Mitacs Innovate BC Program

Mitacs Innovate BC Program

$15,000 award to support a joint academic-industry research project at no cost to businesses.

About the program

Mitacs Innovate BC Program

This program offsets the standard company-partner contribution towards the intern’s stipend and increases access to research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to fast-track solutions to COVID-19 and mitigate its adverse economic impacts, Mitacs and Innovate BC are partnering to support business in the province of British Columbia.

Innovate BC is investing $375,000 towards 100 Mitacs internships for COVID-19-specific projects. The funding infusion from Innovate BC coupled with Mitacs’s leveraged funds offsets the standard company-partner contribution towards the intern’s stipend and increases access to research during this pandemic.

This funding will be distributed through the Mitacs Accelerate program and will provide eligible projects with $15,000 in total funding to support the intern’s stipend. Each employer is eligible for one Innovate BC grant valued at $3,750.

Program eligibility

  • Be a B.C.-based SME.
  • Have less than 500 employees
  • Be either a technology company or technology not-for-profit hiring a student for any role, or a non-tech company or non-tech not-for-profit hiring for a tech role
  • Be hiring a student currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution in B.C.
  • Have a project approved by the Mitacs Accelerate Program.

What’s a tech role?

Two things count as a tech role: 1. A role in a tech company 2. A role that is primarily related to developing tech or providing tech support. Some examples include: a. 3D programming b. iOS development c. computing science d. medical equipment operations and diagnostics e. front-end and back-end web development f. tech support

Does it matter which university or college my student is from?

Yes. In order to be eligible to receive a grant, the student must be enrolled at a BC post-secondary institution. International students are eligible.

Are postdoctoral fellows eligible?

No. Only undergraduate students, Master’s students and PhD students are eligible.

How long does it take to process an application?

A typical application is processed within 15 business days. You will then be notified whether you have received conditional approval or have been declined.

Are we eligible for a Mitacs-Innovate BC Grant if we received other funding for the student?

Yes. However, the combined value of all funding cannot exceed the student’s salary.

When will I receive my grant?

Grants will be disbursed after the completion of the project and the survey via direct deposit.

Looking for information?

Questions? Call 604-602-5205 or

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