Skip to content
01 - Header
12 - Hero Split
dc_03 (3)
Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security Call

Talent and research powering Canadian defence and security innovation

Delivered in collaboration with Canada’s Department of National Defence, this competitive funding opportunity supports industrial innovation partnerships that advance Canadian sovereign capabilities in areas identified in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS).

Through Mitacs’ flagship Accelerate program, the call will channel Canada’s top graduate and postdoctoral research talent into applied, mission-relevant projects that strengthen the country’s defence industrial base.

Apply before August 17, 2026.

Contact your Mitacs Advisor to get started


Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security Call

Talent and research powering Canadian defence and security innovation

Delivered in collaboration with Canada’s Department of National Defence, this competitive funding opportunity supports industrial innovation partnerships that advance Canadian sovereign capabilities in areas identified in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

 

Through Mitacs’ flagship Accelerate program, the call will channel Canada’s top graduate and postdoctoral research talent into applied, mission-relevant projects that strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities and help accelerate the path from research to real-world application.

 

The call is now open. Apply before August 17, 2026.

dc-03

This call is delivered in partnership with

 

sig-blk-en

 

dc_05v2

About the award

The Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security call advances Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities by pairing Canadian researchers and innovators with partner organizations on applied, mission-relevant R&D.

 

Eligible projects include those in the following strategic areas:

    • Aerospace
    • Training and simulation
    • In-service support
    • Personnel protection
    • Sensors
    • Space
    • Digital systems (AI, quantum, cyber)
    • Specialized manufacturing
    • Uncrewed systems
    • Quantum science and technology
    • Arctic sovereignty

Projects may run for up to two years and include no more than 30 internship units (IUs). Interns must be identified at the time of application for a minimum of 50 per cent of the internships in the project, while no more than 50 per cent may be listed as to be determined (TBD).

 

Standard Accelerate student eligibility and award values continue to apply, with increased award values available for Master’s, PhD and postdoctoral fellows:

 

Master’s or PhD IU: $20,000

($10,000 contribution from partner; minimum $15,000 for stipend)

Postdoctoral fellow IU: $25,000

($12,500 contribution from partner; minimum $20,000 for stipend)

This is a competitive call. All applications will be assessed by Mitacs and undergo external peer review, with funding decisions determined by a panel. There will be no opportunity for applicants to revise their proposals while under consideration for this call. Following the external review, if an application does not meet the threshold for panel consideration, applicants will be notified of the results. In all other cases, applicants will be notified of outcomes once the review and processing period is complete.

 

Applications must be submitted by August 17, 2026. Standard Mitacs Accelerate policies regarding start and end dates apply.

A proven partner for defence, security, and
dual-use innovation

Operating across Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem, Mitacs deploys talent from Canadian post-secondary institutions through co-funded internships that accelerate the development and commercialization of technologies — including those that support national defence objectives.

4,700+

industry partners

15,800+

 interns

 

5,000+

 professors

 

$584M+

awarded

 

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, all 10 provinces, and the territory of Yukon — reflecting strong federal–provincial–territorial alignment and a consistent track record of delivery. Below are just a few of the many industry partners our programs have supported.

Who should apply

This call for proposals is open to Canadian post-secondary institutions partnering with Canadian businesses and other organizations contributing to strengthening Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities.

 

Eligible participants include:

  • Canadian companies seeking to de-risk applied R&D with academic expertise
  • Academic researchers with projects aligned to Canada’s defence and security priorities
  • Teams able to host and supervise Master’s, PhD, and/or postdoctoral participants through Mitacs Accelerate
  • Applicants prepared to meet Mitacs Accelerate eligibility, quality, and feasibility requirements
dc-04

Conflicts of interest

All parties must declare any potential conflicts of interest when submitting an application, including:

  • An academic supervisor in a position of ownership, employment, or influence over operations at the partner organization
  • An intern in a position of ownership, employment, or influence over operations at the partner organization
  • Program participants with a close family relationship or with someone in a position of ownership, employment, or influence at the partner organization
05 - Hero Simple Text

How to apply

1. Connect with your Mitacs Advisor to discuss project suitability, confirm eligibility, and initiate the proposal development process.

2. When preparing your application, be sure to use the application form specific to this call.

Connect with a Mitacs Advisor
13 - Accordion

Frequently asked questions

Applications will be open from June 1, 2026 to August 17, 2026. Applications will be reviewed and processed between August and October 2026, and funding outcomes will be communicated in late November 2026.

Dual-use technology supports both commercial applications as well as defence and security needs. Many of the technologies shaping modern defence capabilities are developed within the civilian innovation ecosystem, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and quantum systems.

Mitacs supports applied research and talent development in these domains across Canada through partnerships with industry and academia. In that sense, we’re actively contributing to areas that underpin defence readiness, even if that work has not always been described in defence terms.

14 - Cards

Defence and security innovation success with Mitacs

Mitacs collaborations support applied R&D, strengthen workforce development, and accelerate the transition from research to real-world defence and security applications. Below are some examples of the many successful projects.

dc_01 (1)

Strengthening safety and trust in high-stakes environments

Global tech leader Thales has collaborated with Mitacs for years on advanced research carried out through its Quebec-based cortAIx labs. These projects focus on applying AI technologies to support and enhance human decision-making in applications in defence, aerospace, cybersecurity, and other sectors. This partnership provides a critical talent pipeline, with former Mitacs program participants accounting for roughly one-third of the lab’s full-time staff. 

dc_02v2

Building brain assessment tools for medical and military use

Mitacs program participants helped NERON AI translate neuromotor science into a functional assessment and brain-training application without compromising scientific integrity. As well as making tools for proactive brain health and healthy aging more accessible, the company’s technology can support assessment of Canadian military personnel. Defence Research and Development Canada has used the visuomotor test underlying NERON AI’s technology since 2015.

05 - Hero Simple Text

Start your own success story

Connect with a Mitacs Advisor

1 Numbers subject to change. Projects are fully funded upfront (rather than disbursed over time) to ensure continuity of execution. As a result, certain units and associated elements may be modified or cancelled at a later stage in the project lifecycle, which would impact this aggregation.