WTC Winnipeg: Nominate an Innovator in Trade – DARE Innovation Awards
Friday, December 19, 2025
Description
What are the DARE Innovation Awards?
Presented by Bell MTS and hosted by North Forge, the DARE Innovation Awards are the first of their kind in Manitoba, celebrating the province’s boldest Dreamers, Achievers, Risk-takers, and Entrepreneurs. With nine distinct award categories, the gala recognizes innovators across industries who are reshaping the future through creativity, technology, and leadership.
Nominate an Innovator in Trade!
The World Trade Centre Winnipeg, in partnership with North Forge Technology Exchange, is proud to sponsor the Innovation in Trade Award. This award recognizes a leader, mentor, organization, or initiative that has demonstrated excellence in advancing Manitoba innovation beyond provincial borders, showcasing how local innovation can scale into export, partnerships, investment attraction, and global market presence.
Award Eligibility
To be eligible for the Innovation in Trade Award, the nominee must:
Be a Manitoba-based leader, mentor, organization, or initiative actively contributing to the province’s innovation ecosystem.
Have demonstrated activity or achievements outside Manitoba, such as export growth, international partnerships, investment attraction, or market expansion
Show evidence that their innovation, product, service, or initiative has created measurable or emerging economic, commercial, or strategic value beyond provincial borders.
Judging Criteria
Judges for the Innovation in Trade Award will evaluate nominees based on the following:
The extent to which the nominee has successfully scaled Manitoba innovation into national or global markets.
Quality, relevance, and outcomes of partnerships, collaborations, or networks established outside the province.
Demonstrated contribution to investment attraction, export development, or Manitoba’s global market presence.
Evidence of leadership, mentorship, or strategic vision that strengthens Manitoba’s reputation for innovation at a national or international level.
Nomination Requirements
Compelling Summary (max 650 characters) highlighting the nominee’s innovation and impact.
Detailed Nomination (max 3,000 characters) outlining achievements, significance, and measurable outcomes.
High resolution photo of the nominee or team.
Confirmation that the nominee has agreed to participate and understands that, if shortlisted, they will take part in a professional video profile.
Key Dates
Nominations Open: September 9, 2025
Nominations Close: December 19, 2025
Public Announcement of Finalists: January 2026
Awards Gala: February 24, 2026
What Finalists Receive
Recognition as one of three finalists.
A professional video profile produced and showcased.
One complimentary ticket to the gala.
Spotlight at the awards ceremony.
Submit a Nomination
Don’t miss the chance to shine, or to celebrate a colleague, peer, or trailblazer you admire. Nominate an innovator today!
Nominations close December 19, 2025.