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.”

Click here to see more...

Video: Gaining Bushels with AirFLEX | Dealer Interview | Paul Martin & Sons

Honey Bee Manufacturing was founded by brothers Greg and Glenn Honey in 1979. At the time, the two farmers were unable to find equipment to fit the needs on their farm - so they built their own. These on-farm innovations quickly evolved into a complete line of harvesting equipment that is now being used all over the world.

Honey Bee’s specialty is innovative, intuitive, and simple designs that the farmer can understand. At the nexus of these features sits the AirFLEX platform. The AirFLEX has evolved into a tougher and more resilient machine, all while maintaining its simple design and providing the closest cut imaginable. With the new AirFLEX NXT, Honey Bee brings you a combination of thoughtful design and high performance. With improvements that enhance performance and reliability, the NXT focuses on the future of farming. Honey Bee has come a long way from those days back on the farm. With a strong commitment to product research and development, Honey Bee’s objective has always been to manufacture equipment that farmers are proud to own.