January 16, 2015
Manitoba Government Awards TechFutures Grants to 10 Young Entrepreneurs
– – –Grants Helping to Commercialize Technology-driven Business Ideas: Minister Chief
Ten tech-minded Manitoba entrepreneurs will each receive $3,000 and other supports through the TechFutures grant program to help make their enterprises successful, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced today.
Recipients will be acknowledged this evening at the Burton Cummings Theatre at the premiere screening of Innovation Alley – The Documentary, which profiles Winnipeg’s vibrant startup community.
“We know the path of a new entrepreneur can be difficult. TechFutures is about introducing our young people to the many experienced business owners who want to help them make their new idea a reality,” said Minister Chief. “Manitoba youth are leading the way in many sectors of our economy and a wide range of technologies. They are creating the types of innovative businesses that will be a key to growing and maintaining a strong, competitive Manitoba economy.”
TechFutures targets young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 34 who are pursuing technology-driven business ideas. In addition to the grant, recipients receive business counselling from Entrepreneurship Manitoba and ‘lean startup’ training at an Innovate Manitoba Launchpad Startup Skills Workshop.
This year’s winners include:
- Chris Karasewich, InstaTemps – an online temporary worker agency where business owners can view profiles and hire staff the same day;
- Bryce North, MenuVision – an online, interactive social for restaurants to easily post menus online and have users interact, share, rate, review and have fun;
- Zach Wolff, Exigence Technologies – advanced antibacterial technology to reduce contamination issues in the health-care, food preparation, agriculture and consumer markets;
- Andrea Kraj, Core Renewable Energy Inc. – uses predictive analysis to monitor and manage usage, costs and reliability of multiple renewable energy systems;
- Dustin Refvik, FarmTrack Technologies – a livestock management system that gives farmers the power of ‘big data’ to better manage their herds;
- Matthew OIson, Dynamic Tooling Technologies – uses 3D printing to cut costs and risks associated with plastic injection and investment cast mold making;
- Avery-Anne Gervais, CLAWZ – produces customized fingernail jewellery that is 3D printed in precious metals and custom designed through an online ordering system;
- Taylor Sando – developed an online portal for businesses to provide customers with a vastly simplified login/registration experience by integrating third-party login and social networking sites;
- Denis Devigne, Vidday – developed an app that allows users to participate in the creation of unique and creative video messages for any special occasion through crowdsourcing; and
- Matthew Doak, GameChangr – an ‘eSports’ coach matching service to connect dedicated players with professional coaches.
TechFutures Manitoba is a partnership with the Manitoba government, Startup Winnipeg, Innovate Manitoba and Futurpreneur Canada.
“This represents a very exciting shift in the way the Manitoba government supports startup technology companies in our province,” said Chris Johnson, co-founder and director, Startup Winnipeg. “The flexibility offered by this program, coupled with the inclusion of Futurpreneur, Innovate Manitoba and Startup Winnipeg in program delivery, shows a commitment to ensuring that grants land with great ideas and entrepreneurs.”
The next application deadline for this grant program is expected in spring, Minister Chief said. For more information about the program and how to apply, visit www.gov.mb.ca/techfutures.
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