Join RBCx for an easygoing Afternoon Brew at Lavanda on the second day of Mb Tech Week. ​

Drop by anytime between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM for coffee, snacks, and good conversations!

No presentation or formal agenda — just a relaxed space to meet, swap ideas, and catch up on what’s happening in the Manitoba tech ecosystem.

This session is designed for business leaders, operations teams, and decision-makers actively exploring how technology can improve efficiency, scale, and outcomes. Join Focused Forward for an interactive, station-based workshop designed to show you exactly how custom tech solves real-world bottlenecks.

This isn’t a sit-and-listen lecture. The Efficiency Lab is a high-energy “open house” where you can get under the hood of modern business tech. We’re opening up our toolkit to show you how we build, automate, and scale.

The Innovation Stations
• The Command Centre (Dragonfly CRM): See our custom-built CRM in action. Discover how to stop losing leads and start automating your sales pipeline with a tool built for growth.
• The Automation Alley (AI & Power Platform): Bring us a real operational challenge, and we’ll show you how we’d approach solving it using AI and automation.
• The Product Studio (Web Apps & Ottory): Explore the world of custom web development. From high-performance websites to specialized platforms like Ottory, see how we build intuitive user experiences that solve complex problems.
• The Strategy Clinic: Meet our architects to map out your digital roadmap. Get a “tech prescription” for your business’s specific challenges.

You’ll Leave With:
• Clarity: A clearer understanding of where AI and automation actually fit in your business.
• A Roadmap: A shortlist of processes worth automating first.
• A Framework: A mental model for evaluating when to build custom apps vs. buying off-the-shelf tools.
• Real Examples: Practical, local case studies and examples you can apply to your operations immediately.

What to Expect:
Live demos, expert strategy sessions, and direct access to Focused Forward’s developers and strategists in a collaborative, professional environment.

 

ISACA Winnipeg and Manitoba Women in Tech are passionate about helping women take their place in the tech world. Cybersecurity is an area overflowing with opportunities, but perceptions about careers in cybersecurity might be holding many women back from entering the field.

This presentation is all about challenging common assumptions about what cybersecurity is (and who it’s for). Mary will explain how some of these perceptions and beliefs are just myths that can be broken to help women take a confident career step into the cyber world.

If you have ever thought that:
  • Cybersecurity is about hackers in hoodies
  • There’s only one “right” way to enter a cybersecurity career
  • Cybersecurity leadership is defined by technical mastery alone
  • Cybersecurity work is isolated and done in silos
  • Security is something you add on after technology is deployed
  • Cybersecurity is about fear, control, and saying “no”
  • You need permission or perfect confidence to belong in cyber
If so, you need to join us for this myth-busting presentation as part of MbTech Week! Mary’s presentation will be complemented by a panel featuring diverse cybersecurity roles that showcase the field as a multidisciplinary, collaborative ecosystem.
Agenda:
  • 8:00 – 8:30 am: breakfast & networking
  • 8:30 – 9:30 am: keynote & discussion
  • 9:30 – 10:00 am: networking
  • 10:00 am: event conclusion
Thank you to ISACA Winnipeg and Launch Coworking Space for sponsoring this event!

Many HubSpot users are surprised to learn that they already have access to powerful AI features inside their portal—including HubSpot Customer Agent—but aren’t sure what’s available, what’s actually useful, or how to put it to work.

This in-person HubSpot User Group Lunch & Learn in Winnipeg is focused on getting full value from the AI tools you already have access to in HubSpot, without buying new software or adding integrations.

We’ll start with a short, practical presentation (~20 minutes) covering:

  • Which HubSpot AI features are already included in most portals
  • What Customer Agent does and when it makes sense to use it
  • Realistic, real-world use cases across marketing, sales, and service
  • Common misconceptions and limitations of HubSpot AI
  • Where to focus first to get immediate value

The goal isn’t to sell new features or overwhelm you with theory—it’s to help you understand what’s already sitting in your account and how to use it effectively.

After the presentation, the rest of the session will be dedicated to open Q&A, peer discussion, and networking over great local pizza. Bring your questions, challenges, and examples from your own portal—this is designed to be an interactive, community-led conversation.

This event is hosted by the local official HubSpot User Group (HUG) and led by a Winnipeg-based HubSpot consulting team. Attendance is intentionally limited to keep the discussion practical and conversational.

If you’re using HubSpot today and want to make better use of the AI tools you already have, this session is for you.

Join us at the IDEA START HQ for our community meetup where we’ll focus on our individual journeys and opportunities to connect!

  • Your innovation & entrepreneurship journey – what are your needs, interests, and motivations?
  • Networking and connecting with mentors, peers, and facilitators
  • Founder game for entrepreneurial connection, growth, and fun!
  • Hear from this month’s guest mentor
  • Pizza and pop provided

Guest Mentor Speaker: Eno Umoka

Eno Umoka is an AI growth strategist, founder, and ecosystem builder who helps startups and service-based businesses generate leads and scale faster using practical AI systems. He specializes in turning AI from a buzzword into simple, scalable workflows founders can adopt quickly, even with limited resources. Beyond revenue, Eno’s mission is to help 100,000 entrepreneurs and changemakers grow with clarity, confidence, and execution, so growth becomes easier, not heavier.

Please note: The building doors will be unlocked from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM and Parking is free in SP1 after 4:30 p.m.

 

If you haven’t joined us at an I-VIC meetup yet, these meetups are split into 5 parts:

  1. Dividing into “Journey Groups” to connect with others in a similar place on their own journeys (e.g. From those who are “Exploring Entrepreneurship and Innovation” to those who are “Achieving Success”)
  2. Hearing our guest mentor’s story
  3. A founder game or activity that supports connection, learning, and growth
  4. Collaboration requests and ecosystem updates
  5. Connection and networking (plus pizza and pop!)

