Sponsor
Mitacs
Program
Accelerate
For More Information
Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security Call
Description
The 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. Supported projects may contribute to the development of new intellectual property, technologies, products and services that strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities and help accelerate the path from research to real-world application.
This initiative supports the objectives of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and aligns with Mitacs’ Strategic Plan 2026–2030 to strengthen collaboration, talent development and applied research commercialization in critical sectors. Eligible strategic areas include Aerospace; Digital Systems (AI, Quantum, Cyber); In-Service Support; Personnel Protection; Sensors; Space; Specialized Manufacturing; Training and Simulation; Uncrewed Systems; Quantum Science and Technology; and Arctic Sovereignty.
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.
Funding Availability
The call will be delivered through Mitacs Accelerate. Standard Accelerate student eligibility and award values continue to apply, with increased award values available for Master’s, PhD and postdoctoral fellows:
- For Master’s and PhD students: $20,000 per IU ($10,000 contribution from partner; minimum $15,000 for stipend)
- Postdoctoral fellows: $25,000 per IU ($12,500 contribution from partner; inimum $20,000 for stipend).
This is a competitive call. Award decisions are expected in late 2026, with funded projects anticipated to begin in early 2027.
Indirect Costs
0%
Project Duration
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).
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
External Deadline | Applicant submits full application, including signed memorandum, directly to Mitacs Advisor. | |
Internal Deadline | A signed OR-5 form and complete application package must be submitted to the Research Services Office (research.services@uoguelph.ca) a minimum of one week prior to the external deadline. |
How to Apply
To submit an application to the Accelerate Defence and Security Call, potential applicants must first connect with Guelph’s Mitacs Advisor, Emily Gordon (egordo05@uoguelph.ca) to discuss your potential project and obtain the Accelerate Defence and Security Call application package. Mitacs will pre-review the proposed partner(s) and intern(s) to assess and confirm eligibility.