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.

How to Apply

Nominations must be completed on the Mitacs Innovation Awards webpage.

Self and peer nominations are accepted across all award categories.