Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security Call

In support of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, Mitacs is launching a call for proposals that will mobilize academic talent to help advance innovation in strategic areas identified by the strategy as sovereign capabilities. The call is delivered in collaboration with Canada’s Department of National Defence and will pair Canadian researchers and innovators with partner organizations on applied, mission-relevant R&D. Applicants should note the deadlines and that applications must align with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

The call will be delivered through Mitacs Accelerate and feature enhanced funding per internship unit (IU) for Master’s and PhD students ($20,000 per IU) and postdoctoral fellows ($25,000 per IU). A project can run up to two years and include as many as 30 IUs. Interns must be identified at the time of application for a minimum of 50% of the internships in the project, while no more than 50% may be listed as to be determined. Eligible projects are those in aerospace, digital systems (AI, quantum, cyber), in-service support, personnel protection, sensors, space, specialized manufacturing, training and simulation, uncrewed systems, quantum science and technology, or arctic sovereignty.

This is a competitive call; all applications will be assessed by Mitacs and undergo external peer review, with funding decisions determined by a panel. Applicants will be notified of outcomes once the review and processing period is complete (expected by early November 2026). All applications will be reviewed based on the quality, feasibility, and eligibility criteria for Mitacs Accelerate, as well as project impact and alignment with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

For further information on eligibility, timelines, and application details, please visit: https://innovation.mitacs.ca/mitacs-accelerate-defence-and-security-call . Should you have any questions or would like to discuss applying, please contact your Mitacs Advisor