New Media Manitoba
New Media Manitoba is a non-profit sector council founded in 2000 that serves Manitoba's Interactive Digital Media industry with funding programs, AI and xR training, StudioLab xR facility rentals, and partnership services for IDM companies, students, and government partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersWinnipeg, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What New Media Manitoba does
New Media Manitoba is a non-profit sector council and industry association founded in 2000 that serves Manitoba's Interactive Digital Media (IDM) industry, encompassing video games, extended reality (xR), mobile and web applications, interactive educational content, and digital production. The organization delivers programs across four pillars: AI Interactive (a $2.3M federally funded initiative accelerating AI adoption and commercialization among IDM companies), workforce development (GameBiz Lab, IDM CreatorLab, customized training), physical infrastructure (StudioLab xR, a 5,500 sq ft Unreal-Authorized virtual production facility with LED wall, plus an HQ at 62 Albert Street offering boardroom, classroom, and event rentals), and business support including the Market Access Program (up to $20K matching), Initial Development Support Program (up to 75% of eligible expenses for new studios), HR Services, and a seven-tier Partnership Program ($500-$20,000 annually).
Revenue mechanics are layered: government grants from Prairies Economic Development Canada and the Province of Manitoba form the financial backbone; transaction-based facility rentals range from $250 to $4,000 per day; tiered partnership subscriptions and customized training/professional services fill out the operating budget. Its 25-year incumbency and designation as Sector Council for Information, Communications and Digital Technologies grant it preferred access to government funding streams that competitors cannot easily replicate, while its staff team of ~17 combines IDM industry veterans with shipped-game credits and a dedicated AI initiatives lead. The organization operates exclusively within Manitoba with no disclosed international footprint, and serves four customer segments: IDM companies (primary), students and educators, government/institutional partners, and IDM professionals/job seekers.
New Media Manitoba firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- New Media Manitoba
- Legal name
- New Media Manitoba
- Website
- https://newmediamanitoba.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- New Media Manitoba is a non-profit sector council founded in 2000 that serves Manitoba's Interactive Digital Media industry with funding programs, AI and xR training, StudioLab xR facility rentals, and partnership services for IDM companies, students, and government partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
New Media Manitoba industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industry Association / Sector Council Services
- NAICS
- Professional Organizations (81392)
- SIC
- Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Media Arts & Film/Photography Nonprofits (BPAGAHAJ)
Keywords
Where New Media Manitoba is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Winnipeg
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
New Media Manitoba business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Government Funding: Primary funding from Government of Canada (via Prairies Economic Development Canada) and Province of Manitoba to support sector development, workforce training, and AI adoption initiatives.
- Partnership Program: Annual partnership tiers ranging from $500 (Community Partner) to $20,000 (Strategic Partner), providing visibility, discounts, and access to NMM services.
- Facility Rentals: Rental revenue from two facilities: NMM HQ at 62 Albert Street and StudioLab xR at 201 Portage, with daily rates from $250 to $4,000 depending on space type and partner status.
- Training Services: Customized training programs and workshops delivered virtually, on-site, or at training facilities for technology-driven teams.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Strategic Partner - $20,000 annually |
| Subscription | Annual | Advocacy Partner - $10,000 annually |
| Subscription | Annual | Connection Partner - $5,000 annually |
| Subscription | Annual | Technology & Media Partner - $3,000 annually |
| Subscription | Annual | Support Partner - $1,000 annually |
| Subscription | Annual | Community Partner - $500 annually |
| Subscription | Annual | Academic Partner - $500-$1,000 annually |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | NMM HQ Facility Rentals - $250-$1,000 per day |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | StudioLab xR Facility Rentals - $500-$4,000 per day |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | AI Interactive Funding - up to $10,000 per company |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Initial Development Support Program (IDSP) - up to 75% of eligible expenses |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Annual | Market Access Program (MAP) - up to $20,000 matching funds |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
New Media Manitoba product offering
Product offeringCore offering
New Media Manitoba is a non-profit sector council and industry association that supports Manitoba's Interactive Digital Media (IDM) industry through funding programs (AI Interactive up to $10K per company, Initial Development Support Program up to 75%, Market Access Program up to $20K), workforce training (GameBiz Lab, IDM CreatorLab, StudioLab xR), facility rentals (5,500 sq ft xR facility and HQ), and community-building initiatives including meetup groups, conferences, and mentorship programs.
