MBiz | Winter 2019

TECH MANITOBA

CREATING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT Tech Manitoba helping create conditions for technology community to thrive BY TODD LEWYS

In her nearly 15 years with Tech Manitoba, Kathy Knight has witnessed first-hand the evolution of Manitoba’s tech sector. And while the province’s technology sector has always been strong, 2018 was a record year for Manitoba-based tech companies. “The province’s tech sector grew 40 per cent last year,” says Knight, who serves as Tech Manitoba’s CEO. “More Manitoba-founded companies are starting to thrive, with many of them growing exponentially. We expect that rapid growth to continue over the next three to five years.” Turns out, the engine driving the surging tech industry is Tech Manitoba. Its mission is simple, Knight says. “Our job is to create an environment that will

enable our members and tech community to thrive and grow. We do whatever we can to showcase Manitoba’s innovation and to grow the province’s tech sector.” Over the past decade-and-a-half, Tech Manitoba – which was created in 2004 – has nurtured the tech sector’s growth through collaboration, education and promotion and bringing people together to share skills and explore ideas. Bringing people together has played a huge role in providing a launching pad for companies, Knight says. “We connect companies with global customers via international events such as consumer electronics shows, where potential investors and partners converge,” she explains. “That allows companies to get connected so they can drive their business growth. We’ve enjoyed a lot of success with that strategy.” Tech Manitoba also works with post- secondary institutions to develop home- grown talent. CONTINUED >>

WINTER 2019

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