Nominate an Innovator in Trade – DARE Innovation Awards

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What are the DARE Innovation Awards?

Presented by Bell MTS and hosted by North Forge, the DARE Innovation Awards are the first of their kind in Manitoba, celebrating the province’s boldest Dreamers, Achievers, Risk-takers, and Entrepreneurs. With nine distinct award categories, the gala recognizes innovators across industries who are reshaping the future through creativity, technology, and leadership.

Event Info:

Date: February 24, 2026
Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm CST
Price: $275 per ticket (on sale in early December)

Learn more about the event | Discover the Award Categories

Nominate an Innovator in Trade!

The World Trade Centre Winnipeg, in partnership with North Forge Technology Exchange, is proud to sponsor the Innovation in Trade Award. This award recognizes a leader, mentor, organization, or initiative that has demonstrated excellence in advancing Manitoba innovation beyond provincial borders, showcasing how local innovation can scale into export, partnerships, investment attraction, and global market presence.

Award Eligibility

To be eligible for the Innovation in Trade Award, the nominee must:

Be a Manitoba-based leader, mentor, organization, or initiative actively contributing to the province’s innovation ecosystem.
Have demonstrated activity or achievements outside Manitoba, such as export growth, international partnerships, investment attraction, or market expansion
Show evidence that their innovation, product, service, or initiative has created measurable or emerging economic, commercial, or strategic value beyond provincial borders.

Judging Criteria

Judges for the Innovation in Trade Award will evaluate nominees based on the following:

The extent to which the nominee has successfully scaled Manitoba innovation into national or global markets.
Quality, relevance, and outcomes of partnerships, collaborations, or networks established outside the province.
Demonstrated contribution to investment attraction, export development, or Manitoba’s global market presence.
Evidence of leadership, mentorship, or strategic vision that strengthens Manitoba’s reputation for innovation at a national or international level.

Nomination Requirements

Compelling Summary (max 650 characters) highlighting the nominee’s innovation and impact.
Detailed Nomination (max 3,000 characters) outlining achievements, significance, and measurable outcomes.
High resolution photo of the nominee or team.
Confirmation that the nominee has agreed to participate and understands that, if shortlisted, they will take part in a professional video profile.

Key Dates

Nominations Open: September 9, 2025
Nominations Close: December 19, 2025
Public Announcement of Finalists: January 2026
Awards Gala: February 24, 2026

What Finalists Receive

Recognition as one of three finalists.
A professional video profile produced and showcased.
One complimentary ticket to the gala.
Spotlight at the awards ceremony.

Submit a Nomination

Don’t miss the chance to shine, or to celebrate a colleague, peer, or trailblazer you admire. Nominate an innovator today!

Nominations close December 19, 2025.

Have any questions?

Meet with a WTC Winnipeg Trade Advisor to learn more about the DARE Innovation Awards and how to make a nomination.

Presented by

Jose Manuel Castellon

CEO, IB7 Consulting

Jose Manuel Castellon Alvarez is the CEO of IB7 Consulting Ltd., where he empowers Canadian SMEs to expand into North America through strategic co-branding and international partnerships. With a career spanning aerospace, electronics, and food industries, Jose brings cross-sector expertise and a proven ability to translate complex operational challenges into actionable strategies.

He holds an MBA from Audencia Business School in France, complemented by a strong background in international business and cross-cultural collaboration. His work integrates advanced logistics, branding, and market entry strategies, helping companies build credibility and thrive in competitive environments.

As a mentor and strategist, Jose champions sustainable growth and bridges cultures through business. His leadership at IB7 Consulting reflects a commitment to empowering organizations, fostering collaboration, and positioning Canadian enterprises as trusted partners in global trade.