With one in four recent Canadian STEM graduates leaving the country, citing better job opportunities abroad*, talent migration affects us all. A shortage of talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math constrains Canada’s potential for economic diversity, development, and innovation.

Celebrating 1,500 interns in 2018 and 20 years together— UBC-Mitacs partnership continues to drive innovation and improve lives

Research is essential in the natural products space, where consumers need evidence that products are effective and safe. But for a small company, doing research isn’t simple.

Fredericton-based technology company Eigen Innovations was in need of a researcher to help solve a data challenge to improve their software that uses thermal cameras to capture video and sensor data for industrial manufacturing.

Early in the development of their HUAR tools, the company identified a need to tap into the expertise of a researcher with an understanding of acoustics and sound processing. Having been introduced to Mitacs’ programs through their local Business Development representative, the company was paired to Ali Zareian, a PhD student from the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Calgary.

Companies like Les Enduits STEF stepped in to fill the gap by developing water-tight membranes and coatings that could be applied to a house’s exterior during construction. In need of a research-based solution, the company was introduced to a postdoctoral fellow from the Université de Sherbrooke to do the job.