Colleges, institutes, polytechnics, and CEGEPs make up one of Canada’s most extensive innovation networks. Collectively, the country’s college sector delivers applied research in more than 900 communities and serves as a primary R&D partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide.
Mitacs recognizes this distinct role and is committed to working together with the college sector, connecting talent and applied research to achieve real-world outcomes. In partnership, we can continue to turn ideas into impact to transform organizations and strengthen communities across the country.
Drawing on data, case studies, and partner insights, this report highlights the growing role of Canada’s college sector in the country’s innovation landscape — and how Mitacs supports this important work by connecting talent, partners, and funding to drive economic growth.
What you’ll learn
From April 2018 to March 2026
Mitacs–college partnerships embed talent where it’s needed, helping adopt and scale innovation to create measurable benefits for businesses, students, and communities.
With support from Mitacs, Selkirk College is expanding the Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) in Trail, British Columbia, 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.
Program: Accelerate
Detect is a Nova Scotia-based company conducting a province-wide services inventory of the power distribution system. Over two years with the support of Mitacs, they will have over 20 Nova Scotia Community College interns — the largest BSI project awarded to a college — to support data analysis that will improve analysis processes for large-scale projects, improve automation flows, and advance AI-driven analytics.
As a Mitacs Business Strategy Internship (BSI) intern, Bella Matos helped Community Futures Ventures (CFV) strengthen its digital presence and community reach. Over four months, she increased social media views by more than 200%, expanded audience engagement beyond Yorkton, redesigned key communications materials, and improved internal systems.
Bella’s contributions were so valuable that CFV sought to extend her internship, while she successfully secured a full-time role in digital marketing. The partnership also sparked an ongoing collaboration between CFV and Suncrest College.
“Anything that challenges you invites you to grow. In a world that is constantly demanding change, you have to grow and see how you can give your best every time.”
Access applied research and skilled talent to solve real-world challenges
Gain hands-on experience and career-ready skills
Support goals to empower the innovators of tomorrow
Strengthen local economies and innovation capacity
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 AI Advantage helps enterprises across Canada adopt and innovate through access to highly skilled AI talent, vital co-funding, and strategic partnerships. Two offerings support organizations at different stages of their AI journey.
Read MoreMitacs provides professional skills development that enhances participants’ nontechnical skills, supports program objectives, expands networks, and enriches their work-integrated learning experience.
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Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.