Mitacs and NGen sign landmark partnership to scale advanced manufacturing talent and accelerate Canadian R&D

TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mitacs is pleased to announce a landmark two-year partnership with Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), a recognized Global Innovation Cluster. The partners will work together to integrate highly qualified students and graduates into industry-led advanced manufacturing R&D projects across Canada.

The expanded collaboration between NGen, the industry-led, non-profit organization leading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing, and Mitacs, a leading national innovation organization, builds on a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support pre-commercial innovation projects by matching interns and graduates with industry partners and academic support.

Supporting 60 internships over two years across Canada and representing $600K - $1.2M in award value, this partnership takes a strategic approach to talent development in innovation projects — addressing sector-wide specialized skills shortages, and strengthening commercialization outcomes.

Expanding collaboration across academia, industry, and innovation networks, the initiative reflects a shared commitment by Mitacs and NGen to support innovation across all sectors and disciplines, recognizing the cross-sectoral nature of advanced manufacturing. With this broad mandate, the partnership aligns with key federal priorities to strengthen Canada’s industrial and innovation capacity, with a focus on high-impact areas such as artificial intelligence, defence and security, and quantum technologies. 

To date, NGEN has supported more than 200 collaborative R&D projects mainly with small- and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, focused on technologies such as AI, robotics, sustainable manufacturing, advanced materials, and space technologies. Mitacs has delivered nearly 2,000 advanced manufacturing innovation projects, representing over $135M in R&D investment and engaging more than 1, 000 enterprise partners since 2018, demonstrating the strength of Canada’s talent-driven innovation ecosystem. Together, this partnership brings a more coordinated, high-impact approach to advancing Canadian innovation, connecting talent, industry, and research to accelerate commercialization and strengthen competitiveness.

Quotes

"Through this important partnership with NGen, Mitacs is doing what we do best: connecting Canada's most talented students with the companies driving advanced manufacturing forward. By strengthening collaborative R&D, the partnership will help Canadian technologies reach global markets faster, and help build a future-ready workforce that meets industry needs, and supports Canada’s economic growth and competitiveness.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“NGen is proud to collaborate with Mitacs to connect emerging talent with the companies driving Canada’s most ambitious advanced manufacturing projects. This partnership directly supports companies by giving them access to the highly skilled students and graduates they need to accelerate R&D, strengthen commercialization outcomes, and scale new technologies. By supporting more than 60 internships nationwide, we are helping the build of the next generation of innovators who will shape Canada’s leadership in AI, robotics, sustainable manufacturing, and other transformative technologies.”

Dr. Jayson Myers, President & CEO, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

About Mitacs

Mitacs delivers the return on innovation Canada needs now by connecting big ideas, people, and ambition to turn potential into results. Mitacs co-funds innovation partnerships that get Canada’s businesses and researchers where they need to go.

Mitacs partners innovate faster. Commercialize sooner. Compete globally. Scale and grow stronger. We open the door to opportunity, creating jobs and equipping students and postdoctoral researchers with skills, industry experience, and professional networks. 

A not-for-profit organization founded in 2001, Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon. 

About NGen Canada

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) is the industry-led, non-government not-for-profit organization leading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. NGen connects manufacturers, technology developers, researchers, developers and policymakers across Canada’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The organization works to accelerate the commercialization of advanced manufacturing technologies and strengthen Canada’s industrial competitiveness.

Media Contact

Robbie MacLeod
Robbie.macleod@ngen.ca 
613-297-3578