March 19, 2025 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Research Manitoba is investing $798,867 over the last two years to fund eight new Innovation Proof-of-Concept (IPOC) Grants, supporting groundbreaking research across Manitoba. This funding, combined with industry contributions, will drive innovation in key sectors, including:
- Bioscience – Frederick Zeiler, Krista Hardy, Francis Lin, Shyamala Dakshinamurti, Ramanathan Sri Ranjan, Bryan Cassone
- Advanced manufacturing – Scott Kroeker, Wen Zhong
The IPoC Grant program plays a vital role in advancing Manitoba’s industries by closing the gap between research concepts and real-world application. By funding essential activities such as process validation and proof-of-concept development, this initiative accelerates the path from discovery to market-ready solutions.
“Research and innovation are critical to Manitoba’s future prosperity. By supporting these projects, we are not only fostering academic excellence but also driving the growth of industries that will shape our province’s economy for years to come.”
This program provides funding through two streams:
- IPoC Stream 1: Manitoba-Based Consortium supports the collaboration of academic researchers and local companies to address a company-specific discovery or innovation toward market usability. This stream allows academics to use their world-class knowledge, facilities, and highly qualified personnel to close the knowledge gaps identified during the industry partner’s innovation development.
- IPoC Stream 2: Manitoba Post-Secondary Researchers supports the advancement of discoveries or innovations within an academic setting, which may result in products or technologies, towards market usability. These projects engage post-secondary students, giving them skills and opportunities to contribute to innovative solutions.
The recipients of this past September 2024 intake are:
Stream 2 – University of Manitoba
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| Applicant | Project Title | Amount Received | |
| Prof. Frederick Zeiler | Continuously Updating Personalized Depth of Sedation Targeting Leveraging Autoregulation and Processed | $100,000 | |
| Prof. Krysta Hardy | A Novel Surgical Simulator for Laparoscopic Hand-Sewn Bowel Anastomoses | $99.874 | |
| Prof. Wen Zhong | Development of 3D printable Self-Powered Wearable Biosensors for Glucose Monitoring from Natural Egg White | $100,000 | |
| Prof. Scott Kroeker | Geoglass: Vitrification of Cesium-Loaded Zeolites for Long-Term Radioactive Waste Disposal | $100.000 | |
| Prof. Shyamala Dakshinamurti | Deriving Selective Adenylyl Cyclase Activators from Forskolin: Targeted Therapy for Pulmonary Diseases | $100,000 | |
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Prof. Francis Lin |
Pre-commercialization development of a novel triplex blood biomarker assay for point-of-care Alzheimer’s Disease screening and diagnosis (AD3-Chip) | $100,000 | |
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Prof. Ramanathan Sri Ranjan |
Field evaluation of plant-controlled atmometer to conserve water by better estimation of irrigation requirement | $99,700 | |
Stream 2 – University of Brandon |
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| Applicant | Project Title | Amount Received |
| Prof. Bryan Cassone | A diagnostic innovation for root and stem diseases of soybean | $99,293 |
Manitoba researchers are at the forefront of discovery. By investing in these projects, we will help bring cutting-edge solutions to market, create new opportunities for students, and help ensure that our researchers have the tools they need to turn their discoveries into practical solutions—fueling economic development and improving lives across the province.
Contact:
Freyja Arnason, Director, Strategy and Programs, Research Manitoba
P: 204-942-1948| E: Freyja.arnason@researchmb.ca | W: researchmanitoba.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 partnerships to strengthen research innovation in Manitoba.