Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security Call

Research Admin Offices:

  • MILO

Funding Type:

Proposal

Opportunity Type:

  • Award
  • Request for Proposal

Value:

Funding per internship unit (IU) for Master’s and PhD students ($20,000 per IU) and postdoctoral fellows ($25,000 per IU).

Disciplines:

  • DeGroote School of Business
  • Faculty of Engineering
  • Faculty of Humanities
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Health Sciences

Sponsors:

Deadlines:

Internal Deadline:

August 17, 2026

Sponsor Deadline:

August 17, 2026

Description:

Mitacs has launched a call for proposals that will mobilize academic talent to help advance innovation in strategic areas identified by the strategy, supporting sovereign capabilities. The call is delivered in collaboration with Canada’s Department of National Defence and will support academic-industrial partnerships to collaborate on applied, mission-relevant R&D.

Additional Program Information:

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 per cent of the internships in the project.

Eligibility:

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.

Application/Nomination Process:

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.

Resources:

Additional details.

Contact:

If you have any questions about the program or wish to apply, please reach out to McMaster University’s Mitacs Advisor, Ryan Caldwell at rcaldwell@mitacs.ca or caldwejr@mcmaster.ca