March 31, 2026 – Winnipeg, MB
Research Manitoba is pleased to announce the launch of our new Intellectual Property division, with the reveal of our new Director – Dr. Jody Dexter.
This new division reflects Research Manitoba’s continued commitment to strengthening research commercialization and supporting innovation-driven economic growth across the province.
In her role, Dr. Dexter will support the development and advancement of provincial IP strategy, working closely with academic institutions, industry partners, and government stakeholders. The division will focus on ensuring that intellectual property arising from Manitoba-based research is effectively identified, protected, and leveraged to maximize both economic and societal impact. She will be working closely with existing intellectual property protection and devleopment organizations in Manitoba, supporting rather than duplicating existing work.
Dr. Dexter brings more than thirteen years of experience in technology transfer, intellectual property management, and business development. Prior to joining Research Manitoba, she served as Technology Transfer Manager at the University of Manitoba, where she led the commercialization of a diverse portfolio of innovations spanning life sciences, engineering, and emerging technology sectors. Her work included negotiating licensing and option agreements, managing large and complex IP portfolios, and supporting industry-sponsored research and collaborative partnerships.
“Research has the power to transform lives but only when it moves beyond discovery. By strengthening how we protect, connect and commercialize innovation, we can ensure Manitoba’s ideas create meaningful impact in the world.”
Beyond her institutional leadership roles, Dr. Dexter has been an active contributor to Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem. She has served as an advisor and mentor to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises across sectors including agri-food, medical technology, and digital innovation. Her guidance on IP strategy, commercialization pathways, and investment readiness has supported founders and researchers in translating early-stage discoveries into market-ready solutions.
Dr. Dexter holds a PhD and MSc in Agriculture and Food Science, as well as a BSc in Plant Science, all from the University of Manitoba. She is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to bridge the perspectives of researchers, entrepreneurs, industry, and government to drive meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
The creation of the Intellectual Property Division represents a significant milestone for Research Manitoba, enhancing provincial capacity to support the full research lifecycle, from discovery through to commercialization. Under Dr. Dexter’s leadership, the division will play a key role in advancing Manitoba’s research strengths, fostering industry partnerships, and supporting innovation that benefits communities across the province.
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Contact:
Research Manitoba
info@researchmb.ca | researchmanitoba.ca | rithim.ca
Research Manitoba
Research Manitoba promotes, supports, and coordinates the funding of research excellence and innovation in health, natural and social sciences, engineering, and the humanities in Manitoba. Research Manitoba supports local talent development by providing research support to early career researchers and graduate students, along with fostering strategic partnerships to strengthen research and innovation in Manitoba.