Mitacs Releases Driving Inclusive Innovation: Annual Progress Report (2024–25)

Vancouver, BC — Mitacs has released Driving Inclusive Innovation: Annual Progress Report (2024–25). The new report shares updates on activity and commitments outlined in Mitacs’ Inclusive Innovation Action Plan (IIAP).

Launched in 2023, the IIAP presents a three-year roadmap to ensure innovation reflects the full diversity of Canada. The plan focuses on three main goals: expanding access for equity-deserving students, strengthening inclusive partnerships, and embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion within Mitacs’ systems and culture.

Now in its second year, the IIAP has achieved tangible progress, including:

• 56% increase in Indigenous Pathways internships
• The launch of the Women in STEM Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program
• Expansion of partnerships to support inclusivity, such as with the Canadian Black Scientists Network

Read Driving Inclusive Innovation Annual Progress Report (2024–2025) here.

Quotes

“To be truly successful, we need to invest in all our talent, which is why a commitment to EDI is essential to driving economic growth and productivity. When we work to provide communities with access to training and skills development, workforce experience, and R&D opportunities, we’re also ensuring Canada’s competitiveness for the future.” 

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“Mitacs’ strategic focus on EDI ensures the removal of barriers and the creation of meaningful opportunities for equity-deserving communities to thrive. We drive social and economic impact by fostering inclusive environments where everyone can contribute to groundbreaking research, innovation, and transformative solutions.”

Angelin Soosaipillai, Vice President, EDI and Culture

About Mitacs

Mitacs places top-tier talent in Canadian firms, to support industry-academia collaboration. This helps unlock innovation potential, de-risk R&D for firms, and build lasting academic-industry relationships. Our national reach, international connections, and ability to broker cross-sectoral partnerships allow us to deliver results at scale, helping Canadian businesses compete globally while developing the next generation of a skilled and innovative workforce.

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.