Economic Development in Winnipeg

Research and development in both agriculture and life sciences in Winnipeg have a long and distinguished history.

Two notable examples are the development of canola as a viable crop, by Dr. Baldur Steffansson at the University of Manitoba, as well as the pioneering work by Dr. Bruce Chown at the RH Institute, which eventually became Cangene, Canada’s largest biotech company.

In addition to ongoing research at numerous institutions in the areas of biotechnology and agri-food processing, Winnipeg also has research and technology commercialization programs in advanced manufacturing. Examples include the Composites Innovation Centre, which works closely with Boeing’s Winnipeg plant, a major producer of composite parts for Boeing’s fleet, as well as other aerospace and automotive manufacturers in Winnipeg. The Institute for Biodiagnostics at the National Research Council contributed to the development of unique MRI imaging technology being sold by IMRIS, also based in Winnipeg.

These institutions coupled with a number of industry incubators have created fertile ground for entrepreneurs to pursue the development of new companies across all sectors of our diversified economy. The technology transfer functions at Winnipeg’s post-secondary institutions also play an important role in moving technology and innovation into the commercial marketplace.

To support new innovation the Province of Manitoba has a number of tax credits for research and development. These tax credits have helped the competitiveness of existing companies and stimulated increased activity of new entrepreneurs establishing businesses built upon new and innovative technologies across all industry sectors.

For more information, contact a Economic Development Winnipeg team member or one of these organizations:

The eureka project – Smartpark, University of Manitoba
Biomedical Commercialization Centre
University of Manitoba – Technology Transfer Office