Hiring experienced researchers is expensive. Building R&D links with universities can also feel slow and complex. Mitacs programs are designed to solve both problems. They share the cost of research talent. They also help Canadian businesses turn academic research into commercial results. Each year, Mitacs supports thousands of industry–academic internships. In some cases, the funding can cover up to 75% of project costs.
This guide explains how to use Mitacs programs—especially Mitacs Accelerate (Business)—to hire researchers and work with university research in Canada.
Mitacs is a national, not-for-profit group that funds research partnerships between businesses and Canadian postsecondary schools. You do not get a cheque to spend as you wish. Instead, Mitacs co-funds paid research internships. Students or postdoctoral fellows work directly on your R&D or commercialization challenges.
This is the most popular Mitacs program for companies.
Businesses often use this program for:
This stream supports similar research projects but is meant for larger or longer-term collaborations.
This option is for startups that began as university research.
To get the most from Mitacs, follow these steps:
Mitacs is not for curiosity-driven research. Your project must connect to a business outcome, such as:
Mitacs reviewers look for clear industry benefit.
You need an academic supervisor who:
Many businesses already have a researcher in mind. If not, university tech transfer offices can help make introductions.
Each internship unit has a fixed structure. Your business contributes cash, Mitacs adds funding, and the intern is paid through the institution.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry. This is useful if you want to combine Mitacs with provincial innovation funding.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Once approved:
Treating Mitacs like a wage subsidy
This is a research partnership, not a regular hire. Projects without real R&D are often rejected.
Unclear intellectual property plans
IP ownership must be discussed early. Vague agreements slow down approvals.
Underestimating timelines
Finding a researcher and finalizing agreements can take weeks or months.
Ignoring grant stacking rules
Some costs may affect SR&ED or other grants. Get accounting advice early.
Q: How much funding does Mitacs Accelerate provide per intern?
Funding varies by model. Internship units usually range between $15,000 and $20,000 in total project value per unit, split between Mitacs and the business.
Q: Who can be hired through Mitacs programs?
Eligible interns include senior undergraduates, master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and some recent graduates from Canadian institutions.
Q: Can Mitacs funding be combined with SR&ED?
Yes, but Mitacs funding usually reduces eligible SR&ED expenditures. Always confirm with your tax advisor.
Q: Is Mitacs funding taxable income for the business?
Mitacs funds are usually considered assistance tied to project costs, not revenue. Treatment depends on your accounting method.
Q: How long does approval take?
Simple applications may be approved within several weeks. Timelines depend on project complexity and partner readiness.
After reviewing your options, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada. Check which ones match your business profile to see how Mitacs can work with other funding.
Mitacs programs are a practical way to hire researchers and commercialize university research without paying the full cost yourself. The right project structure can shorten development timelines and reduce technical risk. GrantHub helps you compare Mitacs with other federal and provincial innovation programs, so you can build a funding plan that fits your growth goals.
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