Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Contact us

Innovation Grants and Funding in Manitoba for 2026

Manitoba offers a robust mix of innovation grants, cost‑share funding, and research programs that help organizations de‑risk new products and technologies. From Winnipeg to Brandon and Northern Manitoba, businesses, non‑profits, and academic teams can access provincial and federal opportunities tailored to sector needs. This directory explains eligibility, matching ratios, program types, and how to apply strategically to maximize funding.

53 programs
  • Government of Manitoba logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    BUILDING Foundations Bursary Program

    Government of Manitoba
    Bursaries for Manitoba post-secondary students
    Eligible Funding
    From $1,000 to $2,000
    Eligible Industries
    Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • helloDarwin Grants Guide 2026-2027

    [NEW] HELLODARWIN GRANTS GUIDE 2026-2027

    The official grants guide is now available

    A practical guide to Canadian grants, key programs and funding strategies to help businesses plan stronger projects and applications.

    Free, you'll receive the guide by email

  • Kurling for Kids (K4K) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Kurling for Kids - Annual Fundraising Campaign

    Kurling for Kids (K4K)
    Fundraising campaign supporting children’s hospitals
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Canada
  • Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

    MAC — Artists in Schools

    Manitoba Arts Council (MAC)
    Arts experiences for Manitoba students
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Manitoba, Canada

  • Get grants for innovation in Manitoba for your business

    Tell us about your business and project so we can identify relevant funding programs and practical next steps.

  • Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    MAC — Create

    Manitoba Arts Council (MAC)
    Support for artistic creation and development
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) logo
    Other SupportGrant and FundingOpen

    MAC — Strengthen

    Manitoba Arts Council (MAC)
    Support for arts organizations to strengthen capacity
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 5,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    InnovationDigital Transformation
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative (MFESI) in the Prairie provinces

    Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada
    Support for major recurring festivals in British Columbia
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Platform

    Discovery at scale.

    Filter thousands of active funding opportunities with granular precision. Our explorer instantly matches your company profile with regional and national credits.
  • Pembina-Manitou Area Foundation (PMAF) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Pembina-Manitou Area Foundation Grants

    Pembina-Manitou Area Foundation (PMAF)
    Local funding for community projects and charities
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Educational services, Health care and social assistance, Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation InnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) logo
    Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationOpen

    Prairie Agtech Validation Program

    Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)
    Supports prairie agtech validation with producers and research experts
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada

  • Turn funding opportunities for innovation in Manitoba into strong applications

    Build a clearer funding plan and prepare stronger applications with guidance from our funding team.

  • Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    PrairiesCan — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream

    Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
    Funding to recover Canada’s Indigenous-led aerospace sector in the Prairie region
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Transportation and warehousing
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)

    Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), Government of Canada
    Support for innovation ecosystems across the Prairie provinces
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Social economy enterprise
    Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Stocker Loan Program

    Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC)
    Short-term livestock financing for Manitoba producers
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 1,600,000 $ · Up to 25% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Tali's Fund logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

    Tali's Fund — Research and Family Support

    Tali's Fund
    Support for childhood brain cancer research and families
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Canada
  • Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) in the Prairie provinces

    Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
    Supports tourism businesses adapting and growing
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 500,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Human ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Sole proprietorship, Non-financial cooperative
    Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Platform

    Your AI grant expert.

    Meet Charles. An AI trained specifically for grants. Get instant answers to complex qualification questions.
  • Dauphin Hospital Foundation (DGHF) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Visiting Specialist Program

    Dauphin Hospital Foundation (DGHF)
    Funding support for visiting specialists in Dauphin
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 20,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Public or Parapublic institution
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Government of Manitoba logo
    Grant and FundingSuspended

    Workforce Training and Employment — Labour Market Partnerships

    Government of Manitoba, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources, Skills PEI
    Financial support for labour market development in Manitoba
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    Human ResourcesInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Social economy enterprise, For-profit business
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Department of Agriculture of Manitoba logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Agri-processing Productivity Improvement

    Department of Agriculture of Manitoba
    Supports agri-processing productivity upgrades
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    InnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Agricultural Climate Solutions

    Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
    Support for climate-smart agricultural practices
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Manitoba, Ontario, PE, Quebec, Canada

  • Need help applying for grants for innovation in Manitoba?

    Get guidance to assess program fit, required documents, and the steps involved in applying.

  • Community Foundation of Portage & District Inc. logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Community Foundation of Portage and District Grant Program

    Community Foundation of Portage & District Inc.
    Funding for charitable community projects
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Educational services, Health care and social assistance, Arts, entertainment and recreation, Other services (except public administration)
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation InnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada
  • CWB Welding Foundation (CWB) logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    CWB Association Chapter Awards

    CWB Welding Foundation (CWB)
    Co-funded support for welding education initiatives
    Eligible Funding
    From $500 to $2,500
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Canada
  • Platform

    Never miss an opportunity.

