Sponsor
Mitacs
Description
Nominations are open for the 2026 Mitacs Innovation Awards. The awards recognize Mitacs-supported innovators whose work is helping turn research, talent and partnership into real-world impact for Canada. Self and peer nominations are accepted across all award categories.
Awards Categories Include:
- Outstanding Innovator
- Inclusive Innovate
- Canadian Start-Up Innovator
- Canadian Enterprise Innovator
- Outstanding Research Leadership
Eligibility
Outstanding Innovator
Recognizes four individual Mitacs program participants (students or postdoctoral fellows) whose research shows exceptional potential for broader societal or economic impact.
Inclusive Innovator
Recognizes a Mitacs program participant (students or postdoctoral fellows) who is advancing equity and inclusion within Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
Canadian Enterprise Innovator
Recognizes a Mitacs industry partner whose leadership, collaborative approach and support for research and development demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing Canadian innovation.
Outstanding Research Leadership
Presented to an academic supervisor who has demonstrated excellence in mentorship, research leadership and industry collaboration.
Canadian Start-Up Innovator
Celebrates a Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur program participant (students or postdoctoral fellows) who has successfully launched a start-up, turning innovative research into business growth and market impact.
Special Notes
- Some categories require letters of recommendation. Please review the nomination requirements for your selected category before submitting.
- Nominations for the Outstanding Innovator Award and Inclusive Innovator Award require a letter of recommendation from either the nominee’s academic supervisor or partner organization contact associated with the Mitacs project.
- Nominations for the Outstanding Research Leadership Award require letters of recommendation from a representative sample of the nominee’s peers, past/current collaborators, and/or students/ postdoctoral fellows previously supervised by the nominee. A competitive nomination package typically includes 3 or more letters.
- Additional requirements may apply by category.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
External Deadline | Nominations must be completed on the Mitacs Innovation Awards webpage. |
How to Apply
Nominations must be completed on the Mitacs Innovation Awards webpage.
Self and peer nominations are accepted across all award categories.