Research Manitoba Launches $100K Grant for AI Innovations

Research Manitoba has introduced a new funding initiative aimed at supporting community-driven research projects that address significant challenges within the province. The program, known as the Manitoba Solutions Grant (MSG), will focus on projects centered around artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, providing up to $100,000 per year for a maximum of two years.

The initiative seeks to foster collaboration between researchers and community or industry organizations, enabling the development of practical tools, policies, and services. In a statement, Jennifer Cleary, CEO of Research Manitoba, emphasized the expectations of Manitobans for research to yield tangible results in their communities, workplaces, and health systems. “By investing in collaborative, made-in-Manitoba research, the Manitoba Solutions Grant will help turn ideas into practical solutions that improve people’s lives,” she noted.

Focus Areas of the Grant

The Manitoba Solutions Grant will support projects that contribute to the responsible development and application of advanced technologies across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, and agriculture. According to Ashley King, a program officer with Research Manitoba, there has been a noticeable increase in interest regarding the application of artificial intelligence to real-world issues. “From advancing healthcare decision-making and wastewater treatment to optimizing food production, this intake will help us better understand both the potential and the limits of this rapidly evolving field,” King stated.

Each project must include at least one knowledge user as a co-applicant. This individual will directly utilize the research findings, which may include healthcare providers, industry partners, or representatives from non-profit organizations. For example, a university research team could collaborate with a local mental health organization to co-develop an AI tool aimed at identifying early signs of depression in youth.

Program Goals and Future Expansion

Freyja Arnason, Research Manitoba’s director of strategy and programs, highlighted that the initiative is designed to foster collaboration between researchers and knowledge users from the outset. This approach aims to ensure that projects deliver tangible benefits to the community.

The grant initiative is part of a broader expansion made possible by a $5 million increase in Research Manitoba’s operating budget for 2025, which aims to enhance innovation, talent development, and economic growth within the province.

Applications for the inaugural intake of the Manitoba Solutions Grant are due on November 24, 2025. Full details regarding the program and eligibility criteria can be accessed at researchmanitoba.ca/MSG.