Manitoba backs AI in healthcare projects

WINNIPEG – Research Manitoba, along with the Manitoba government, is pleased to announce the official investment of more than $1.3 million to advance made-in-Manitoba artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that address real-world challenges in healthcare, Indigenous innovation, social services, natural resources, and cultural preservation.

Through the Manitoba Solutions Grant, seven projects led by researchers at the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and Canadian Mennonite University will develop and apply AI tools to improve outcomes for Manitobans while strengthening capacity across sectors.

“These projects reflect the strength of Manitoba’s research community and its ability to develop practical, made-in-Manitoba solutions using advanced technologies. Equally important is the deep collaboration with knowledge user organizations across sectors. These partnerships ensure that research is responsive to real challenges and that solutions can be implemented where they are needed most,” said Jennifer Cleary (pictured), CEO, Research Manitoba.

The Manitoba Solutions Grant supports collaborative research that directly responds to provincial priorities, with a focus on partnerships between researchers and knowledge users to ensure solutions are relevant, scalable, and impactful.

A defining feature of these projects is their strong collaboration with knowledge user organizations, including health system partners, community organizations, industry, and cultural institutions. These partnerships ensure that research is grounded in real-world needs, informed by frontline expertise and positioned for practical implementation and impact across Manitoba.

“This investment demonstrates how our government is leveraging innovation to improve the lives of Manitobans. By bringing together researchers and community partners, these projects will accelerate the adoption of AI solutions that deliver meaningful results across our province, with far-reaching possibilities,” said Mike Moroz, minister, innovation and new technology.

Funded projects include:

• AI4Omics-MB, which will apply generative AI to genomic data in partnership with CancerCare Manitoba to improve early cancer detection and treatment selection.
• An Indigenous-led initiative, developed with Ebb & Flow First Nation, to create AI-enabled preventative solutions for vision health grounded in data sovereignty and ethical governance.
• ORION, which will work with health system partners to optimize operating room scheduling and reduce surgical backlogs.
• A digital health project advancing predictive models and patient-specific digital twins using decades of Manitoba clinical data.
• A multi-agent AI system, developed with Siloam Mission, to help frontline workers identify and respond to homelessness service disengagement.
• An AI-driven lithium sensor project, in partnership with Lithogen Inc., to support innovation in Manitoba’s critical minerals sector.
• An ethical, Manitoba-built AI chatbot, developed with the Manitoba Historical Society, to improve public access to reliable historical information.