Canada invests $2.3M in New Media Manitoba to scale AI adoption across the province's digital media sector
Canada is backing Manitoba's growing tech economy with more than $2.3 million for New Media Manitoba (NMM). The funding will integrate AI into NMM's StudioLab xR facility, help small and medium-sized enterprises adopt AI, speed up new products to market, and deliver workforce training so Manitobans have the skills employers need.
For public sector leaders, this is a pragmatic move: targeted support to improve productivity, strengthen regional firms, and build talent pipelines-while advancing safe adoption of AI across the economy.
What the investment covers
- AI integration at StudioLab xR to support production workflows and experimentation.
- Hands-on adoption support for SMEs to test, validate, and implement AI in real use cases.
- Commercialization assistance to bring AI-enabled products and services to market faster.
- Workforce training programs to upskill Manitobans for AI-enabled roles in digital media.
Quick facts
- Expected results: 77 new jobs created in Manitoba's digital media sector.
- 100 individuals trained on AI tools, workflows, and best practices.
- 50 small and medium-sized businesses supported through adoption and commercialization activities.
- Non-repayable funding delivered through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative and the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.
Why this matters for government
- Productivity and growth: Direct support for AI adoption in a sector with export potential and strong spillovers into film, television, construction, and bioscience.
- Talent development: Training reduces skills gaps and supports employer demand, lowering pressure on immigration and retraining budgets over time.
- Safe adoption at scale: Centralized facilities like StudioLab xR de-risk experimentation and encourage responsible practices that can be replicated in other sectors.
- Regional development: Anchors AI capability in Manitoba while strengthening the broader Prairie economy.
Voices from the announcement
"We're building Canada strong by investing in what each province does best - and in Manitoba, that's a growing and innovative tech sector. That's why we're supporting New Media Manitoba, whose work is helping local businesses adopt new technologies, create good jobs, and grow Canada's digital economy." - The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
"This investment gives Manitoba's businesses the tools they need to compete and grow in a rapidly changing economy. By supporting New Media Manitoba's leadership in AI adoption, we are helping create good jobs, strengthen local companies, and ensure Manitoba plays a leading role in Canada's digital future." - Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. Boniface - St. Vital, Manitoba
"Businesses and innovators are the backbone of our economy, and many are looking to use artificial intelligence to unlock productivity. The Government of Canada is committed to scaling up our country's AI industry, driving AI adoption and building a sovereign digital infrastructure. Harnessing AI while increasing trust in its responsible development and deployment will promote growth and shared prosperity in Manitoba and across the country." - The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
"This is a generational investment for our interactive digital media sector. It empowers creators and companies to adopt AI tools that will fundamentally enhance productivity, competitiveness, and long-term growth, ensuring Manitoba remains at the forefront of creative technology." - Dan Blair, Chair of the Board, New Media Manitoba
"By accelerating AI adoption in interactive digital media, we are creating a foundation for innovation that extends across Manitoba's entire economy. This investment strengthens not only our sector but also the province's capacity to lead in applying AI across industries such as bioscience, construction, and film and television production." - Louie Ghiz, Executive Director, New Media Manitoba
What public sector teams can do next
- Coordinate with PrairiesCan and NMM to identify procurement pilots where AI can improve service delivery, safety, or cost efficiency.
- Align existing funding streams (procurement tests, vouchers, or challenge programs) to support SME adoption in digital media and adjacent industries.
- Build talent pipelines by connecting departmental internship and co-op programs to NMM's training cohorts.
- Set clear metrics: time-to-adoption for SMEs, productivity gains in funded projects, and placement rates for trained workers.
Learn more
Program details and related initiatives: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
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