eCampusOntario and Mitacs partner to empower future-ready talent across Ontario 

Toronto, Ontario — Mitacs and eCampusOntario have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance equitable talent development and accelerate research-to-commercialization and digital transformation, driving Canadian economic growth and resilience. 

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs supports business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. eCampusOntario is a not-for-profit organization that supports innovation, collaboration and digital-by-design education in Ontario’s colleges, Indigenous institutes, and universities.  

Through this renewed agreement, Mitacs and eCampusOntario will strengthen innovation across research partnerships, equitable talent development, and public engagement and program initiatives, including those supporting underserved communities. This collaboration will reinforce pathways from research to market in areas aligned with regional and national priorities, such as digital transformation, emerging technologies, and inclusive innovation. 

This partnership builds on the Government of Ontario’s strong ecosystem for postsecondary education and research. Mitacs and eCampusOntario acknowledge the Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security for its leadership in modernizing Ontario’s postsecondary system and enabling collaborations that strengthen Ontario’s economy and workforce. 

Mitacs and eCampusOntario previously had a memorandum of understanding with funding directed to CivicLabTO, an initiative that streamlined processes for collaboration between a municipality and academic institutions. 

Between 2018–19 and 2024–25, Mitacs has invested Can$439.3 million in research and development and connected more than 13,700 interns with over 3,700 industry partners across Ontario. 

Quotes 

“By joining forces, Mitacs and eCampusOntario can further support workforce development to meet industry needs in digital transformation and emerging technologies, contributing to a stronger and more resilient economy. This partnership drives academic-industry collaboration, deploys highly skilled talent, and builds innovation capacity to strengthen Canada’s productivity and global competitiveness.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“Together, Mitacs and eCampusOntario are helping employers in Ontario to connect with the skilled talent needed to innovate today and prepare the workforce — and the workplace — of the future. Ontario’s Indigenous institutes, colleges, and universities will benefit from being seamlessly connected to employers with supports from Mitacs, Canada’s leading innovation catalyst. This partnership ensures Ontario’s students and researchers are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges while supporting today’s inclusive innovation and flexible growth.”

Robert Luke, CEO, eCampusOntario 

About Mitacs 

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.   

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services.   

This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.   

About eCampusOntario 

eCampusOntario is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, that supports innovation, collaboration, and digital-by-design education in Ontario’s colleges, Indigenous Institutes, and universities. We provide the sector with platforms, programs and services to advance digital participation in postsecondary education, connecting Ontario’s postsecondary institutions and learners to the future of learning and work.  

Media contacts: 

Caroline Dobuzinskis
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, Mitacs
Email: [email protected] 

Jason Northway-Frank
Senior Manager, Governance and Public Relations
Email: [email protected]