October 29, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, Research Manitoba announces a total investment of $741,810 over two years in research funding to support seven new Innovation Proof-of-Concept (IPoC) Grants. Research Manitoba’s investment will leverage industry funds and will support Manitoba-based projects in the areas of:
- Bioscience – Fuji Jian, Anuraag Shrivastav
- Information and communications technologies – Peng Hu, Chyngz Erkinbaev, Yaser Al Mtawa
- Infrastructure, transportation and technologies – Philip Ferguson
- Advanced manufacturing – David Levin
The IPoC Grant strengthens a diverse range of Manitoba industries by bridging the funding gap between research projects’ concept and production through supporting activities directly related to process validation and proof-of-concept research.
This investment in Manitoba’s researchers and innovators is vital for our province’s growth and resilience.
These projects will strengthen key industries, create local opportunities, and address pressing challenges, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all Manitobans.
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 May 2024 intake are:
Stream 1 – University of Manitoba
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| Applicant | Industry Partner | Project Title | Amount Received |
| Professor Philip Ferguson | Mina Enayatollahi on behalf of Cabook Solutionology Inc. | A Fault-Tolerant Drone Network for Precision Agriculture, Infrastructure Inspection, and Mining Applications | $150,000 |
Stream 2 – University of Manitoba |
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| Applicant | Project Title | Amount Received |
| Professor Chyngyz Erkinbaev | Automated Smart Imaging Sensor for Accurate and Rapid Determination of Canola Seed Quality | $100,000 |
| Professor David Levin | Development of Ready-to-Use Fully Compostable Beverage Cups using Manitoba Biomass | $92,250 |
| Dr. Fuji Jian | Atmospheric Freeze Drying (AFD) of Wet Canola (Grain) | $99,700 |
| Professor Peng Hu | Developing a Wildfire Detection and Warning System based on Space-Air-Ground Integrated Sensing | $99,860 |
Stream 2 – University of Winnipeg |
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| Applicant | Project Title | Amount Received |
| Dr. Anuraag Shrivastav | Lead optimization of new small molecules as drug candidates for triple-negative breast cancer | $100,000 |
| Dr. Yaser Al Mtawa | Cloud-Based IoT System to Support People Struggling with Drug Addictions During Pregnancy | $100,000 |
Research Manitoba is proud to support these innovative projects that tackle real-world challenges and create positive change.
Our investment in agriculture, health, environmental safety, and advanced manufacturing helps Manitoba researchers and industries turn their ideas into practical solutions.
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.