Ottawa, ON — Yesterday, the Government of Canada proposed a $7-million investment in innovation through a unique program to connect Canadian start-ups with international incubators in Mitacs partner countries for commercialization opportunities. The investment was announced as part of the Government of Canada’s Fall Economic Statement 2018.
The incubators internship program will enable companies housed at Canadian incubators to access potential markets, clients, and investors through incubators abroad.
Mitacs will provide funding to start-up employees to work from an international incubator for one-to-four months to enhance commercialization opportunities, such as conducting market research, identifying potential suppliers and clients, or exploring regulatory regimes. The program aims to address key issues for start-ups in accessing international markets and developing global business networks.
Quotes:
Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs
“We know that start-ups need global networks to scale up. The Government of Canada’s proposal to support entrepreneurs through international incubator internships will help them to commercialize technologies and develop the connections they need to create jobs and prosperity at home.”
Victoria Lennox, CEO, Startup Canada
“Canadian start-ups have global ambitions and potential. This proposal from the Government of Canada supports our thriving community of entrepreneurs to create connected businesses that have the potential to scale.”
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Quick facts:
- Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada for business and academia.
- Working with 60+ universities, thousands of companies, and both federal and provincial governments, Mitacs builds partnerships that support industrial and social innovation in Canada.
- Open to all disciplines and all industry sectors, projects can span a wide range of areas, including manufacturing, business processes, IT, social sciences, and design.
- Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada and each of the provinces, as well as Canadian universities and international partners.
