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.

Student Affairs is seeking volunteer tour guides to help at Preparing for University, the first event of the UM Orientation series. The event will take place on May 4, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the Fort Garry campus.

To join the team, volunteers must:

• Be current UM students
• Be outgoing and comfortable sharing their experiences in groups
• Have a basic navigational understanding of Fort Garry campus
• Have a basic understanding of the essential UM services on Fort Garry campus
• Be physically capable of standing and walking for up to a couple hours at a time
• Be an enthusiastic member and advocate of the UM community

Kareem Sowid is an example of the type of students who make perfect orientation volunteers – friendly, well-spoken and invested in helping others. He was first drawn to a volunteer recruitment posting in his first year because he saw value in supporting new students at what can be a confusing, stressful time. Sowid explains, “Getting to meet new students, seeing their faces when they first walk into university, and getting that first impression – it really made me think, ‘wow, that was me two years ago when I first walked into university, and I was this nervous.’ So, when I volunteer, I genuinely always try my best to accommodate the students and I always let them know that there are no embarrassing questions or stupid questions.”

As much as new students benefit from the help of orientation volunteers, volunteers derive many personal benefits for themselves, too. For instance, volunteering is a great way to meet students from different faculties who you might never encounter in your classes. “It was very nice to meet people with different interests,” Sowid reflects, “I met a lot of my friends from the planning for university and I think it was a very good experience.” Furthermore, Sowid recalls how the experience left him feeling valued by his community, both at the event and long after.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tour guide, Student Affairs encourages you to apply. Start by filling out the 2025 Orientation Volunteer Application Form and choosing a 30-minute interview timeslot (if you’re a new volunteer). Successful applicants will need to attend a training session the week before the event to understand the structure of the event, learn the campus tour script and route, and cover any additional information they will be expected to know or convey to new students.