Winnipeg/CMEDIA: An additional $5 million in operating funding for Research Manitoba is being invested by the Manitoba government through research and development to enhance Manitoba’s technology sector in artificial intelligence, information technology and data, Mike Moroz, Minister for Innovation and New Technology has announced.
This would not only assist in positioning Manitoba as a leader in 21st-century digital governance and economic competitiveness, but also the oversight of Research Manitoba will now fall to the Department of Innovation and New Technology.
“We’ve heard from members of the research community the cuts made by the previous government set our province back and this investment was necessary to rebuild the foundation for innovation and research in our province,” said Moroz, “This funding, and a renewed focus on recruiting new researchers and retaining the ones that already call our province home, is an important new step in our ministry. Manitoba will now be an attractive jurisdiction for those looking to join an already impressive team of Manitoba-based scientists and researchers.”
This new funding will maximize the position of Manitoba — currently a major hub for engineering and health research — in the global economy and expand research into such areas as cloud computing, data analytics and emerging technologies.,
“This historic investment signals a turning point for research in Manitoba,” said Jennifer Cleary, CEO, Research Manitoba. “It strengthens our foundation, accelerates innovation and ensures that Manitoba’s brightest minds have the support they need to thrive right here at home. We are not just keeping pace — we are setting the pace.”
High-calibre, Manitoba-based researchers and chair positions would also be encouraged by these additional investments in research to remain in their home jurisdiction and attract an anticipated influx of researchers from the U.S., the minister noted.
As an important addition to Research Manitoba, Funding for an intellectual property collective will also enhance the protection of intellectual property for research developed in Manitoba, the minister added.
Academic and private-sector researchers would significantly develop, said the minister, by this assistance and would ensure their made-in-Manitoba discoveries will benefit the local scientific community and everyday Manitobans for many years to come.
Recognizing that research is an essential component to Manitoba’s economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness, the base operating grant is $13.954 million for 2025-26. With an injection of $5 million more in funding brings the budget for Research Manitoba this year to $18.954 million.
