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Mitacs

Industry-academia research collaborations and internships

Advisor, Business Development

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/21/2026
$65.3k - $82.7k
Entry
Master's, PhD
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
HybridHybrid role based in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Sales & Account ManagementBusiness Development & Partnerships

About the job

Requirements
  • A recent Master's or PhD, within one or two years, ideally from the University of Lethbridge, or an equivalent combination of education and research experience.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Excellent presentation skills.
  • An enthusiastic, high-energy, self-starting approach.
  • Ability to think creatively and try new things.
  • Desire to pursue a career outside research and academia.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-performance culture.
  • Written and spoken English proficiency to interact with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders across Canada.
Responsibilities
  • Work closely with Mitacs Business Development, Research, and Programs teams to deliver high-quality programming.
  • Work with University of Lethbridge stakeholders to understand researchers' and students' needs, identify industry opportunities, and determine the best programs to support the research opportunities identified.
  • Work with other postsecondary institutions in Southern Alberta, including Lethbridge Polytechnic, Red Crow Community College, and Medicine Hat College.
  • Create and maintain a network of industry and academic partners and clients.
  • Introduce companies and not-for-profit organizations to Mitacs programs.
  • Introduce companies to researchers.
  • Provide support to the Business Development team as needed.
  • Provide business development support to all Mitacs programs as needed.
  • Provide business development and student engagement support to the University of Lethbridge and other participating institutions.
  • Collaborate with offices involved in administering Mitacs programs to clarify the roles of the parties involved.
  • Plan strategically and operationally how to increase participation in Mitacs programs.
  • Promote opportunities through the University of Lethbridge's existing communication channels and other channels.
  • Assist in negotiating agreements that facilitate discussions and collaborations between the University of Lethbridge and industry partners.
Desired Qualifications
  • An active social network and demonstrated ability to promote participation and sponsorship in community programs or initiatives.

About the company

Mitacs connects industry with academia in Canada to solve real-world problems. It runs co-funded internships and fellowships that place undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral researchers in industry-based research projects. Through these programs, Mitacs funds and coordinates collaborations between businesses, universities, and international partners, creating a talent pipeline and helping bring research ideas to market. Unlike many R&D providers, Mitacs acts as a national innovation connector with a talent-first approach and a strong emphasis on research commercialization, aiming to accelerate market entry and growth for new products and services. Its goal is to strengthen Canada’s innovation capacity and global competitiveness by building a resilient economy powered by ideas and skilled people.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$39.5M

Headquarters

Vancouver, Canada

Founded

1999

Get referred to Mitacs

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Ottawa committed $162 million on September 25, 2026 for 10,000 AI placements.
  • Mitacs' September 8 NGen deal funds 60 advanced-manufacturing internships nationwide.
  • Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Atlantic partnerships broaden Mitacs' employer base in 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Mitacs' 2025-26 audit says 59% of revenue came from government contracts.
  • A funding pullback would shrink internships, research grants, and provincial partnerships quickly.
  • Canada replaces Mitacs with direct university-industry programs, erasing its intermediary role.

What makes Mitacs unique

  • Mitacs turns federal-provincial dollars into matched internships across universities, companies, and nonprofits.
  • It owns Canada-wide delivery networks spanning AI, quantum, manufacturing, health, and energy.
  • September 2026 partnerships with NGen, Prompt, and Munich Quantum Valley extend internationally.

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Benefits

  • Remote Work Options
  • Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

23%

2 year growth

23%
Quantum Zeitgeist
Oct 7th, 2026
Qubo and Mitacs launch quantum skills workshops across Canada.

