Research Manitoba has launched a new funding initiative aimed at supporting research projects that are driven by community needs. This program, known as the Manitoba Solutions Grant (MSG), specifically targets challenges within the province and has a particular focus on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The grant will provide up to $100,000 annually for a maximum of two years for projects that foster partnerships between researchers and community or industry organizations. As Jennifer Cleary, CEO of Research Manitoba, stated, “Manitobans expect research to deliver real results in their communities, workplaces and health systems.” She emphasized that the Manitoba Solutions Grant aims to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions that enhance quality of life.
This initiative is designed to support projects that promote the responsible use and development of advanced technologies in various sectors, including healthcare, energy, and agriculture. According to Ashley King, a program officer at Research Manitoba, there has been a notable increase in interest regarding how artificial intelligence can address real-world issues. She noted that this includes applications like improving healthcare decision-making, enhancing wastewater treatment, and optimizing food production.
To qualify for the grant, each project must involve at least one knowledge user as a co-applicant—this could be a healthcare provider, an industry partner, or a non-profit organization that will apply the research findings directly. For example, a collaboration could involve a university research team working with a local mental health organization to develop an AI tool capable of identifying early signs of depression in young people.
Freyja Arnason, the director of strategy and programs at Research Manitoba, mentioned that this initiative aims to ensure that researchers and knowledge users collaborate from the outset, co-designing projects that yield tangible benefits for the community. The program is part of a larger expansion, made feasible by a $5 million increase in Research Manitoba”s operating budget for 2025, which is aimed at bolstering innovation, talent development, and economic growth across the province.
Applications for the first funding intake are due on November 24, 2025. Additional details and eligibility criteria can be found at researchmanitoba.ca/MSG.
