Call for nominations opens for the 2026 Mitacs Innovation Awards

Vancouver, BC — Nominations are now open for the 2026 Mitacs Innovation Awards. From students and postdoctoral fellows to professors, start-up founders, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, the awards recognize Mitacs-program participants, the emerging talent who are helping Canada innovate faster, compete globally, and build a resilient economy.

The 2026 awards will spotlight impact across key sectors driving Canada’s economic future including: Artificial Intelligence; Health and Life Sciences; Defence and Security; Manufacturing and Robotics; Energy and Critical Minerals; and Quantum Technologies.

2026 nomination categories

Nominations are open in the following categories:

Outstanding Innovator: Recognizes individual Mitacs program participants (students or postdoctoral fellows) whose research shows exceptional potential for broader societal or economic impact.

Inclusive Innovator: Recognizes a Mitacs program participant (students or postdoctoral fellows) who is advancing equity and inclusion within Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Canadian Start-Up Innovator: Recognizes a Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur program participant (students or postdoctoral fellows) who has successfully launched a start-up, turning innovative research into business growth and market impact.

Canadian Enterprise Innovator: Recognizes a Mitacs industry partner whose leadership, collaborative approach, and support for research and development demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing Canadian innovation.

Outstanding Research Leadership: Recognizes an academic supervisor who has demonstrated excellence in mentorship, research leadership, and industry collaboration.

The nomination period runs from August 4 to September 8 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2026 awards ceremony will take place on November 23, 2026 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and all winners will be invited to attend. Details and nomination instructions are available on the Mitacs Innovation Awards webpage.

For a glimpse of what the Mitacs Innovation Awards celebrate, watch highlights from last year’s ceremony:

“Building a strong and resilient Canadian economy powered by ideas, talent, and innovation means turning research into tangible results – stronger firms, more job opportunities, greater productivity, and better quality of life. The Mitacs Innovation Awards recognize the people and partnerships delivering that impact. We encourage Canada’s innovation community to nominate students, entrepreneurs, academic leaders, and industry partners now for this year’s awards.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

About Mitacs

Mitacs delivers the return on innovation Canada needs now by connecting big ideas, people, and ambition to turn potential into results. Through our co-funded innovation partnerships, we get Canada’s researchers and businesses where they need to go.

Mitacs partners innovate faster. Commercialize sooner. Compete globally. Scale and grow stronger. We open the door to opportunity, creating jobs and equipping students and postdoctoral researchers with skills, industry experience, and professional networks.

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.