There are a variety of events taking place through the month of November. These free events will build your entrepreneurship mindset, develop your skills and connect you with other innovators.

Check out all the free events and registration information here.

Witness a live pitch competition, visit the Indigenous Winter Market, participate in lunch hour learning opportunities, and so much more.

EIT Month coincides with Global Entrepreneurship Week and International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, but UM supports are available year-round.

• Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
• Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation
• The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
• IDEA START
• Faculty of Science – Science Innovation Hub
• Lab 2 Market Prairies

Explore the many opportunities that support and celebrate entrepreneurship and innovative thinking at UM.

From left: Dr. Wenlong Yuan, Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, Dr. Annemieke Farenhorst, Dr. Jitendra Paliwal, Luma Clarindo Lopes, Yujie Ren, Miranda Gislason, Santiago Villarreal Villarraga, Andrea Ladouceur, Javier Schwersensky, Joelle Foster and Moses Levy

The energy was electric inside the Desautels Concert Hall as 11 finalists took the stage at the 2025 Falling Walls Lab Manitoba Finale, competing in front of more than 200 audience members. Each had just three minutes to pitch their groundbreaking idea, all aiming to “break walls” and change the world.

For the first time ever, IDEA START, in partnership with the University of Manitoba (UM) and the University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg), hosted the Falling Walls Lab Manitoba Finale, bringing together some of the province’s brightest minds in a celebration of innovation, research, and collaboration.

The evening opened in a good way with Grandmother Karen Courchene, who offered her blessings and welcoming words. This was followed by a moving Indigenous drum performance by Singing Wolf, setting a tone of respect, tradition, and unity.

Adding to the evening’s significance, Hon. Minister Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology, attended as chief guest and underscored Manitoba’s growing innovation landscape:

“What a great event! The work being done here is incredibly important and will drive the economy in years to come. We are proud that IDEA START, in partnership with the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, is hosting this event, which not only showcases the ingenuity of our students and researchers but also reinforces our province’s commitment to fostering innovation at every level… Your bold thinking is exactly what we need to move forward.”

The event was smoothly emceed by Janine Carmichael (University of Manitoba) and Lauren Bosc (University of Winnipeg), whose engaging presence kept the evening flowing seamlessly.
Leaders from the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, and IDEA START highlighted the collaboration that made the evening possible.

Hans-Joachim Wieden, Associate Vice-President, Partnership, Knowledge Mobilisation, and Innovation, University of Manitoba said:

“Innovation is not bound by geography or scale, what starts here in Manitoba has the power to reach anywhere in the world. This event is about collaboration, risk-taking, and putting ideas into the world where they can grow and inspire others,”

Dr. Jitendra Paliwal, Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation, University of Winnipeg, added:

“To the students, I say this: love what you do and put your heart and soul into it. Congratulations on stepping onto this stage and breaking the proverbial walls of these institutions. To everyone here tonight, you are about to witness innovation and research that has the power to change the world,” 

Moses Levy, Director, IDEA START, said:

“Falling Walls Lab Manitoba reflects exactly what IDEA START stands for, giving innovators the stage, the support, and the confidence to transform bold ideas into real-world impact,” said 

Adding a special touch, Honorary Consul in Winnipeg for Germany, Jutta Essig, extended her best wishes to all participants, recognizing the global significance of the ideas presented, 

“I send greetings to the participants and wish you a successful event with congrats to all researchers, students and entrepreneurs having such a great platform to present their innovations.”

A lively jazz interlude by the The Emma Lewis Trio from the Desautels Faculty of Music, University of Manitoba gave the audience and finalists a chance to recharge before the winners were announced.

Winners of the 2025 Falling Walls Lab Manitoba

First Place: Luma Clarindo Lopes 
Breaking the Walls of Antibiotic Resistance
University of Manitoba

Luma claimed the top prize with her innovative approach to combatting antibiotic resistance, one of the greatest threats to modern medicine. Her work could enable rapid identification of resistance before treatment begins, saving lives worldwide. She will now represent Manitoba at the Falling Walls Global Finale in Berlin this November.
Reflecting on her experience, Luma shared:

“Being selected as a finalist was thrilling, and the coaching sessions were especially valuable in refining my pitch and boosting my confidence. On stage, I felt adrenaline but also confident in my preparation. Falling Walls is an incredible initiative that gives researchers and entrepreneurs a platform to share their ideas. It was inspiring to see such amazing and innovative ideas coming out of Manitoba.”

