Canada Cyber Foundry - Internship Program

Canada Cyber Foundry (CCF) is here to help students and postdoctoral fellows build their professional entrepreneurial skills, with the goal of commercializing their start-up’s technology, product, or service through Mitacs funded internships. In short, Accelerate Entrepreneur pays students and postdoctoral fellows to grow their start-ups and get to market faster. 

How it works

• Start-ups housed at an approved incubator facility invest funding in a research project with the goal of commercializing their technology, product, or service
• Mitacs matches the start-up’s investment by 50% and releases a research award to student or post-doctoral entrepreneurs through four-month internships, valued at $15,000 per internship 
• Student or postdoctoral entrepreneurs advance their academic work and their start-up’s commercialization goals through funded internships 
• Students or postdoctoral entrepreneurs receive a minimum $10,000 stipend per internship, with up to $5,000 in flexible funding that can be used to support research costs 

We support growth where you need it

This program targets the stages in a start-up’s journey where big impacts can be made: 

• Piloting and testing a new product, service or technology
• Iterating and improving on an existing product, service, or technology
• Making the most out of limited budgets 

A flexible and scalable option

• Applications are accepted anytime
• Evaluation is completed in six to eight weeks
• Projects start at four months and can be scaled up depending on the start-up’s needs

MITACS Accelerate Program: Unlocking Opportunities for Students, Researchers, and Businesses

Are you a student looking to kickstart your career, a postdoc seeking new horizons, a professor eager to bridge academia and industry, or a business aiming for innovation? Look no further than the MITACS Accelerate Program, your gateway to a world of possibilities and rewards.

Who Can Benefit?

Students: Whether you're a college student, undergrad, or graduate student, the MITACS Accelerate Program welcomes you. Recent graduates from Canadian institutions within two years of graduation are also eligible. International students over the age of 18 pursuing full-time graduate studies in select Mitacs partner countries can seize this opportunity.

Researchers: Professors and post-doctoral fellows at Mitacs partner colleges and universities across Canada can tap into this program to advance their research endeavors.

Businesses: For-profit corporations, eligible not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, hospitals within Canada, as well as for-profit businesses operating outside of Canada, can all leverage the MITACS Accelerate Program for mutual growth and innovation. Additionally, intern-owned start-ups at approved incubators can explore this opportunity under the Accelerate Entrepreneur initiative.

Timelines:

The application process is open year-round, allowing you to apply at your convenience. After submitting your application, a six- to eight-week peer review process takes place, ensuring the highest quality of projects.

Student Opportunities:

• College students can engage in up to three four-month internships.
• Master's students have the opportunity for up to four four-month internships.
• PhD students can pursue up to eight four-month internships.
• The Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship supports more extended projects for graduate students.
• Internships commence at a minimum of four months, providing a substantial and immersive experience.

Expectations:

Participants are expected to devote roughly 50% of their internship time to the academic institution and the remaining 50% to the partner organization. Upon completion, a final report and exit survey summarizing project results and experiences must be submitted, following the Accelerate Code of Conduct.

Benefits:

• Real-World Application: Apply your academic knowledge and skills in a non-academic environment, gaining invaluable practical experience.
• Networking: Expand your professional network by collaborating with industry experts and researchers.
• Stipend/Salary: Receive financial support with stipends starting at $10,000 per four-month internship period.
• Enhanced Resume: Elevate your CV with peer-reviewed research and hands-on industry experience, making you a standout candidate in the job market.

The MITACS Accelerate Program is your ticket to a brighter future, offering a myriad of opportunities and benefits for students, researchers, and businesses alike. Don't miss out on the chance to accelerate your career and drive innovation. Apply now and open doors to a world of possibilities.

More information is available at the Mitacs website

Please contact us directly at canadacyberfoundry@uoguelph.ca.