Momentum grows as inaugural advisory board takes shape.
Manitoba business leaders, the likes of Joe Cyr, Rick Duha, Mike Fata, Joelle Foster. Michelle Cameron and Chris Schmidt to name a few make up the University of Manitoba’s IDEA START inaugural Advisory Board.
With the appointment of a new Advisory Board composed of industry executives, entrepreneurs and community leaders from across Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem, IDEA START continues to grow.
The advisory board’s formation comes as the initiative continues to expand partnerships and programming. Industry leaders say it reflects a broader shift towards collaboration across sectors – and a growing recognition that universities play a key role in driving social and economic innovation.
IDEA START Director and UM Distinguished Alumni, Moses (Moe) Levy [BComm (Hons)/73, MBA/74] knows the program is building on UM’s long history of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. Levy also believes it is the next piece in connecting students, researchers and partners to explore ideas, build collaborations and accelerate innovation.
“The newly appointed advisory board will help shape the program’s direction and expand its reach”, says Levy. “They will open doors, make connections and lend tremendous credibility and lived experience in the innovation space.”
Advisory Board Chair Joe Cyr, President Emeritus, Price Industries Limited, has stepped up given his years of invention and growth at Price Industries. Cyr believes it is critical for the board [industry] and the university to collaborate. “We need to work together to create a true culture of commercialization at the university and throughout our province”, says Cyr. “IDEA START provides the umbrella, connection and framework for us to realize the enormous potential we have in Manitoba.”
For UM alum and tech entrepreneur, Chris Schmidt [BSc/16], the program is a vehicle to fuel big ideas in Manitoba. “The program is fostering a culture of big thinking and risk-taking, and we are positioning UM as a primary engine for our province’s economic growth”, says Schmidt. “IDEA START is the missing link that helps academics and the community translate their work into solutions for real-world problems and transformational change.”
For Joelle Foster [BA/94], CEO of North Forge, the program represents a complementary partner in building a coordinated pathway for innovators. “Entrepreneurship doesn't begin with a pitch deck. It begins with believing your idea is worth fighting for” says Foster. “Entrepreneurial thinking is no longer just for founders. It is a mindset that every student and researcher needs to embrace.”
Foster goes on to say, “As someone deeply committed to growing Manitoba's innovation ecosystem, I believe this initiative is one of the most important things we can do right now”.
“IDEA START is the kind of program that changes trajectory” says Mike Fata, founder and former CEO and Chairman of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods. “What early-stage entrepreneurs need most isn't just capital, it's a community that believes in them before they believe themselves—the ripple effect of that kind of support goes far beyond campus.”
Michelle Cameron, Founder and CEO of Dreamcatcher Promotions and an Indigenous entrepreneur, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for community-driven ideas. “Innovation grows when more perspectives are included,” says Cameron. “IDEA START is creating opportunities for community-driven solutions and new ways of thinking within the university.”
Advisory members will work to amplify IDEA START’s programming and services, including its Innovation Hubs providing easy store front access within the university, across faculties including health disciplines at UM’s Bannatyne Campus. Central hubs at University Centre, Incubator and wet lab spaces will provide the support systems necessary for all innovators, from arts to science, engineering and agriculture.
As well, leveraging technology to enable connection, sharing and ideation – IDEA START platforms like, I-VIC which allows for knowledge sharing, skill refinement and meaningful connections, and IDEA START Innovate, a cloud-based innovation management platform, working as a ‘digital backbone’ for Manitoba’s startup and commercialization landscape.
The program is a lead supporter of Falling Walls Lab Manitoba, a global pitch platform where emerging innovators present breakthrough ideas in three minutes, with the provincial winner advancing to represent Manitoba at the international finale in Berlin.
The board’s involvement signals confidence in an initiative designed to help move ideas from discovery to impact. As IDEA START gains momentum, these leaders are committed to strengthening Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem through integrated programming that supports the journey from ideation to commercialization, connecting talent with mentorship, collaboration opportunities and access to critical resources.
Rick Duha [BComm (Hons)/82], Chairman Duha Group and UM Distinguished Alumni summarizes the importance of IDEA START and why he is involved, saying “I am delighted to be working with IDEA START. Manitoba needs to inspire more innovation and entrepreneurship, and what better way than to imbed it in our finest University.” I wish such a service was around when I was finishing my studies, who knows how much farther and faster my journey may have been!”
The Advisory Board also includes Kevin Glasier [BA/96], CEO, Interactive Producer, UX Designer, Product Owner of Tactica Interactive, Angie Bruce [MBA/2009], Vice-President Indigenous, University of Manitoba, Debra Jonasson-Young [MBA/99], ICD.D, Executive Director, Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship at Asper School of Business - The University of Manitoba, Johanna Hurme [BEnvD/99, March/2002], Principal + Co-Founder of 5468796 Architecture, and Mart Bakal [LLB/74], Founder and Chairman of Crimson Capital, representing a cross-section of Manitoba’s business, research and community leadership.
To learn more about IDEA START and our impressive Advisory Board members visit:
For nearly 150 years, UM has transformed lives through groundbreaking research and homegrown innovation. We push the boundaries of knowledge and do the hard work here in Manitoba to move our community and the world forward. With a spirit of determination and discovery, we are shaping a better future for our province and beyond.
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