Second Place: Yujie Ren
Breaking the Wall of Intraoperative MRI Head Coil
University of Winnipeg
Yujie impressed judges with her reimagined MRI head coil design, promising sharper imaging during surgery and better outcomes for patients.

Third Place: Miranda Gislason
Breaking the Walls of Invisible Genomic Bias
University of Manitoba
Miranda addressed hidden biases in genomic datasets, ensuring advancements in genomics benefit all populations, not just a select few.

Audience Choice: Santiago Villarreal Villarraga
Breaking the Walls of Human Error in Wildfires
University of Manitoba
Santiago won over the audience with strategies to minimize human error in wildfire prevention and response, a timely idea in an era of escalating climate risks.

Innovation Takes Centre Stage

The 2025 finale was more than a competition; it was a celebration of Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem. With strong institutional partnerships, cultural traditions woven into the program, and world-class ideas on display, the event showcased Manitoba’s power to inspire and lead.

As the applause rang out, one message was clear: Manitoba’s innovators aren’t just breaking walls, they are building bridges to a brighter future.

Next stop: Berlin, where Luma Clarindo Lopes will carry Manitoba’s ideas to the world stage.

The event was made possible thanks to generous support from our sponsors:

• Event Sponsor: North Forge
• Awards Sponsor: Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba
• First Place Sponsor: University of Manitoba
• Second Place Sponsor: The University of Winnipeg
• Third Place Sponsor: Research Manitoba

You can read more in The Free Press

WINNIPEG – Manitoba’s brightest young innovators will take centre stage this fall at the Falling Walls Lab Manitoba Finale, a global showcase for big ideas with the potential to change the world.

The event takes place on Wednesday, September. 11, at 4:30 p.m. onwards at the Desautels Concert Hall, University of Manitoba, and will bring together students, researchers, and entrepreneurs who will each deliver a dynamic three-minute pitch outlining their vision for breaking down barriers in science, technology, and society.

Falling Walls Lab is part of the Falling Walls Foundation, launched in Berlin in 2011 with a mission to celebrate breakthrough thinking across disciplines. Each year, winners from Lab competitions around the world converge in Berlin for the Falling Walls Science Summit, representing more than 60 countries. The Manitoba Lab is organized by IDEA START in partnership with the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.

“The Lab gives participants a platform to share their passion and creativity in a way that sparks real dialogue,” said Hans-Joachim Wieden, Professor, Associate Vice-President Partnership, Knowledge Mobilisation and Innovation, Microbiology, “It’s about showcasing fresh perspectives and inspiring collaboration for a better future.”

Alongside the pitches, attendees will enjoy special performances designed to celebrate creativity and innovation in many forms.

The Honourable Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology of Manitoba, will attend as Chief Guest. Minister Moroz’s presence underscores the province’s commitment to supporting innovation, research, and technology in Manitoba.

At the Finale, a distinguished panel of judges from the province’s business and academic community will evaluate the pitches and select a winner. That individual will go on to represent Manitoba, Canada on the international stage in Berlin this November.

Past Falling Walls Lab participants from around the world have presented ideas ranging from climate solutions and medical breakthroughs to cutting-edge digital technologies. Manitoba’s competitors are expected to bring the same spirit of ingenuity to this year’s showcase.

The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required to assist with planning and catering arrangements. Community members are encouraged to register early through Eventbrite.

Organizers are also seeking volunteers to help deliver the event. Those interested in supporting the showcase can register by emailing Poonam Chopra, Falling Walls Lab Manitoba Project Event Lead. 

The Falling Walls Lab Manitoba Finale promises not only to highlight the talent of local innovators but also to connect Winnipeg audiences with a global movement that bridges science, entrepreneurship, and society.

“Every idea begins with one person willing to challenge the status quo,” said Moses Levy, Director IDEA START. “This event is about celebrating that courage and connecting those ideas with the community.”

For more information, visit the Falling Walls Lab Manitoba page through the University of Manitoba and IDEA START.

Participants from all disciplines are invited to apply between June 1 and July 15, 2025, for the chance to take the stage at the Desautels Concert Hall, University of Manitoba, on Thursday, September 11.