 

Photography Notice

By participating in this event, you consent to being photographed, videotaped, and/or audio recorded and you authorize IDEA START to use the photographs, videos, and/or audio recordings in its activities, at its events, and in its promotional material, in print or electronic format, including on the internet via the university’s website or other social media websites. Please alert the photographer at the event if you do not want your photo taken.

Personal Information Notice

Your personal information is being collected under the authority of The University of Manitoba Act. The information you provide will be used by the university for the purpose of processing your registration for the event, determining catering orders, improving future IDEA START events, and for further communication regarding the event. Your personal information will not be used or disclosed for other purposes, unless permitted by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). If you have any questions about the collection of your personal information, contact the Access and Privacy Office (tel. 204-474-9462), 233 Elizabeth Dafoe Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2

 

Join us at CreativeMornings Winnipeg on February 27, 2026, as we explore the theme of Camino—the ways and paths that shape innovation. CreativeMornings is a free, monthly breakfast lecture series that celebrates creativity in cities around the world, bringing together curious, open-hearted people from every discipline. Each event features a local speaker, a global theme, and a welcoming community that believes everyone is creative and everyone is welcome.

Our speaker for our CreativeMornings X MbTech Week event is tech entrepreneur and U-Pro Soccer founder, John Barbosa. John is redefining athletic training with an AI-powered platform that uses computer vision and biomechanics to transform any living room into a world-class soccer academy. Supported by North Forge, U-Pro Soccer is opening new pathways for young athletes to access professional-level coaching from home. Discover how John’s journey from idea to impact is paving a bold new way forward in sports tech and beyond.

 

Techapalooza is Manitoba’s premier annual live music fundraiser that brings together talented musicians from the IT community for one unforgettable night of entertainment, community spirit, and meaningful impact. Since 2012, this signature event has united technology professionals and music lovers alike to support the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation while rocking out to great live music.

You’ll Enjoy:

  • Seven live bands comprised of local IT professionals performing a range of rock, pop, classic hits, and Canadian-themed sets
  • Audience engagement and voting — every ticket holder gets one vote to help crown the evening’s Fan Favourite band
  • Food and refreshments available for purchase throughout the night to keep the energy high
  • A dynamic, celebratory atmosphere that’s perfect for teams, friends, and community supporters looking for a memorable night out with purpose

A Cause Worth Supporting
Cancer affects nearly everyone in some way. By attending Techapalooza, you’re not just buying a ticket, you’re contributing to local cancer care where funds raised stay in Manitoba to directly support research, education, and patient resources. Over the years, the event has helped raise more than $1 million for CancerCare Manitoba, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Manitobans affected by cancer.

Who Should Attend
Techapalooza is ideal for tech professionals, music fans, community champions, corporate teams, and anyone who wants to support a meaningful cause while enjoying a high-energy live concert experience. This event elevates community connection and charitable giving in one remarkable evening.

Ticket Information
Tickets include entry to the event, access to live music performances, and one vote for Fan Favourite. Secure your ticket online in advance to ensure your spot at the event and support a great cause.

 

🚨 Sold Out! 🚨

Ignition is back for its third year and this time, we’re turning up the energy!

Join us on Monday, February 23 as we hard launch MbTech Week with an unforgettable night of networking, celebration, and big-time tech community vibes.

This year, we’re making it bigger, bolder, and more accessible, with lower ticket prices and even more excitement packed into the evening. Whether you’ve joined us before or you’re coming for the first time, Ignition is the place to connect, celebrate, and set the tone for a week of innovation and discovery across Manitoba’s tech scene.

Don’t miss the party that sparks it all 🚀

This isn’t just another networking event — it’s your chance to meet the best people in the room to build your next big project. Using a Stanford-developed matching algorithm, we’ll pair you with the ideal teammates — whether you’re a developer, designer, or entrepreneur. All while hearing about the upcoming hackathons for 2025 with Builders League!
What’s in Store:
🔥 Smart networking — connect with people who compliment your skills, not just collect business cards.
💡 Be the first to hear exclusive announcements about Builders League 2025.
🚀 Find your perfect team, and possibly your next project idea the same day!
🎉 Afterparty at Select Start Arcade — because great ideas (and games) go hand in hand!
Check out Select Start Arcade: https://www.instagram.com/selectstartwpg/
Want to learn more about Builders League? Watch the Video and join the conversation on Discord.
📍 Where: MTA Office, 7th Floor (136 Market Avenue)

 

In celebration of International Open Data Day

Join us on this educational, day-long event to learn about the wide variety of useful and interesting datasets freely accessible from the City of Winnipeg Open Data Portal.

Hosted By: City Of Winnipeg Open Data, Canada Computing and Launch Coworking

There will be presentations by the City of Winnipeg Open Data managers and Data Scientists showcasing new & interesting datasets, and innovative ways to access, analyze and transform Open Data into value-added data products.

Learn how to programmatically access Open Data via API’s, and see live demonstrations of using LLM-powered chatbots to analyze and summarize Open Data.

 

Important to know:

• Datathon participants must be onsite to participate.

• There are no fees to attend this event as an observer or Datathon participant.

• Each Datathon team may include a single participant or up to 4 team members.

• On-site food service & drinks will be provided at the venue (Launch Coworking – Exchange).

• Datathon participants must supply their own computer system.

• All Datathon team participants are eligible for random draws to win valuable prizes donated by Canada Computing and Launch Coworking.