Mitacs and Southeast College partner to support Saskatchewan talent and research

Vancouver, BC – On the heels of a renewed funding agreement with the provincial government, Southeast College in Weyburn has joined an expanding community of postsecondary partners supported by Mitacs. Through this partnership, Mitacs will continue to ensure Saskatchewan’s businesses and priority sectors have access to the talent they need to be successful.

Southeast College will access Mitacs funding to deploy expertise into Saskatchewan’s economy, enabling local organizations to tap into top tier talent to develop the workforce of tomorrow in key priority sectors like sustainable energy, computer science and AI implementation, oil and gas, and advanced manufacturing.  This partnership builds on existing collaborations with post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan such as the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

This agreement marks a significant milestone for Southeast College and the region, providing funding and institutional support for the Centre of Sustainable Innovation and creating new opportunities for students and businesses across southern Saskatchewan.

Through this partnership, Southeast College will strengthen its role as a hub for applied research and workforce development. The collaboration will prioritize research projects involving local students, ensuring they gain hands-on experience solving real-world challenges while contributing to regional economic growth. These projects will focus on practical, market-ready solutions that meet the needs of industries in the region.

Across Saskatchewan, Mitacs supports post-secondary institutions to deliver hands-on, industry-responsive education and training to strengthen local economies and accelerate talent development.

Since 2018, Mitacs has invested over Can$50 million into research and development initiatives in Saskatchewan, partnered with seven post-secondary institutions, and delivered over 1,200 innovation projects representing approximately 3,600 internships across the province.

Quotes

“As we continue to build on our strong partnership with Saskatchewan, Mitacs is proud to announce an agreement with Southeast College. Through the collaboration between academia and industry, this partnership will help develop the next generation of Saskatchewan talent, preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow, while supporting economic growth, productivity, and global competitiveness across the province.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“Our unique position in rural Saskatchewan allows for innovative industry partnerships to evolve at the local level. We welcome the opportunity to hire student interns where they live and study. Businesses with technology challenges can rely on Southeast College to collaborate with them to solve problems and improve their business,”

Jody Holzmiller, President and CEO of Southeast College.

“Mitacs and Southeast College are helping more post-secondary students in rural communities access impactful research internships through this new partnership. Our government is proud to support Mitacs in offering opportunities that benefit Saskatchewan students and drive innovation at businesses across the province.”

Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff, Government of Saskatchewan

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. 

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.

About Southeast College 

Southeast College is proud to offer innovative and flexible programming that encourages students to learn where they live. 

For further information, please contact: 

Caroline Dobuzinskis, Manager, Communications & Public Affairs,

Mitacs

[email protected] | 236-334-3863

Ziona Eyob, Senior Communications & Public Affairs Specialist,

Mitacs

[email protected]