    Funding cycles open and close within days. Our real-time engine monitors policy changes and alerts you as soon as a new matching opportunity appears.
  • Government of Manitoba logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) – Non-Profit Organizations

    Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Tax Assistance Office (TAO)
    Disaster recovery support for Manitoba applicants
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 2,400,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Construction, Retail trade, Real estate and rental and leasing
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation InnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Genome Canada logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Genome Prairie — Canadian Biotechnology Innovation and Commercialization (CBIC) Initiative

    Genome Canada, Genome Prairie
    Funding for genomics innovation partnerships
    Eligible Funding
    From $100,000 to $2,000,000 · Up to 33% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Genome Canada logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative

    Genome Canada, Genome Prairie
    Supports precision health genomics projects in Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $ · Up to 45% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Artificial Intelligence (AI)Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada

  • Find funding programs for innovation in Manitoba that fit your project

    Share your project context to review funding options that may match your goals.

  • Government of Canada logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    IDEaS - Pop Up City Contest

    Government of Canada
    Integrated camp utility systems challenge
    Eligible Funding
    From $10,000 to $2,000,000 · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Utilities, Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation and warehousing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Government of Manitoba logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Innovation Growth Program

    Government of Manitoba, Department of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation (MN), Manitoba Housing (MHRC)
    Support for innovative product commercialization in Manitoba
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationConstruction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

    LRCC — Metis Women Entrepreneurship Program

    Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC)
    Financing for Red River Métis women entrepreneurs
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 40,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    MAC — Artists in Communities

    Manitoba Arts Council (MAC)
    Arts funding for underserved communities
    Eligible Funding
    From $1,000 to $15,000
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    MAC — Operate

    Manitoba Arts Council (MAC)
    Supports ongoing arts organization operations
    Eligible Funding
    From $20,000 to $750,000 · Up to 40% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    Human ResourcesBusiness BuyoutInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Platform

    Data-driven strategy.

    Leverage historical data to predict your likelihood of success. See how you compare against industry benchmarks and optimize your capital structure.
  • Government of Manitoba logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Manitoba — Research and Innovation

    Government of Manitoba, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
    Funding for agriculture and agri-food R&D and innovation in Manitoba
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Grant and FundingClosed

    Manitoba Mineral Development Fund

    Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MMDF)
    Funding for mineral development projects in Manitoba
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 300,000 $ · Up to 30% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationConstruction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Manitoba, Canada
  • Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) logo
    Other SupportGrant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

    PrairiesCan — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI)

    Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
    Funding to recover Canada's aerospace sector in the Prairie region
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada

  • Get grants for innovation in Manitoba for your business

    Tell us about your business and project so we can identify relevant funding programs and practical next steps.

  • Government of Canada logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) in Western Canada

    Government of Canada
    Funding for tourism adaptation and growth
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 500,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation, Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationConstruction and Renovation Human ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation
    Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada

Frequently asked questions about innovation grants in Manitoba

Here are clear answers to common questions about eligibility, matching ratios, and application steps for Manitoba innovation funding.

How do I apply for innovation grants in Manitoba?

Start by defining your project scope, TRL, and commercialization plan. Identify programs aligned to your sector and stage (e.g., NRC IRAP, Mitacs, NSERC, PrairiesCan). Prepare a detailed budget with eligible costs and matching funds. helloDarwin can map the best-fit programs and guide you through compliant, on-time submissions.

What costs are typically eligible for Manitoba innovation funding?

Eligible costs often include salaries, subcontractors, materials, equipment usage, testing, travel directly related to the project, IP strategy, and market validation. Ineligible items may include general overhead and pre-approval expenses. Always check each program’s eligible cost definitions and stacking rules.

What matching ratios apply to Manitoba innovation grants?

Matching ratios vary by program and applicant type. Many grants operate on a cost-share basis, requiring cash or in-kind contributions. Plan a funding stack that combines grants, tax credits, and repayable contributions without breaching stacking limits.

Which programs are most common for Manitoba SMEs?

Manitoba SMEs frequently use NRC IRAP for R&D de-risking, Mitacs for talent, NSERC Alliance for collaboration with colleges and universities, PrairiesCan BSP for scale-up, and CanExport for market development. Sector-focused programs may add cleantech, agri-food, or digital adoption streams.

How long does it take to receive a grant decision in Manitoba?

Timelines vary from several weeks to a few months, depending on program complexity, intake volume, and due diligence. Build buffers for contracting and project start. Early engagement with program advisors improves readiness and reduces rework.

Can I combine federal and provincial innovation programs?

Yes, stacking is common when allowed by program rules. Map eligible costs to specific sources, confirm stacking caps, and avoid double-counting. Document roles and contributions across partners to ensure audit-ready compliance.

How can helloDarwin help with Manitoba innovation grants?

helloDarwin combines expert consulting and SaaS tools to identify programs, verify eligibility, and structure compliant applications. Our approach simplifies timelines, builds funding stacks, and coordinates letters of support and partner roles. This increases clarity and improves success potential.

Do Manitoba grants support Indigenous and women-led businesses?

Many programs include inclusive pathways for Indigenous entrepreneurs, women founders, youth, and newcomers. Look for targeted streams, wage subsidies, mentorship, and innovation challenges tailored to community needs.

What documents strengthen a Manitoba grant application?

Strong applications include a detailed workplan, budget, commercialization roadmap, TRL rationale, IP strategy, market validation evidence, risk management, and letters of support. Clear Manitoba impact and partner commitments are decisive.

Can helloDarwin review my draft and optimize eligibility?

Yes. helloDarwin’s experts audit your draft against program criteria, refine budgets and eligible costs, and align milestones to intake dates. Our SaaS platform tracks requirements, reporting, and stacking rules to minimize compliance risks.

Explore related grant directories