Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem will take centre stage on February 24, 2026, as North Forge hosts the inaugural DARE Innovation Awards at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.
The DARE Innovation Awards will recognize the entrepreneurs, organizations, researchers, and leaders whose bold thinking and execution are shaping Manitoba’s future. With more than 160 nominations submitted across nine award categories, the gala reflects the strength, diversity, and momentum of innovation happening across the province.
“This is about celebrating the people who dare to build,” said Joelle Foster, Founder and CEO, North Forge. “Every successful business or breakthrough starts somewhere, and the DARE Innovation Awards recognize the courage it takes to turn ideas into impact.”
SPOTLIGHTING MANITOBA’S INNOVATION LEADERS
This year’s shortlisted nominees span industries including technology, advanced manufacturing, health innovation, social impact, media, and research.
Among the Legacy Innovator Award finalists are Barb Gamey of Payworks, Colleen Munro of The Munro Group, and Paul Soubry of NFI Group Inc.— leaders whose long-standing contributions have helped transform Manitoba’s business and innovation landscape.
The Emerging Innovator Award highlights early-stage momentum and creative potential, with finalists Adam Fainman of Moonlite Labs, Ben Myers of Robin, and David Owasi of OutreachGenius.
Innovation beyond provincial borders is also being recognized. Finalists for the Innovation in Industry Award include Bushel Plus Ltd., mode40, and Ukkö Robotics Inc., while the Innovation in Trade Award, presented by the World Trade Centre Winnipeg features Bushel Plus (Marcel Kringe), Move Mobility (Carrie McDonald), and Ukkö Robotics (Katrina Jean-Laflamme).
The Tech for Good Award celebrates innovation with positive social and community impact, with finalists Let’s Give Together, MedeChan Ltd., and QDoc.
Indigenous leadership and entrepreneurship are highlighted through the Indigenous Innovation Award, presented by Futurpreneur recognizing Giganawenimaanaanig (Sandra DeLaronde), IndigiHub (Zachary Nelson Flett), and Winnipeg Boldness (Diane Roussin).
Research-driven breakthroughs are honoured through the Research & Science Innovation Award, with finalists Dr. Carmine Slipski (University of Manitoba), Dr. Francis Lin and Dr. Claudio Rigatto (Assure CKD), and Dr. Jonatan Aronsson (CEMWorks Inc.).
Supporting the broader ecosystem are nominees for Ecosystem Builder in Innovation, including Adam Kelly (Social Entrepreneurship Enclave), EMILI with Enterprise Machine Learning Initiative, and Paul Card (Manitoba Innovates).
Creativity at the intersection of technology and storytelling is recognized through the Lights, Camera, Innovation Award, featuring finalists Chris Sharpe (Black Film Space Manitoba), ZenFri & TiBert for “Histoire cachée – In Plain Sight,” and Erica Daniels (Kejic Productions).
HONOURING VISIONARY LEADERSHIP: THE NORTH STAR AWARD
The evening will culminate with the presentation of the North Star Award, North Forge’s highest honour, recognizing a visionary Manitoban whose sustained leadership has strengthened Manitoba’s innovation story.
This year’s recipient is Michael Legary, a Winnipeg-based entrepreneur, investor, and technology leader with deep experience in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Known for his pragmatic, risk-aware approach, Legary has founded and scaled technology companies, mentored founders, and worked with public and private partners to translate complex technologies into real-world businesses.
Michael’s leadership embodies exactly what the North Star Award represents. His impact extends beyond his own ventures—helping shape a stronger, more resilient innovation ecosystem for Manitoba.
BE PART OF THE CELEBRATION
The DARE Innovation Awards are more than a gala—they are a celebration of community, progress, and possibility. Proceeds from the event directly support North Forge’s mission to help entrepreneurs build, scale, and succeed.
Tickets and table sponsorships are still available! To learn more or secure your seat, visit dareinnovationawards.com
