Mitacs Strengthens International Ties to Support Canadian Innovation 

Hanover, Germany —  As Canada takes on the role of official partner country at Hannover Messe 2025, Mitacs is on site to support national efforts to deepen international research and technology collaboration. The global trade fair, taking place this week in Germany, brings together leading players in advanced manufacturing, automation, energy, and digitalization. 

Mitacs’s participation reflects our commitment to building long-term international relationships that help Canadian innovators compete on a global scale. By connecting with U15 universities, national research institutions, government representatives, and global companies, the goal is to exchange knowledge, explore shared interests, and identify opportunities for future collaboration. 

Among those taking part in this year’s Canadian delegation is the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) advanced manufacturing cohort, which includes three companies supported through funding from Mitacs: NTwist, AutoAlign, and FactR.  

Participation in Hannover Messe reinforces Mitacs’s mission to bridge research talent with real-world challenges—both in Canada and globally. The event serves as a strategic platform to engage key stakeholders, align on shared priorities in research, talent development, and economic growth, and foster international collaboration. Through its Globalink programs, which attract top international students to Canada and provide Canadian researchers with opportunities abroad, Mitacs supports cross-border knowledge exchange and strengthens global innovation ecosystems. In addition to advancing international research excellence, these initiatives help build a highly skilled workforce and ensure Canada remains competitiveness on the world stage. 

A 2020 study by the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management found that Canadian companies investing in R&D before expanding internationally were 60% to 70% more productive than those that remained domestic. These findings highlight how early innovation plays a critical role in building global competitiveness — underscoring the value of programs like those offered by Mitacs, and the importance of Canada’s presence at global events like Hannover Messe to support companies as they scale internationally.  

Quotes

“International collaboration is essential to driving innovation and long-term economic growth. With Canada as the official partner country at Hannover Messe, Mitacs is proud to support three early-stage companies to explore strategic global partnerships. Their presence reflects the strength of Canadian talent and the importance of building global connections.” 

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“Being here alongside Canadian companies, researchers, and partners shows the value of showing up — of making space for Canadian innovation on the global stage. At Hannover Messe, we’re seeing first-hand how international connections create new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact.”

Gina Soparlo, Senior Advisor, Global Markets, Mitacs 

About Mitacs

As Canada’s innovation organization, Mitacs connects businesses and researchers with unrivalled access to talent, financial support, and the partnerships needed to turn ideas into impactful innovations. Through unique collaborations, Mitacs is driving productivity and positioning Canada as a global innovation leader. 

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.