Mitacs — Accelerate Entrepreneur
Canada
Money to grow start-ups and get to market faster through funded internships
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|minCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- Mitacs
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Funds for student and postdoctoral entrepreneurs to further develop the research or technology at the core of their start-up business.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports student and postdoctoral entrepreneurs in Canada, with varying conditions across provinces for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. It is accessible to startups in Canadian provinces and territories, often requiring partnerships with approved incubators.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$13,000
Pilot testing of a smart home energy management system
$13,000
Iterating on a drone-based agricultural monitoring system
$13,000
Developing an AI-driven health diagnostic tool for rural clinics
$13,000
Improving a machine learning algorithm for financial predictions
$13,000
Development of a portable water purification device
$13,000
Testing a renewable energy storage solution in urban environments
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The company eligibility criteria to participate in the Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur program are as follows:
- The start-up must be incorporated to receive funding.
- Student and postdoctoral entrepreneurs must hold ownership of their incorporated start-up and be responsible for the management and/or operations of the company.
- The start-up needs to be actively housed at an approved incubator facility for the duration of the proposed project.
- The proposed research project must further develop the research or technology at the core of the start-up business.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur program is open to student and postdoctoral entrepreneurs who meet the following eligibility criteria:- Must be a student or postdoctoral fellow from Mitacs partner colleges and universities in Canada.- Must hold ownership of the incorporated start-up and have responsibility for the management and/or operations of the company.- Must be housed in an approved incubator facility for the duration of the project.- The proposed research project must develop or refine the core research or technology of the start-up.Consulting firms and full-time employees without ownership or management responsibility for the company are not eligible. Additionally, part-time students may be eligible if they meet specific criteria, but consultation with a Mitacs Advisor is necessary.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur grant has specific exclusions for types of companies that do not meet its strategic objectives. These restrictions focus on ownership, company structure, and operational responsibilities.
- Consulting firms.
- Companies where applicants are only full-time employees with no ownership.
- Businesses where applicants lack responsibility for management and/or operations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur focuses on assisting student and postdoctoral entrepreneurs in commercializing their startup's core technology, product, or service. The eligible activities are centered around enhancing the capabilities of startups through research and practical implementation.
- Piloting and testing a new product, service, or technology.
- Iterating and improving on an existing product, service, or technology.
- Budget optimization for startup growth and development.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Mitacs Accelerate uses the Tri-Agency eligible expenses guidelines for the use of funds.
- Intern stipend or salary.
- Research costs up to $5,000.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur grant are guided by specific criteria focused on the research-based nature of the proposed internships and their strategic alignment with the startup's needs.
- Qualification of the proposed project as research within its discipline.
- Appropriateness of the project for the academic degree level of the intern(s).
- Clarity of the objectives outlined in the proposal.
- Suitability of the methodology to achieve the stated objectives.
- Realism of the project's timeline.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Accelerate Entrepreneur grant:
- Step 1: Connect with Mitacs Advisor
- Contact your local Mitacs Advisor to discuss project ideas and confirm your eligibility.
- Ensure your incubator is approved or seek advice on getting it approved if not listed.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Proposal
- Download the latest Mitacs Accelerate proposal template and complete it with project details, research methods, and objectives.
- Complete the Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur Conflict of Interest (COI) Declaration Form.
- Obtain a letter of support from your host incubator facility.
- Step 3: Collect Required Signatures
- Gather signatures from the intern(s), professor(s), partner contact, and university Office of Research Services or equivalent.
- Step 4: Submit Proposal Package
- Email your completed proposal package, which includes the proposal form, COI form, and support letter, to your Mitacs Advisor.
- Ensure submission is complete for prompt peer review.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Await confirmation from Mitacs regarding the proposal status and further instructions.
- Engage with Mitacs promptly if additional information or revisions are requested.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applications are evaluated through a peer review process that typically takes six to eight weeks, with the potential for longer if revisions are needed.
- Mitacs does not claim any intellectual property (IP) from projects it funds, and all IP agreements are managed by the academic institution involved.
- Students and postdoctoral entrepreneurs must maintain ownership and management responsibilities in their startup to qualify for funding.
- The university administers the grant and may deduct benefits based on institutional policy, impacting the stipend or salary received.
- Participants are encouraged to engage in Mitacs Training workshops for skill development during their internship.
- Mitacs supports international internships, provided they include at least one intern travelling to or from Canada.
- Funding for extensions may be requested under specific conditions, such as unforeseen project delays or to expand project scope, but new project objectives cannot be added during an extension.
Apply to this program
Fueling Startup Growth with Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur
Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur is a robust initiative designed to empower student and postdoctoral entrepreneurs in Canada by providing financial support for commercialization activities. This program aims to help startups optimize their budgets, refine their technology or products, and advance their professional skills through internships valued at $15,000 each.
In-Depth Insight into the Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur Program
The Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur program stands out as a vital resource for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students and postdoctoral fellows in Canada. This initiative is tailored to assist early-stage startups in navigating the challenging path to commercialization, thereby accelerating their journey from concept to market-ready products. By funding internships at startups, the program ensures that entrepreneurs have the dedicated time and resources to focus on advancing their core research and technology.
One of the key aspects of the Accelerate Entrepreneur initiative is its flexibility. The program recognizes the dynamic nature of startups and offers a scalable approach to funding. Entrepreneurs can apply for up to two years of support, and should their research require further development, they have the option to submit a continuation proposal. This ensures that startups are not just reacting to immediate challenges but are planning for sustained growth and impact.
The program's structure is designed to address critical phases in a startup's lifecycle, such as piloting new technologies and iterating existing products. Internships funded through this program allow entrepreneurs to thoroughly test and refine their solutions, ensuring that they are market-ready and meet the demands of potential consumers. Such support is crucial for startups operating on limited budgets, as it allows them to make strategic financial decisions while receiving substantial backing to bring their innovations to fruition.
Another significant advantage of the Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur program is its connection with a network of approved incubators across Canada. This partnership provides entrepreneurs with not only funding but also access to a supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and connect with other innovators. Approved incubators offer essential resources and mentorship, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical business skills.
Eligibility for the program is straightforward but it requires active participation in an approved incubator facility and incorporation of the startup. This ensures that Mitacs funds are directed towards genuine entrepreneurial efforts rather than consulting firms or employees who lack ownership and operational stakes in the company. Such stringent criteria ensure that the program truly benefits emerging startups that are eager to contribute to the Canadian economic ecosystem.
Applications for the Accelerate Entrepreneur program are accepted on a rolling basis, which adds to its appeal for startups that often operate on unpredictable timelines. With an evaluation period of six to eight weeks, applicants receive timely feedback, enabling them to proceed with their projects without undue delay. Successful proposals then unlock the door to not just financial backing, but also networking opportunities and resources essential for scaling their ventures.
By encouraging hands-on research and development, Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur is more than just a funding opportunity; it's a catalyst for innovation and growth. Entrepreneurs who participate in this program benefit from an ecosystem designed to support their success, making it an invaluable tool for those looking to make a mark in their respective industries.
