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Christian Kuss – University of Manitoba
Renewable battery binders for cheaper, more sustainable battery manufacturing
“We have developed a new material by which battery manufacturing uses less toxic solvents and energy. This material is currently undergoing patent protection. Intellectual Property rights are licensed by a start-up that pursues material commercialization. To convince the battery industry of the merits of our material, we need high-quality, scaled, third-party testing data. With our collaborators, we can test the material on a larger scale. However, we need to be able to produce enough of it. This funding will allow us to purchase a 20-liter stirred tank reactor and support students that will investigate the scale-up of our material synthesis. In doing so, we will demonstrate the feasibility of scaled synthesis of our material, investigate the recycling of synthesis chemicals, reproducibly synthesize batches that support large-scale testing, and train students in industry-near chemical engineering concepts that can support the growing materials and battery industries.”
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Christopher Bidinosti – University of Winnipeg
Low-cost photogrammetry to accelerate plant science and breeding
“This funding will allow our project to move forward. With it, we are able to hire bright young minds who will take low-cost photogrammetry from a prototype to a polished product for plant scientists and breeders.”
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Chyngyz Erkinbaev – University of Manitoba
Development of an IoT-based smart shelf for efficient food quality control
“Thanks to this funding, our research team will be able to conduct proof-of-concept research for the development of an IoT-based smart shelf for real-time food quality monitoring. This research can provide local food producers and retailers with a tool for the accurate prediction of the shelf-life of various perishable foods, reducing waste, and ensuring efficient inventory management.”
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Dagmar Svecova – University of Manitoba
Structural detailing of efficient housing construction using 3D printing
“3D printed concrete (3DPC) is a new technology that enables building concrete structures rapidly and without formwork. The progress of widespread implementation in the area is slow due to the lack of established codes and standards to approve 3DPC on a wider scale in the construction industry. This funding will position the University of Manitoba and our industry partner Gardon Construction at the forefront of innovation in the construction industry. It will enable research leading to code development resulting in a faster and more reliable commercialization of 3DPC and its transfer to the construction industry. I am very excited to receive this opportunity.”
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Francis Lin (University of Manitoba & Harrison Ross (AssureCKD Inc.)
Development and validation of novel microfluidic devices to measure cystatin C in blood for point-of-care chronic kidney disease diagnosis
“Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major and underdiagnosed healthcare problem worldwide. Point-of-care (PoC) tools for CKD diagnosis are desperately needed to enhance screening rates, especially in remote and underserviced communities, where the burden of CKD is the highest. Blood cystatin-C (CYS-C) is an important diagnostic biomarker for CKD, however PoC test tools for CYS-C currently are not available. This grant will critically foster the partnership between the Lab-on-Chip Incubator at the University of Manitoba and AssureCKD, Inc., a Manitoba-based biotechnology company, to push our PoC CYS-C test chip to TRL-6/7 – a point at which we can start human testing for regulatory approval and subsequently commercialization.”
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Gavin van der Linde – Innovantage Inc.
Integrated Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) and InnoCyclone Technology for Wastewater Treatment and Phosphorus Recovery
“I am thrilled to receive this award from Research Manitoba, which represents a valuable opportunity to advance research in sustainable wastewater treatment. This funding will support our collaborative efforts to explore the integration of MBBR systems with enhanced clarification processes, focusing on nutrient removal and phosphorus recovery. Through this project, we aim to contribute to Manitoba’s environmental goals by investigating solutions that protect waterways, support municipal efficiency, and align with circular economy principles. We’re excited to partner with the University of Manitoba, the City of Selkirk and RM of St Andrews to conduct this research, delivering meaningful insights for the province’s sustainable development.” |
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Filiz Koksel – University of Manitoba
An innovative approach for enzyme resistant starch type-3 (RS3) production
“This funding will enable critical proof-of-concept work to validate our novel method for producing enzyme-resistant starch type-3 (RS3) from cereal-based sources. It supports key activities including process optimization, analytical validation, and prototype development, all of which are essential steps toward de-risking the innovation and advancing its Technology Readiness Level. The results will directly inform product development, support IP generation, and strengthen industry partnerships, ultimately accelerating the pathway to commercialization. This aligns with the program’s objectives of enhancing product maturity, fostering translational research, and generating real-world health and economic benefits for Manitoba.”
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Kangmin Duan – University of Manitoba
Development of a novel class of antimicrobial compounds against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
“This funding is pivotal in advancing our lead compound, Manitobocin, through critical preclinical studies. By supporting efficacy, toxicity, and related testing, it helps bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and real-world application. These studies represent an important step toward the potential commercialization of a novel antibiotic candidate targeting drug-resistant bacterial pathogens, one of the most pressing global health challenges.”
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Madjid Birouk – University of Manitoba
Towards low-carbon fuels in the transition to clean energy
“This grant will provide us with an opportunity to investigate and develop strategies for designing burners capable of burning ammonia as efficiently and cleanly as possible. We expect that further work will be needed to move the design towards commercialization.”
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Ngai Man (Carl) Ho – University of Manitoba
Dynamic wireless EV chargers
“This grant will enable our UM RIGA Lab to collaborate with other outstanding Manitoba labs and institutions such as Red River College Polytech and the Vehicle Technology Centre to develop and implement the future dynamic charging system for Electric Vehicles (EVs). The system prototype will be a critical demonstrator and reference to show the technology advancements to EV equipment manufacturers, which may consider equipping in their future products. And, it can lead our research results that can move beyond theory and laboratories to industrial and commercial applications, solving real-world technical problems.”
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Prashen Chelikani – University of Manitoba
Pea protein hydrolysates as a source of peptide-based natural bitter taste modifiers
“This funding will allow us to advance the technology readiness of our plant-based bitter taste blockers. It will facilitate collaborations with local and international industrial partners for the next steps in commercialization of this technology.”
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Shiu Hong (Shaun) Lui – University of Manitoba
Grading calculus assessments by ChatGPT
“This grant will have a significant impact on my project. The funding will primarily be used to hire a research associate. Together, we will enhance the accuracy, robustness, and efficiency of the grading system, essential improvements needed before the product is ready for commercialization.”
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