Qubo and Mitacs launch quantum skills workshops across Canada. Starting October 29, 2026, Qubo Consulting Corporation and Mitacs will offer six workshops across Canada designed to rapidly build the nation's quantum workforce. The series includes a hands-on "Young's Double Slit Demo & Workshop" alongside sessions covering quantum materials, sensing, computing, and networking, targeting post-secondary students with both technical and non-technical backgrounds. "Training the quantum-ready talent today ensures we can turn ideas into results that drive economic growth, positioning Canada to continue as a leader in quantum technology," says Michelle Aguayo, Vice President, Operations and Program Management at Mitacs. These bilingual workshops aim to connect students with industry leaders and accelerate Canada's position in the growing quantum technology sector. Qubo and Mitacs launch bilingual quantum workforce workshops. The series of six workshops, beginning October 29, 2026, will provide bilingual training in quantum technologies to students across Canada, addressing a growing need for specialized talent as the field moves toward commercialization. Qubo Consulting and Mitacs designed the workshops to accommodate both technical and non-technical participants, using live lectures, interactive case studies and insights from companies like VeriQloud and Applied Quantum Materials, the company says. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts from these quantum firms, gaining exposure to real-world applications and industry perspectives. This commitment to accessibility is further reinforced by the availability of bilingual support in both English and French, provided by quantum experts from the Quantum AlgoLab at the Institut Quantique, Université de Sherbrooke. Dr. Katanya Kuntz, Founder, CEO and Chief Quantum Scientist of Qubo Consulting, explained the organization's approach, stating, "At Qubo, our goal is to take a complex topic like quantum physics and provide an engaging, educational workshop experience. We connect quantum concepts to real-world examples, showing how businesses can apply quantum principles." Registration for all workshops is free for students, postdoctoral fellows, recent graduates and Mitacs program participants from Canadian institutions, and will be delivered live online via the EDGE by Mitacs Training Portal. Mitacs receives funding from multiple provincial and federal governments, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Quebec, supporting its mission to connect innovation with talent and ambition. Stay current See today's quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals.

BetaKit
Sep 25th, 2026
Feds give Mitacs $162 million for AI internship program for smaller Canadian businesses.

Feds give Mitacs $162 million for AI internship program for smaller Canadian businesses. Federal government will fund 10,000 paid placements for students and recent graduates in AI-related fields. The Government of Canada is putting $162 million behind a plan to make AI adoption easier for non-technical small and medium-sized businesses. The news: The federal government has unveiled an AI internship program that seeks to bring young AI talent to Canada's small and medium-sized businesses. Speaking in Toronto on Friday at an event hosted by the Empire Club of Canada, AI Minister Evan Solomon announced a $162-million investment in Mitacs to create 10,000 paid AI work placements for students and recent graduates from AI-related programs. From the source: "That is 10,000 opportunities to move dollars from post-secondary institutions to the wider economy; 10,000 opportunities to gain access to the expertise they need to put AI to work in a practical, reliable state," Solomon said to an audience that included business leaders and 120 students. "It's not just an employment program; it's an adoption program. It builds the workforce of the future. It helps Canadian organizations be more productive and stay competitive." The context: With the funding announcement, the federal government is following through on a commitment it made in June, when it unveiled Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. That strategy promised up to 90,000 AI-related jobs and work placement opportunities for young Canadians by 2031, including 10,000 through the Mitacs ADOPT and AI+X programs. The investment was inspired in part by an internship program at Communitech, which paired young AI talent with local businesses in non-technical industries to support AI adoption. Final thought: The government's efforts and investment in AI adoption are part of a strategy to reduce the disconnect between technology skills and Canada's non-technical business community. This program, according to Solomen, is intended to bridge that gap. The long-term viability of the country's ambitious AI strategy depends on the development of home-grown AI talent, and the ability to spread that talent beyond the tech sector. The program, if successful, could help address both challenges. At the same time, it's hard not to draw parallels to the promises made to the previous generation about lucrative and fulfilling careers in programming, which are starting to disappear thanks to AI. Feature image courtesy The BetaKit Podcast.

Prompt
Sep 16th, 2026
Prompt and Mitacs join forces to accelerate quantum innovation in Quebec.

