winnipeg tech sector

Key Industries

Information & Communication Technologies (ICT)

Today, rapidly evolving technology continues to reshape how we interact and operate. From business systems and entertainment to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity—these advancements continue to empower and transform every aspect of our lives. In Winnipeg, our information and communication technologies (ICT) sector is advancing and at the forefront of this evolution.

Winnipeg has a thriving and growing community of small and medium-sized ICT companies with diverse skills and expertise in many areas, including systems design, health informatics, financial software and so many more.

The city is also home to a large, innovative, entrepreneurial developer community with many high-tech start-ups. These developers benefit from Winnipeg’s competitive business costs, coupled with its cooperative business environment, to create access to private and public sector organizations with international clients and global reach while offering a collaborative environment to partner, innovate and grow.

Notable firms such as SkipTheDishes, Imaginet, IDFusion Software, Online Business Systems, Bold Commerce, and Pollard Banknote have headquarters in Winnipeg, while rising stars including Taiv, Hoot Reading, Neo Financial, Construction Clock, and FasTab are making waves in the sector.

Learn why so many national and international organizations continue to choose Winnipeg:

Multitalented, innovative and entrepreneurial developer community
Competitive business costs
Connected, collaborative industry
Low-cost renewable energy

Key investments and initiatives

Since its inception in 2021, Red River College Polytechnic’s $95-million Innovation Centre in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District has been pivotal in advancing the city’s ICT sector. Housing the Business Information Technology and Business Technology Management programs, the centre fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, driving growth and supporting the development of new talent and businesses in the industry.
Bell MTS has made significant advancements in its commitment to enhance connectivity across Manitoba with a substantial $400 million investment from its broader $1 billion capital investment plan. As of 2023, the all-fibre network initiative has successfully connected over 50 per cent of the 275,000 target residences and businesses in Winnipeg. This project strengthens network access and service reliability, extending its reach to rural and remote areas throughout the province and supporting regional development and economic growth.
The Manitoba First Fund (MFF) is a key initiative that bridges financing gaps for startups and small businesses. Using a public-private partnership model, the fund attracts local and external investments to grow the technology, agriculture and life sciences sectors. It stimulates job creation by fostering innovation and ensuring long-term, sustainable growth. The MFF also positions Manitoba as a leader in supporting high-potential ventures and enhancing global competitiveness.
The Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit (SBVCTC) has made angel investing easy, offering a non-refundable Manitoba tax credit of up to 45 per cent to individuals and corporations that invest in eligible Manitoba enterprises. The program focuses on Manitoba companies seeking to raise equity from high-net-worth individuals, with a minimum investment of $10,000 per investor.

Winnipeg Success Stories

SkipTheDishes

The food delivery service company, headquartered in Winnipeg, connects millions of customers with over 30,000 Restaurant Partners in Canada.

skipthedishes.com

Bold Commerce

Bold ComBold Commerce develops apps that extend platform capabilities, helping brands grow and deliver excellent service. It's best known for creating Shopify's powerful, flexible and customizable eCommerce apps.

boldcommerce.com

InTouchCX

InTouchCX delivers innovative, value-driven customer service solutions through its global contact centres, ensuring seamless, high-quality experiences for customers across various industries.

intouchcx.com

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services, a subsidiary of Amazon.com, provides on-demand cloud computing platforms. In 2017, the company acquired Winnipeg’s Thinkbox Software, now known as AWS Thinkbox, a leading developer of production-proven tools for the entertainment, architecture, and design industries.

Fast FactsSource: Statistics Canada (2017)

641

Business Count
Statistics Canada (2023)
5,397

Employment
Feb 2024
3098.7

GDP ($Millions)
Statistics Canada 2022

Largest subsectors by GDP ($millions) - 2021

$1,515

Telecommunications
(Statistics Canada, 2022)
$453.9

Computer systems design and related services
(Statistics Canada, 2022)
$134.6

Software publishers
(Statistics Canada, 2022)
$60.2

Data processing, hosting, and related services
(Statistics Canada, 2022)

Key Network

Key ICT networks are shaping the future and playing a pivotal role in driving growth sectors in the economy. These organizations include:

Tech Manitoba

Tech Manitoba is the province's primary tech industry association, empowering its members by facilitating collaboration, education and promotion.

Pembina Trails Early College (PTEC)

Pembina Trails Early College (PTEC) is a tech-focused, accelerated high school and early college program in Manitoba, combining the flexibility of high school with the rigour of post-secondary education. PTEC partners with Tech Manitoba and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) to offer industry-focused mentorship, equipping graduates with the expertise to lead Manitoba’s tech industry.

North Forge Technology Exchange

North Forge Technology Exchange is a non-profit incubator and accelerator working with startups across Canada in technology, STEM, and advanced manufacturing, from ideation through to Series A funding.

Manitoba Technology Accelerator (MTA)

Manitoba Technology Accelerator (MTA) is a business accelerator at the forefront of Manitoba's technology startup community.

Startup TNT

Startup TNT runs provincial and prairie pitch competitions, providing access to its network of angel investors. It hosts these events across the Prairies and Western Canada.

Winnipeg Tech Thursdays

Winnipeg Tech Thursdays bring together the city's tech community to showcase local innovation. These events feature presentations by developers and entrepreneurs, followed by networking opportunities.