Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant

Note – The Program Guide and Application Forms have been updated for the Spring 2026 Intake. Please do not use any previous versions.

For this intake, applications will not be submitted through the Grant Management System as we transition to a new database. Instead, please download the required application materials and forms directly from the program website. Be sure to carefully review and follow the submission instructions provided in both the Program Guide and the EOI Application Form.

For more information regarding this program please refer to our Finance and Administration Guide. For successful candidates seeking an extension to their project, please refer to our Project Extension Form.

For inquiries about the Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant, please contact: helpdesk@researchmb.ca

The Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant aims to strengthen Manitoba-based research innovation and development projects, by filling a funding gap in the Manitoba innovation ecosystem. Through three independent streams, this program provides funding for innovation and commercialization research that is not otherwise accessible. Funds from this program help support activities directly related to process validation and proof-of-concept research. 

Funding is targeted towards Bioscience, ICT, Advanced Manufacturing, and Infrastructure and Transportation Industries and Technologies.

This program fills a critical gap in the Manitoba research and innovation ecosystem, and offers three funding streams:

• Stream 1: Manitoba-Based Consortium supports collaborative research projects co-designed by Manitoba-based academic and industry applicants, and/or other partners. This stream allows industries to collaborate with academics to solve an industry-specific challenge in the innovation development process and accelerate commercialization. Industries and other partners benefit from the invaluable scientific expertise, cutting-edge research facilities, and trained highly qualified personnels (HQPs) available at Manitoba’s world-class academic research institutions. A consortium can have multiple partners from diverse sectors (industries, public utilities, municipalities, non-profits, etc.), but at least one industry partner (private sector) must provide matching funds.
• Stream 2: Manitoba Post-Secondary Researchers supports commercialization of discoveries and innovations made within an academic setting at post-secondary institutions and/or research hospitals in Manitoba. This stream will fund research and development activities to take discoveries from the laboratory setting to innovative commercially viable products, processes, and/or services of potential real-world use.
• Stream 3: Manitoba Independent Industry supports research and development activities in an industry setting to develop products, processes, and/or services that will be of economic, environmental, and/or societal benefits for Manitobans. This stream will support private sector companies that have operations (research and development, production, and/or manufacturing) in Manitoba. 

Competition Overview