EMILI wins Ecosystem Builder Award at the 2026 DARE Innovation Awards

Mar 06, 2026

EMILI was honoured to be awarded the Ecosystem Builder Award at the inaugural DARE Innovation Awards in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on February 24, 2026.

The DARE Innovation Awards, hosted by North Forge, celebrated Manitoba’s entrepreneurial excellence and innovation, recognizing bold vision, transformative leadership and lasting impact. The Ecosystem Builder Award, which EMILI was shortlisted for alongside Adam Kelly of Social Entrepreneurship Enclave and Paul Card of Manitoba Innovates, honours a leader, mentor or organization dedicated to growing and supporting Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem.

“It is a privilege to be recognized alongside such a talented group of Manitoba innovators, and we are honoured to be shortlisted as ecosystem builders alongside Paul Card and Adam Kelly, two individuals we have so much respect and appreciation for,” said Jennifer Cox, communications manager with EMILI during the award acceptance speech.

A key place EMILI supports Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem is at EMILI’s Innovation Farms powered by AgExpert, where EMILI tests and validates technology across 14,000 acres of farmland. Since 2023, EMILI has supported 35 organizations to drive agriculture innovation by providing access to leading edge equipment, technology and production practices on two Manitoban farms. Over the past few years EMILI has welcomed more than 1,600 people on tours at Innovation Farms.

“I am very proud of the EMILI team for being recognized with the Ecosystem Builder Award at this week’s DARE awards,” said Jacqueline Keena, managing director with EMILI. “It is especially meaningful to receive the award from a group of so many of our collaborators.”

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A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

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On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.