Mitacs expands access and opportunity through Inclusive Innovation Action Plan

Final report highlights progress in accessibility, inclusive learning, mentorship, and pathways for equity-deserving communities 

Vancouver, BC — Mitacs has released Building Canada’s Innovation Capacity Through Inclusion, the third and final report from the Inclusive Innovation Action Plan. The document captures progress in expanding access and opportunity for equity-deserving communities across Canada’s innovation ecosystem.  

Launched as a three-year roadmap, the action plan focused on strengthening inclusion across Mitacs’ programs and partnerships, as well as accessibility, learning, and research practices. It focused on creating pathways to five priority groups: Indigenous Peoples, women and gender-diverse individuals, racialized groups, persons living with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.  

Key areas of progress include: 

• Expanding organizational accessibility and inclusive learning opportunities for staff, researchers, and partners 

• Providing researchers with clearer guidance on inclusion and Indigenous research practices 

• Strengthening mentorship, professional networks, and pathways into industry, research, and professional roles through programs including Indigenous Pathways and the Women in STEM Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program 

Read Building Canada’s Innovation Capacity Through Inclusion. 

While the first action plan has concluded, Mitacs will continue this work through its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan , including support for Indigenous students, entrepreneurs, and communities, and efforts to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.  

Quotes

“Mitacs’ Inclusive Innovation Action Plan has helped create new pathways for equity-deserving communities across Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem. Our country’s success depends on investing in all our talent, and by expanding access to skills, experience, and research opportunities, we can strengthen our innovation capacity and sustain a more competitive future.” 

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“Inclusive innovation starts with action. Over the past three years, we have worked to expand access and opportunity for underrepresented communities while embedding equity, accessibility, and inclusion more deeply across our organization. This action plan marks an important milestone, not an endpoint. Mitacs will continue working alongside partners and communities to help build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem across Canada.” 

Angelin Soosaipillai, Vice President, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Culture

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 businesses and researchers 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. 

A national not-for-profit organization founded in 1999, 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.