Award & Investment Overview
Research Manitoba has awarded more than $1.7 million through its Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant program to support 16 early-stage research projects led by Manitoba-based researchers and academic industry teams. The funding is designed to help validate feasibility, develop prototypes, and advance promising research toward commercialization, licensing, or applied deployment.
The awards reflect a portfolio-based approach to early innovation funding, distributing targeted capital across multiple projects rather than backing a single venture, with the goal of increasing the number of innovations that progress to downstream funding or market engagement.
Approach & Ecosystem Context
The Innovation Proof-of-Concept program focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application by supporting validation activities such as early testing, prototyping, and market exploration. By funding multiple projects across health, energy, agriculture, digital systems, and advanced materials, the program enables Manitoba’s research ecosystem to advance several potential commercialization pathways simultaneously.
This staged, portfolio-based approach aligns with best practices in university GAP and translational funding models, where early risk reduction is prioritized before larger capital commitments are made.
Innovation & Technology
The funded projects span a wide range of applied research areas, including medical diagnostics, antimicrobial therapies, clean energy systems, food science innovations, digital tools, advanced imaging, and sustainable materials. At this stage, the focus is on demonstrating technical feasibility and defining clear use cases, rather than full product development or market launch.
Collectively, the projects highlight the breadth of research-driven innovation emerging from Manitoba’s universities and research institutions.
Potential Market Applications (Project-Level Detail)
• Microfluidic diagnostic device for chronic kidney disease, Professor Francis Lin (University of Manitoba): Developing a point-of-care diagnostic tool to support earlier detection and monitoring of kidney disease in clinical settings.
• Revyve antimicrobial wound gel clinical evaluation, Professor Sarvesh Logsetty (University of Manitoba): Advancing a novel wound care product designed to accelerate healing and reduce infection risk in burn and trauma patients.
• Low-cost photogrammetry for plant science and breeding, Christopher Bidinosti (University of Winnipeg): Creating accessible imaging tools to improve plant phenotyping and agricultural research efficiency.
• Low-carbon fuel production pathways, Professor Madjid Birouk (University of Manitoba): Developing processes that support cleaner fuel production and contribute to energy transition and emissions reduction goals.
• Natural bitter taste modifiers from pea protein, Professor Prashen Chelikani (University of Manitoba): Improving the taste profile of plant-based and functional foods through novel ingredient development.
• Novel antimicrobial compounds targeting MRSA, Professor Kangmin Duan (University of Manitoba): Pursuing new therapeutic approaches to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections.
• IoT-enabled smart shelf for food quality monitoring, Chyngyz Erkinbaev (University of Manitoba): Building monitoring systems to enhance food safety and supply chain efficiency.
• Dynamic wireless electric vehicle charging systems, Professor Ngai Man (Carl) Ho (University of Manitoba): Advancing infrastructure technologies to support next-generation electric vehicle adoption.
• Sustainable battery binder materials, Professor Christian Kuss (University of Manitoba): Developing renewable materials to improve battery performance and manufacturing sustainability.
• AI-assisted assessment grading tools, Professor Shiu Hong (Shaun) Lui (University of Manitoba): Applying artificial intelligence to support scalable and efficient educational assessment.
• Carbon dioxide recycling through fermentation, Professor Richard Sparling (University of Manitoba): Converting captured CO₂ into valuable biochemicals for industrial use.
• 3D printing methods for housing construction, Professor Dagmar Svecova (University of Manitoba): Improving construction efficiency and sustainability through advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Enzyme-resistant starch production, Professor Filiz Koksel (University of Manitoba): Creating functional food ingredients with health and nutrition applications.
• Molecular cloaking technologies for biomanufacturing and health, Professor Hans-Joachim Wieden (University of Manitoba): Developing biomolecular tools with broad applicability in biotechnology and manufacturing.
• Whole-brain cerebrovascular imaging techniques, Professor Frederick Zeiler (University of Manitoba): Advancing non-invasive imaging technologies to support brain health research and clinical diagnostics.
Read the Full Story:
https://www.winnipegsun.com/news/manitoba-innovators-granted-funds-for-impactful-research/article_de13eb8a-f2b1-4741-aca4-25024441367c.html
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Related Topics:
proof of concept funding, university gap fund programs, technology commercialization, early-stage innovation, research translation, regional innovation ecosystems