About Falling Walls Lab Manitoba

Originally inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Falling Walls Lab promotes interdisciplinary innovation worldwide. Since its Manitoba debut in 2022, the event has featured aspiring innovators pitching everything from novel vaccines to clean-energy solutions. In 2024, Nolan De Leon took the title and went on to represent the province in Berlin.

Falling Walls Lab is an internationally recognized competition that challenges presenters to “break down walls” — from scientific and technological barriers to social inequities. The winner of the Manitoba Lab will earn the opportunity to advance to the prestigious global finale in Berlin, Germany, where they will participate in the Falling Walls Science Summit.

Ready to Break Down Barriers?

Whether you’re a student, researcher, or early-career professional with a breakthrough idea, Falling Walls Lab Manitoba offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your innovation on both provincial and international stages.

Applications open June 1 and close July 15, giving aspiring changemakers a six-week window to prepare and submit their entries. Don’t miss your chance to represent Manitoba, connect with fellow innovators, and help break down the barriers by sharing your innovation to the world.

Register for the info session on July 8, Tuesday at 2PM

Stay tuned to the IDEA START website for dates and registration details. Apply today!

For inquiries, email ideastartcommunity@umanitoba.ca

A collaborative project between IDEA START and The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, the IDEA START Podcast amplifies voices from across disciplines and corners of campus.

Hosted by Rajeev Koyal of IDEA START and Janine Carmichael of The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, each episode dives deep into the stories and ideas that demonstrate UM’s innovative spirit and meaningful support.

“We created this podcast to celebrate and connect with the many people across campus who are reimagining what is possible,” says Koyal. “It’s also a space to learn from each other and to make the work of innovation more visible.”

Highlights from Season One:

• UM President Dr. Michael Benarroch shares his vision for entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial learning at UM.
• The 100^Th UMSU President Divya Sharma and UMSU General Manager Thomas Blumer introduce UMSU Ventures – a new space to help student entrepreneurs bring their venture to life on campus.
• Debra Jonasson-Young, Director of the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, outlines key supports for students of all disciplines.
• Dr. Brenda Stoesz, who leads the Science of Teaching and Learning Team shares how Virtual Reality is being used to reimagine faculty development.
• Dr. Loren Oschipok, Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation Office Director dives into strategies for protecting and advancing intellectual property.

With episodes running approximately 30 minutes, the podcast is designed for busy students, faculty, staff, and alumni who want to stay inspired and connected.

Where to Listen

The IDEA START Podcast is available on all major platforms: Listen or watch on YouTube, Yuja, or listen on Spotify. New episodes drop monthly during the academic year.

“Whether you’re launching a venture, integrating creativity into your teaching, or just curious about how innovation shows up and is supported at UM, there’s something in these stories for you,” says Carmichael.

To listen or learn more, visit IDEA START Podcast.

Do you have guest suggestions for Season 2? Reach out to Rajeev Koyal or Janine Carmichael.

It was the second event for Reyes’ initiative called Port-a-Kindness. The first was a mobile campus hangout in collaboration with the International Centre in February.

Reyes’ unexpected entrepreneurial journey all began with an invitation to Better Together.

Better Together is a 2-day experiential learning opportunity to build entrepreneurial thinking skills and collaborate with others in interdisciplinary teams. Participants also engage in a rapid design sprint to develop and share a validated solution to a campus challenge. Over 150 UM community members – staff, faculty and students – have participated in the past two years. It is hosted by Janine Carmichael and Meaghan Ewharekuko from The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning.

“Originally, I thought Better Together was about starting businesses so I didn’t think it was for me. My friend encouraged me to come, and I learned that entrepreneurial skills can be used to address all kinds of problems, not just those of customers,” said Reyes.   

Reyes’ team worked on addressing theft at campus retailers, a challenge submitted by the University of Manitoba Students’ Union.

“At Better Together, the tables are set with big pieces of paper and supplies like sticky-notes, markers and fidgets. We started by deeply understanding the problem before brainstorming solutions and developing our pitch. I remember jotting down “mobile campus hangout” during the event. I even took a picture of it.” said Reyes.

After Better Together, the idea continued to percolate.

