The startup scene in Canada

The University of Manitoba’s Smartpark identifies information and communications technology, engineering and advanced materials, health and biotechnology, and agricultural and nutritional sciences among its research and technology fields. The university reports that Smartpark has 10 buildings, more than 35 tenants, and more than 30 commercialized startups. [92845, 92846]

For university commercialization, UM describes a process beginning with an invention disclosure, followed by technology-transfer review and preliminary market research. It also describes Lab2Market as a 16-week research idea-validation program, and says the Stu Clark Centre supports students across UM faculties with education, events, competitions, and venture coaching. [92847, 92849, 92850]

North Forge says its Founders Program serves tech, advanced-manufacturing, and STEM founders at any stage, takes no equity, and accepts applications year-round. The organization lists Winnipeg facilities and virtual programming across Canada. [92844]

Examples of Winnipeg-linked commercialization and business activity include AssureCKD’s company-reported 2024 license of UM’s MATLOC technology, and Bold Commerce’s CAD $22 million Series A, reported by CVCA on January 16, 2019, with Whitecap Venture Partners and Round13 Capital as investors. [92852, 92854]