Originally published in 2017. Updated July 2025 for context.
When it comes to solving complex social issues, innovation is not just about technology. It is about engaging everyday people to generate meaningful change. That was the purpose behind the Manitoba Open Innovation Challenge, a province-wide initiative focused on improving early childhood literacy and numeracy.
A Province-Wide Call to Action
At the time of launch, Manitoba ranked near the bottom in Canada for youth literacy and numeracy, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In some communities, up to 77 percent of kindergarteners were not meeting school readiness standards.
The Challenge invited Manitobans to submit practical, community-based ideas that:
Could be implemented for $150,000 or less
Were quick to launch and show results
Required minimal staffing
Had the potential to scale across the province
The goal was to surface creative, inclusive solutions that would make a real difference for children and families.
Collaborating for Change
North Forge hosted the Manitoba Open Innovation Challenge with strong support from trusted partners. These included:
TDS Law, a long-time supporter of community innovation
inVision Edge, who led a structured Ideation Session
Educators, child development specialists, and community leaders
The Ideation Session, led by inVision Edge, gave attendees the tools to think beyond traditional brainstorming. Participants worked through a guided innovation process, moving from individual insights to collaborative solutions.
A Lasting Impact: MyBaby
One of the most impactful outcomes of the Challenge was the creation of MyBaby, a free digital service that delivers evidence-based early childhood development tips to parents and caregivers. Subscribers receive short, engaging video messages by text or email, focused on supporting positive development in the first years of life.
MyBaby was co-developed by students in the Business Information Technology Program at RRC Polytech, in collaboration with Healthy Child Manitoba and the Early Childhood Development Research (ECCR) initiative. It was one of three finalists in the 2019 edition of the Challenge and continues to serve Manitoba families today.
Learn more at: rrc.ca/research/ecdr
Innovation for Good
The Manitoba Open Innovation Challenge proved that with the right support, anyone can contribute to solving important social challenges. From MyBaby to ongoing applied research at RRC Polytech, Manitoba continues to benefit from ideas rooted in care, creativity, and community.
Interested in supporting innovation that creates real-world impact?
Connect with North Forge to learn how you can help power ideas that improve lives.
