CIT — Talent Development Internships

Finding skilled technical talent can be a challenge for Ontario companies working on emerging technology projects, especially when those projects are still in development. The CIT — Talent Development Internships program is designed to help bridge that gap by supporting businesses that want to bring on recent graduates to work on innovation-focused initiatives. Delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the program helps small and mid-sized companies build internal capacity while giving new talent hands-on experience in high-growth technology areas.

Through this initiative, eligible Ontario businesses can receive wage support of up to $20,000 when they hire one or two new interns for defined project work. Internships typically run for four to eight months and must be tied to one of OCI’s priority technology areas, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, or advanced digital networks, and applied within key sectors like advanced manufacturing and other innovation-driven industries. Funding is structured as a cost-share, making it particularly appealing for companies that are ready to invest in talent but want to reduce early-stage hiring risk.

This program is well suited for companies developing new products, processes, or technical capabilities and looking to grow their team with fresh expertise. For businesses interested in understanding project fit, timelines, and next steps, exploring the full program details can help determine whether this internship opportunity aligns with your innovation goals.