June 22, 2026
Today, Research Manitoba announces a total investment of $999,919 through the Innovation Proof-of-Concept (IPoC) Grant program to support nine new projects in Manitoba.
The Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant strengthens Manitoba-based research innovation and development projects by filling a funding gap in the Manitoba innovation ecosystem. Through its funding streams, the program supports innovation and commercialization research and activities directly related to process validation and proof-of-concept research.
“The IPoC program is designed to bridge the critical gap between early-stage research and real-world application. This year’s projects highlight the breadth of Manitoba’s research and innovation strengths across sectors including bioscience, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure and transportation. We hope this support will help move these promising projects closer to commercialization and ultimately create tangible benefits for their sectors, our communities, and the province as a whole.” — Sneha Das, Program Officer, Research Manitoba
This program provides funding through three streams:
- IPoC Stream 1: Manitoba-Based Consortium supports academic researchers, and local companies address a company-specific discovery or innovation toward market usability. This stream allows projects to use world-class knowledge, facilities, and highly qualified personnel to close the knowledge gaps identified during industry 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.
- IPoC 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. Industry applicants need to be Manitoba-based.
This year’s funded projects bring together researchers, post-secondary institutions, and industry partners to advance innovative technologies, processes, and applications across multiple sectors.
“Our government is pleased to support Manitoba innovators. These investments will continue to support Manitoba’s innovation economy, supporting Manitoban’s with their next great idea, from concept to commercialization.
These projects reflect the ingenuity of Manitoba’s research community and demonstrate how collaboration can help transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions. The Manitoba government is proud our support of Research Manitoba leads to targeted research investments that will have a global impact.” – Honourable Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology.
In addition to Research Manitoba’s investment, Manitoba-Based Consortium projects will leverage $152,500 in partner contributions.
Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant Recipients
| Stream 1: Manitoba-based Consortium | ||
| Applicant | Partner Organization | Project |
| Jeff Olafson (CEO, Operations, Gardon) | University of Manitoba & Multicrete Systems | Scaling and Validating Cold-Climate 3D Printed Concrete for Commercial Readiness in Manitoba |
| Denice Bay (University of Manitoba) |
PerioDiagnostics, Pembina Veterinary Hospital & Henderson Veterinary Hospital |
Veterinary Point-of-Care Device Design and Pilot Testing to Apply Immune Biomarkers to Improve Pet Oral Gum Health |
| Stream 2: Manitoba Post-Secondary Researchers | ||
| Applicant | Institution | Project |
| Fuji Jian | University of Manitoba | Development of a Microwave Sensor Monitoring Insect Activity and Density in Grain Bins |
| Nan Wu | University of Manitoba | Advanced Mechanical Lattice Structures for Harsh Environments in Manitoba: Design, Experimental Validation, and Engineering Applications |
| Olanrewaju Ojo | University of Manitoba | Sustainable, High-Performance Metal Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace and Biomedical Applications |
| Oleg Krokhin | University of Manitoba | Composite Nanoflow Reversed-Phase Chromatographic Columns for Proteomics |
| James Bartz | University of Manitoba | Non-contact Sensing for Dynamic Load Testing of Pile Foundations Using Video Frame Sequence Analysis |
| Suresh Mishra | University of Manitoba | Validating a Novel and Potential Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Kidney Disease in Preclinical Mouse Models |
| Janfizza Bukhari | RRC Polytech | Advancing Sustainable Mold Repair and Life Extension through Hybrid Additive Manufacturing |
above: images contributed by grant recipient, Janfizza Bukhari.
TACAM has invested in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, including a hybrid additive manufacturing (Hybrid AM) system. This technology integrates 3D metal printing with precision machining in a single setup, enabling parts to be manufactured, repaired, or modified in ways that are challenging with traditional methods.
Contact:
Communications, Research Manitoba
info@researchmb.ca | 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 strategic partnerships to strengthen research and innovation in Manitoba.