The 2026 Mitacs Innovation Awards
Sponsor’s Website
Visit the Mitacs website for more information on the Innovation Awards.
External Contact
For questions about the Mitacs Innovation Awards or the nomination process, contact events@mitacs.ca.
Deadlines
Nomination period: August 4 to September 8, 2026
The awards ceremony will take place on November 23, 2026. All winners will be invited to join at the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa.
Overview
Now in their 16th year, the Mitacs Innovation Awards celebrate the people and partnerships turning research, talent and ambition into real-world results.
From breakthrough research and inclusive innovation to start-up growth, commercialization, mentorship and industry collaboration, the awards recognize the achievements that help build a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy.
Each year, the Mitacs Innovation Awards bring together leaders from research, business, post-secondary institutions, government and the broader innovation ecosystem to celebrate the impact of Mitacs-supported work across Canada.
Nomination Categories
Nominations for the Mitacs Innovation Awards are open for the following categories:
- 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 (student or postdoctoral fellow) 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 (student or postdoctoral fellow) who has successfully launched a start-up, turning innovative research into business growth and market impact.
Submitting a Nomination
All awards are open to peer- and self-nomination. Additional requirements may apply by category.
Visit the Mitacs website to submit a nomination.