Prompt and Mitacs join forces to accelerate quantum innovation in Quebec. Published on 16 September 2026 Announcement [NEWS RELEASE] For immediate release Montréal, September 16, 2026 - Prompt and Mitacs announced a new agreement aimed at providing Quebec's quantum community with an optimized funding opportunity to accelerate the development of collaborative projects in quantum technologies. By combining their respective resources, Prompt and Mitacs will enable innovators to cover a broader range of expenses essential to carrying out their research and development projects - from infrastructure to support for the talent that contributes to their success. In particular, funding will be available through grants and salaries for highly qualified personnel (HQP). "Quantum technologies, which are strategic for Quebec, are opening up new possibilities in fields as diverse as communications, computing, detection, and cybersecurity. The transition from research to practical applications requires the coordinated mobilization of various resources and areas of expertise, and that is precisely what this new agreement with Mitacs reinforces," said Dominique St-Louis, Executive Director of Prompt. "At Mitacs, we believe that strong partnerships are key to advancing talent and innovation in strategic sectors like quantum. This agreement with Prompt reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Quebec's and Canada's innovation ecosystems through research, collaboration, and talent development. Together, we are creating the connections and opportunities needed to turn research excellence into economic impact," said Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO of Mitacs. Since 2019, Prompt has allocated nearly $11 million to 16 collaborative quantum technology projects, representing a total value of more than $21 million. Between April 2018 and March 2026, Mitacs supported a growing network of collaborative initiatives - both led by postsecondary institutions and driven by the private sector - in the fields of quantum and advanced computing. This includes $34.8 million in funding for more than 700 projects across Canada. This new agreement between Prompt and Mitacs marks another step forward in the two organizations' commitment to advancing innovation and economic growth in strategic sectors. Together, they connect the stakeholders and resources needed to transform Quebec's scientific and technological excellence into high-potential innovations. About Prompt Prompt supports the development and acceleration of cutting-edge technologies in Quebec in strategic fields: AI, quantum technologies, microelectronics, and optics and photonics. As a catalyst for the technological innovation ecosystem, Prompt supports companies in carrying out their R&D projects - from ambition to innovation - particularly in the defense, cyber resilience, manufacturing productivity, and telecommunications sectors. Established in 2003 as a fiduciary body of the ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE), Prompt is a nonprofit organization and one of nine sector-based industrial research clusters (RSRI) mandated to develop and support innovation ecosystems and collaborative research in strategic sectors of Quebec's economy. 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. Prompt open the door to opportunity, creating jobs and equipping students and postdoctoral researchers with skills, industry experience, and professional networks. 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. Media contact: Émilie Delvoye Director of communications 438 924-2140 Promptinnov.com

Munich Quantum Valley
Sep 15th, 2026
New Munich Quantum Valley-Mitacs collaboration supports global talent networks.

New Munich Quantum Valley-Mitacs collaboration supports global talent networks. 15 September 2026 Munich Quantum Valley gGmbH and Mitacs, a national innovation connector in Canada, are partnering to promote quantum research and talent development. The agreement signed today signals the organizations' shared commitment to innovation in a strategically important sector while strengthening international collaboration between Canada and Germany, particularly Bavaria. Over the next two years, this cooperation will enable Mitacs and MQV gGmbH to promote joint research collaborations and workforce development in the quantum sector. It will also enhance the mobility of students and researchers through funding programs. The partnership will also support joint initiatives with academic institutions, advancing the countries' innovation goals, strengthening global networks, and encouraging future collaborations in quantum technologies at Canadian and Bavarian postsecondary institutions. With a focus on research, talent, and commercialization, the Mitacs-MQV gGmbH partnership unites efforts to drive quantum innovation. "Advancing both talent and innovation is key to Canada's leadership in quantum, which offers a critical opportunity to help grow our country's future prosperity. Mitacs' partnership with the Munich Quantum Valley gGmbH highlights the value of international collaboration with world-leading partners to advance research, strengthen innovation, and prepare the next generation of quantum talent. Together, we are harnessing the power of science, technology, and innovation to drive economic growth, resilience, and long-term competitiveness." Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs "Canada has an excellent track record in research and talent development in quantum technologies. We are proud that through our partnership with Mitacs we can facilitate the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and talent between Canadian institutions and the MQV ecosystem. Both ecosystems can only grow stronger as researchers, ideas, and expertise move freely between them." Julia Rucha, (Co-)Chief Executive Officer, MQV gGmbH

GlobeNewswire
Sep 8th, 2026
Mitacs and NGen sign landmark partnership to scale advanced manufacturing talent and accelerate Canadian R&D.

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. "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