“I met Daniel Heschuk from the Faculty of Science Innovation Hub at Better Together. Like Janine, he has supported me with meaningful suggestions. I learned at Better Together about other entrepreneurial supports on campus and I’m now taking SCI4000: The Entrepreneurial Mindset for Scientists and Engineers. This course has been very timely for this season of my journey. My instructor, Joshua Zaporzan, has helped me develop my idea, too,” Reyes added.   

After Better Together, Reyes connected with others on campus, including the International Centre, Science Students’ Association, UMSU, and IDEA START. Rajeev Koyal, Program Manager at IDEA START, invited her to set up her initiative outside their space in UMSU University Centre.

“So many people are longing for meaningful connections with others. Our mobile campus hangout helps with that. And our gratitude wall helped the UM community take a moment to reflect on what is good. Gratitude and connection are like an antidote to uncertainty and loneliness.”

Reyes is grateful for the support she has received from many entrepreneurial supports on campus.

“Not only that, many other people stopped at the gratitude wall to offer to be involved. This may just be the beginning.”

Got an entrepreneurial idea? Not sure where to go for assistance?

IDEA START is UM’s new unit dedicated to ensuring entrepreneurial thinkers and doers are connected with the right support at the right time. That may be the Faculty of Science Innovation Hub, Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation, The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, UMSU Ventures, or other supports on and off campus.

If you are a student, staff, faculty or alumni reach out so the UM community can support you.

Kolye TJN designers Danae McKennitt, Tijen Roshko and Angie Kwon at New York Times Square.

“Professionals across different fields are doing amazing work to create a platform for future designers to show their work, the energy at Sony Hall is invigorating,” Says Roshko.

“Kolye TJN and is positioned at the prime location to show off Canadian avant garde fashion design embedded in sustainability, with our amazing production partner Runway 7. We are here to challenge traditional thinking and approaches to fashion with inclusivity and fluidity.”

Roshko had a somewhat non-traditional educational trajectory, first completing a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Physics before pursuing an education and professional life in design. Roshko experimentation with felt to create wearable art was inspired by her own allergy to metal jewelry, joining with partners Angie Kwon and research assistant Danae McKennitt to create Kolye TJN in 2020.

The Kolye TJN collections are created in Canada by the inhouse designer and dedicated production team using sustainably sourced wool-felt. The self-interlocking and pinning systems give the design structure and allow the owner to mix, match and recombine the pieces for their own expression and comfort.

“The interlocking patterns represent the transformative power of connections,” Roshko says.

“During my education in nuclear physics, I was trained to view the world through a filter of verifiable facts. My experience with art and design fundamentally altered my strategies for viewing my environment and inspired our goal of democratizing art.”

Aspects from one series can join with another, allowing the wearer to play and create their own high fashion designs. Kolye TJN designs include neckwear like scarfs and wraps, handbags, a caged skirt and earrings, each with their own variations of repeated patterns and priced from accessible to high-end on the Kolye TJN online store.

Roshko was supported in bringing her vision to fruition by the newly established IDEA START program. After a market analysis and business plan reviews, IDEA START Director Moe Levy recommended launching with low-cost options as an accessible entry point for people curious about high fashion.

“I first met Tijen less than a year ago at the proof-of-concept stage, and it is truly remarkable that she has attracted so many first-time buyers and launched her brand at New York Fashion week in that short time,” says Levy. “The University of Manitoba community has many resources available for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, such as North Forge or Debra Jonasson-Young, Director of the Stu Clark Centre, and IDEA START is here to help community members bridge gaps and get started.”

Roshko continues to work with the IDEA START team on an upcoming Kolye TJN fashion show for the University of Manitoba community expected to take place in November 2025.

“Tijen’s Journey is an inspiring example for the creativity and trans-disciplinarity of ideas, the entrepreneurial spirit that is the fabric of our university and how IDEA START supports students, staff, alumni and faculty,” says Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, Associate Vice-President Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization & Innovation.

For support developing your IDEAS and entrepreneurial vision, get in touch with the IDEA START team.

Levy was joined by presenters Dr. Peter Nickerson, Dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, who will host one of three Idea Start Innovation Hub locations, and Sasa Radulovic, UM alumni and Founding Partner of 5468796 Architecture Inc. The internationally recognized architecture firm will design the new Idea Start space at University Centre and network of Innovation Hubs across UM campuses.

