University of Manitoba, Smartpark Innovation Hub
Completed: 2019
Size: 75,000 ft² / 6,967 m²
The University of Manitoba, Smartpark Innovation Hub is a central gathering place for meetings, conferences and events for the Smartpark business community, province-wide university researchers and the local technology industry. The facility provides ‘incubator space’ for start-up businesses, supporting commercialization and professional services, encouraging partnerships that will drive the creation of new technologies, and ultimately growing the number of local start-up companies.
At roughly 75,000 square-feet in floor area, the new facility provides workspace for up to 400 people. Consistent with Smartpark’s mission of “Building a Community of Innovators”, the Innovation Hub will bring business and the University together in offices and laboratories for research, prototype development and testing; multimedia training classrooms and video conferencing in meeting spaces and other versatile working, learning and sharing environments.
The Smartpark Innovation Hub will be a place where business “incubation” takes place in stages. In the first two years (Stage 1) start-up companies begin developing their business plans and prototypes in the small suites and laboratories. After the successful completion of Stage 1, start-up companies “graduate” to the Business Centre (Stage 2) where they have more resources and larger suites to continue expanding their business over the next five years. In Stage 3 start-up companies reach maturity and establish a stable business that can occupy larger suites.
Two major users of the building will be North Forge and the University of Manitoba Technology Transfer Office. North Forge is an innovation-based economic development agency and a powerhouse community to fuel Manitoba’s innovation economy providing entrepreneurs with award-winning mentors, subject matter experts and startup program. The Technology Transfer Office is a component of the University of Manitoba, which increases knowledge mobilization between the University and commercial partners.
In 2017, the project was the first in Manitoba to be registered under LEED BD+C: New Construction v4. It attained LEED Silver Certification in 2025.
Project Sub Consultants
Crosier Kilgour – Structural
MCW – Mechanical | Electrical
KGS Group – Civil | Traffic | Commissioning
HTFC – Landscape Architect
Pinchin – Commissioning
Architecture 49 – Sustainability
RJ Bartlett – Fire Protection
RWDI – Energy | Acoustics
Bird – Construction