time of application.
  • Applications cannot be revised while under evaluation.
  • Funding decisions are made by a committee after external peer review.

Contacts

none
none

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security Program

What is the Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security?

Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security supports industrial innovation partnerships in Canadian defence and security. The program funds applied research projects aligned with defence priorities and can provide up to $20,000 per master’s or doctoral unit and $25,000 per postdoctoral unit.

How much funding can be received?

Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security Funds up to $750,000 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is August 17, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Who is eligible for the Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security program?

To be eligible for the Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security program, you must: Canadian postsecondary-industry partnerships Projects must align with defence and security priorities At least 50% of internship units must be named at submission

What expenses are eligible under Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security?

Applied R&D projects in defence and security. Innovation partnerships in areas such as aerospace, digital systems, AI, cybersecurity, in-service support, protection of personnel, sensors, space, specialized manufacturing, training, simulation, unmanned systems, quantum science and technologies, and Arctic sovereignty. Projects supporting dual-use technologies relevant to defence and security.

Who can I contact for more information about the Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security?

You can contact Mitacs by email at none or by phone at none.

Where is the Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security available?

The Mitacs Accelerate – Defence and Security program is available across Canada.