Idea Start Innovations Hubs leadership team from left to right, Rajeev Koyal; Hans-Joachim Weiden; Peter Nickerson, Dean of Rady Faculty of Health Sciences; Martin Scanlon, Dean of Agricultural and Food Sciences; Marcia Friesen, Dean of Price Faculty of Engineering; Moe Levy.

As a network across the university and province, Idea Start will offer access to cutting-edge technology, tailored mentorship, and collaborative spaces for UM students, faculty and staff seeking to grow innovative ideas into viable successful ventures.

Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM President and Vice-Chancellor spoke about the need for programming to connect innovators with the resources they need for success.

“What makes Idea Start special is that it isn’t tied to any one Faculty—it’s for anyone with an idea, or a problem to solve, who is willing to take a risk,” said Michael Benarroch. “As president, I’m committed to fostering this mindset across our campuses, supporting UM community members as they think beyond the classroom and collaborate across disciplines.”

Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM President and Vice-Chancellor.

New funding from Price Industries of $1 million was also announced, which will fund the development of new entrepreneurship programing for all stages of the entrepreneurship journey.

“The Idea Start team has joined forces with Price Industries to develop entrepreneurial curriculum based on the company’s guiding business and entrepreneurial tenets,” said Levy. “Gerry Price, CEO of Price Industries, and namesake of our Price Faculty of Engineering, will support the creation of core Idea Start curriculum through UM’s Extended Education based in the Price Way of thinking, innovating and exploring that has made Price Industries the Manitoba-based global company it is today.”

Moe Levy and Rajeev Koyal take a selfie with the Idea Start Open House crowd.

Proudly wearing their Idea Start t-shirts, Levy and team were excited to unveil the program’s branding – Idea Start, Putting people and ideas together.

“The Idea Start logo is inspired by the ideation marks that fill the margins of our notebooks, capturing the spirit of creative thinking at the heart of advancement and entrepreneurial success. Our brand was co-developed with students, alumni and the broader community on campus as a representation of UM’s ongoing commitment to sparking innovation.”

Join the growing community at the Idea Start Venture and Innovation Community of Practice event on Wednesday November 27 and visit the Idea Start webpage for more news about innovation and creativity leading to societal change at the University of Manitoba.

The annual event is inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989, and unites the world’s greatest minds that are breaking down barriers in science, society and innovation.

“I am grateful and absolutely humbled to have been able to represent the University of Manitoba at such an important event,” said De Leon, an MD/PhD candidate in the Max Rady College of Medicine. “It was amazing to share the stage with 100 passionate thinkers and dreamers from countries all around the globe who are trying to face the world’s greatest challenges head on.”

De Leon gave his presentation, Breaking the Wall of Prenatal Diagnostics, at Manitoba Falling Walls Lab, held at Smartpark in September.

“The presentations in Berlin were phenomenal and broadened my perspective of what I thought possible,” De Leon said. “During one of the days of the conference I took my skateboard and, little did I know, holding a skateboard while wearing a suit was an incredible invitation for networking. I created many lasting relationships with new collaborators who share the goal of bringing humanity back into medicine.”

De Leon also won first place at the 2021 UM Three Minute Thesis finals, where he took home the Dr. Archie McNicol Prize.

The Manitoba Falling Walls Lab competition is hosted by the Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation office, supported by many partners from inside and outside UM, to elevate ideas of UM community members with the potential to reshape the future of science and humanity.

“It was mind-blowing being in Berlin among so many global innovation leaders, sponsored by the European Research Council and many of the German U15 research-intensive universities,” said Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, associate vice-president (partnerships, knowledge mobilization and innovation) at UM, who was in Berlin for De Leon’s presentation.

“UM participation at Falling Walls provides access to a global innovation network and is perfectly aligned with our vision for the newly launched Idea Start program. Canada had a great showing, and the pitch by Dina Rogers from Dalhousie University entitled Biological Plastic Degradation was the 2024 global Falling Walls Lab winner.”

The Falling Walls Science Summit showcases breakthroughs to tackle today’s major global challenges, such as climate change, health crises and technological upheavals. Get involved on the Manitoba Falling Walls Lab webpage. What walls will you break?