Colleges, institutes, polytechnics, and CEGEPs play an important role in Canada’s innovation landscape, delivering applied research in more than 900 communities and serving as a primary R&D partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide.
As the national convener for applied research partnerships, Mitacs works with colleges to bring skilled interns directly into companies and regions where innovation capacity is limited. Together, Mitacs and Canada’s colleges can more effectively drive productivity, strengthen regional economies, and support real-world innovation across the country.
What you’ll learn
With support from Mitacs, Selkirk College is expanding the Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) in Trail, BC, as part of a $3.3 million investment with partners including PacifiCan, D-Pace, TRIUMF, and the Columbia Basin Trust. Together, they are strengthening the Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre (SIRC), advancing particle accelerator and ion source research used in hospitals to detect cancer and other serious illnesses.
By investing in talent and strengthening industry–academic collaboration, this initiative is advancing medical isotopes, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Students gain hands-on experience in high-demand fields, positioning the region as a growing hub for innovation and economic development.
Maggie Matear, President, Selkirk College
“This tremendous investment reflects our commitment to applied learning, innovation and regional growth… strengthening local industry and helping make the West Kootenays a vibrant hub for high-tech innovation.”
Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs
“Mitacs is proud to support Selkirk College’s Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre, which demonstrates how applied research partnerships can drive innovation and economic opportunity in communities across Canada.”
Access applied research and skilled talent to solve real-world challenges Access applied research and skilled talent to solve real-world challenges
Gain hands-on experience and career-ready skills
Strengthen local economies and innovation capacity
Applied research projects move quickly — transforming ideas into solutions in months, not years.
Students and graduates work directly inside organizations, helping partners adopt new technologies and scale innovation.
Colleges anchor innovation in rural, northern, and underserved communities — not just major urban centres.
From clean tech to AI and advanced manufacturing, Mitacs helps move innovation beyond pilots into real‑world adoption
The Accelerate program provides research-based internships that foster applied research collaboration and knowledge transfer between post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows, industry, and academic researchers.
Read MoreAccelerate Entrepreneur is a flexible initiative that helps college, undergraduate, graduate students and postdoctoral entrepreneurs grow their startup, develop the research or technology at its core, and get to market faster.
Read MoreThe Business Strategy Internship program supports innovation-driven projects, helping organizations enhance their business while providing interns with hands-on experiential learning.
Read MoreMitacs provides professional skills development that enhances participants’ nontechnical skills, supports program objectives, expands networks, and enriches their work-integrated learning experience.
Read MoreContact your local Mitacs Advisor
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Mitacs helps colleges deliver applied innovation that fuels workforce and economic growth.
