Mitacs has expressed strong support for the Government of Canada's newly unveiled national artificial intelligence strategy, titled AI for All. The strategy aims to foster trusted, reliable, and sovereign AI that benefits all Canadians. Mitacs is proud to be named by Prime Minister Carney as a partner in delivering a key pipeline of AI-related jobs and work opportunities for young Canadians.
Canada's Leadership in AI Research
Canada has long been a global leader in AI research, and this strategy outlines a path to translate that knowledge into economic and social benefits across the country. Mitacs, with its commitment to AI as a key research priority, is uniquely positioned to scale programs that help companies adopt AI. By embedding multidisciplinary research teams directly into industry, Mitacs accelerates the development of novel, high-value AI solutions and helps solve complex R&D challenges.
Real-World Internships for Young Canadians
Through real-world student and postdoctoral paid internships, Mitacs' tested model helps Canada's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) de-risk their AI adoption journeys. These internships give young Canadians the hands-on experience that launches careers. To deploy and scale AI safely and effectively, talent—Canada's people—is a major lever.
Thousands of Canadian innovators are already working with Mitacs to advance and commercialize AI solutions across key sectors, including health and life sciences, energy and natural resources, transportation, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing and robotics. This announcement demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting Canadians and democracy, building strong and sovereign AI infrastructure, and recognizing AI talent as a strategic national asset.
Quick Facts – Mitacs and AI
- Since 2018, Mitacs has supported over 42,000 innovation projects and 118,000 student and postdoctoral research internships, including more than 4,800 AI-specific interns.
- Since 2018, Mitacs has invested $1.68 billion in R&D.
- Mitacs works with over 200 postsecondary institutions and more than 12,500 companies across Canada.
- Companies partnering with Mitacs see an average 11% boost in productivity.
Quotes
Dr. Stephen Lucas, Chief Executive Officer of Mitacs, stated: "AI for All is exactly the national ambition Canada needs—a strategy that is bold, responsible, and built on trust. Canada has the highest concentration of AI talent in the world, and this strategy builds the infrastructure to mobilize it across our economy. Mitacs is pleased to be a partner in delivering more young Canadians in meaningful AI jobs, more businesses equipped to adopt AI with confidence, and stronger links between academia, industry, and government. We are proud to stand with the Government of Canada at this defining moment."
Call to Action
To learn more about AI as a priority research area for Mitacs, visit their website.
