top of page

Meet the Finalists

 

Manitoba has spoken.

​

More than 160 nominations poured in from across the province, spotlighting the innovators, builders, and risk-takers shaping Manitoba’s future.

​

Each submission was rigorously reviewed and scored by independent industry judges across nine award categories. After careful evaluation, just three finalists were shortlisted in each category.

​

They stand at the forefront of innovation.


Only one winner in each category will take home a DARE Award.

1.png

Legacy Innovator Award

Honours a Manitoban whose long-standing contributions have transformed their field through innovation.

​

FINALISTS:

  • Barb Gamey, Payworks 

  • Colleen Munro, The Munro Group

  • Paul Soubry, NFI Group Inc.

​

MORE INFO
2.png

Emerging Innovator Award

Highlights an early-stage entrepreneur or startup demonstrating exceptional creativity, potential, and traction.

​

FINALISTS: 

  • Adam Fainman, Moonlite Labs 

  • Ben Myers, Robin 

  • David Owasi, OutreachGenius

MORE INFO
3.png

Innovation in Industry Award

Honours a leader, mentor, organization, or initiative that has demonstrated excellence in advancing Manitoba innovation beyond provincial borders.

​

FINALISTS: 

  • Bushel Plus Ltd. 

  • mode40

  • Ukkö Robotics Inc.

MORE INFO
4.png

Tech for Good Award

Recognizes innovations that create positive social, environmental, or community impact.

​

FINALISTS:

  • Let's Give Together

  • MedeChan Ltd. 

  • QDoc

MORE INFO
5.png

Indigenous Innovation Award

Celebrates an Indigenous entrepreneur or organization advancing cultural preservation or economic development through innovation.

​

FINALISTS: 

  • Giganawenimaanaanig, Sandra DeLaronde

  • IndigiHub, Zachary Nelson Flett

  • Winnipeg Boldness, Diane Roussin

MORE INFO
Innovation in Trade

Innovation in Trade Award

Honours a leader, mentor, organization, or initiative that has demonstrated excellence in advancing Manitoba innovation beyond provincial borders.

​

FINALISTS: 

  • Bushel Plus, Marcel Kringe

  • Move Mobility, Carrie McDonald

  • Ukkö Robotics, Katrina Jean-Laflamme

MORE INFO
7.png

Research & Science Innovation Award

Honours scientific and research-driven breakthroughs across any discipline that transform discovery into real-world impact, advancing innovation, industry, and community well-being.

​

FINALISTS: 

  • Dr. Carmine Slipski, University of Manitoba 

  • Dr. Francis Lin & Dr. Claudio Rigatto, Assure CKD

  • Dr. Jonatan Aronsson, CEMWorks Inc.

MORE INFO
8.png

Ecosystem Builder in Innovation

Acknowledges a leader, mentor, organization, or initiative dedicated to growing and supporting Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem.

​

FINALISTS: 

  • Adam Kelly, Social Entrepreneurship Enclave

  • EMILI (Enterprise Machine Learning Initiative)

  • Paul Card, Manitoba Innovates

​

MORE INFO
9.png

Lights, Camera, Innovation Award

Showcases creativity and technology in film, digital media, or storytelling that elevates Manitoba’s media landscape.

​

FINALISTS:

  • Chris Sharpe, Black Film Space Manitoba 

  • ZenFri & TiBert, “Histoire cachée – In Plain Sight"

  • Erica Daniels, Kejic Productions

​

MORE INFO

Sponsor the
DARE Innovation Awards

 As a sponsor, you’ll align your brand with the province’s top innovators and gain direct access to a powerful network of founders, funders, policymakers, and changemakers.

bottom of page