Product overview
New Media Manitoba operates as a non-profit sector council and industry association serving Manitoba's Interactive Digital Media (IDM) industry. The organization offers a portfolio of programs and services centered around four main pillars: AI Interactive (AI adoption and commercialization funding up to $10,000 per company), workforce development (GameBiz Lab for video game business education, IDM CreatorLab for online game development training, StudioLab xR for Extended Reality training), community initiatives (Girls in Gaming, Meetup Groups, Manitoba Women in Tech), and business support (Market Access Program up to $20,000, Initial Development Support Program covering 75% of expenses for new studios, HR Services, Facility Rentals). The offerings are designed to support the growth of Manitoba's IDM sector encompassing video games, XR, mobile apps, web development, and digital content.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- StudioLab xR: New Media Manitoba's workforce development initiative dedicated to Extended Reality (xR) training. A 5,500 sq ft facility at 201 Portage (C100) providing virtual production training and real-time technology education.
- GameBiz Lab
- AI Interactive
- Girls in Gaming
- IDM CreatorLab
Products and services
- AI Interactive Business Support Program A three-year initiative offering up to $10,000 per company (covering 50% of eligible costs up to $20,000) for AI Adoption or Commercialization of AI Technologies projects. Targeted at Manitoba-based for-profit IDM companies seeking to integrate AI tools into their workflows and expand into new markets.
- StudioLab xR A 5,500 square foot Extended Reality (xR) training facility at 201 Portage Avenue (Concourse Level, Unit C100) in Winnipeg, dedicated to workforce development and innovation in virtual production. Provides hands-on training in emerging real-time technologies including Unreal Engine, with LED wall virtual production stage, classroom, and common areas. Operating as an Unreal Authorized Training facility.
- GameBiz Lab Education and consulting program around the business side of video games for Manitoba's video game community. Offers cohort-based learning with priority access to industry expert consultations and NMM facility bookings, covering creation, budgeting, funding, marketing, and team management for video game studios.
- IDM CreatorLab Online learning environment for educators and students to develop Interactive Digital Media skills through Game Development Fundamentals. Courses focus on Game Design and Game Development using Unity and Godot, including 3D Asset Creation, UX Design, and Blender workflows.
- Initial Development Support Program (IDSP) Program covering up to 75% of eligible business expenses for approved new video game studios. Eligible expenses include hardware, software, incorporation costs, insurance, marketing, and professional consultations. Supported by Ubisoft Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba.
- Market Access Program (MAP) Funding program providing up to $20,000 in matching funds per fiscal year (ending March 31) for eligible IDM companies to participate in domestic and international market access initiatives. Covers 50% of eligible expenses for market event attendance, trade missions, and targeted sales trips.
- Facility Rentals Rental of fully equipped spaces including NMM HQ at 62 Albert Street (boardroom $250/day, classroom $500/day, classroom/kitchenette $600/day, private event full $1,000/day for-profit rates) and StudioLab xR at 201 Portage (classroom $500-$600/day, SLXR Stage with LED Screen Presentation $2,000/day, 2D Production $3,500/day, 3D Production $4,000/day). Partner discounts of 25-50% available.
- Partnership Program Annual partnership tiers including Strategic Partner ($20,000), Advocacy Partner ($10,000), Connection Partner ($5,000), Technology & Media Partner ($3,000), Support Partner ($1,000), Community Partner ($500), and Academic Partner ($500-$1,000). Each tier provides visibility, facility discounts, event sponsorship opportunities, and access to NMM services.
- Girls in Gaming NMM initiative dedicated to creating collaborative spaces for young women and gender-diverse students in grades 10-12 to explore technical and creative possibilities of video game development through hands-on workshops.
- Meetup Groups Community meetup groups including Winnipeg Game Collective, Manitoba Women in Tech, CreativeMornings WPG, Unreal Engine Winnipeg Group, and AI + Creativity + Ethics (ACE) Club. These groups support networking, professional development, and community engagement for IDM professionals.
- HR Services Strategic human resource management support and services for IDM employers, including HR Interactive program for learning and networking, and PitchLab for newcomer career preparation.
- NavigateITMB Online resource for students, parents, and career coaches to explore careers in Information, Communications and Digital Technologies sector in Manitoba.
Quantifiable outcome
- Manitoba's IDM industry grew from $39M GDP (2012) to $357M GDP (2022) - over 900% growth
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use New Media Manitoba
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
New Media Manitoba technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature4 records
New Media Manitoba partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.
- Ubisoft WinnipegcoreStrategic Partner ($20,000/year). Major video game studio supporting IDM Initial Development Support Program (IDSP) and sector growth. Provides industry expertise and funding support for new studio development.
- Tactica InteractivesupportingTechnology Partner providing technology expertise and support for NMM programs and events.
- WacomsupportingTechnology Partner providing digital drawing and creative technology solutions for NMM community.
- Flex NetworkssupportingTechnology Partner providing network and connectivity solutions.
- ElliisupportingConnection Partner sponsoring up to five NMM events including PegJam, Hyper Fest, Holiday Jam, MBWiTech Event, and Tech Week Events.
- GrydsupportingSupport Partner with company logo on NMM website and newsletter sponsor recognition.
- Visual LizardminorSupport Partner providing visual and digital services.
- UpfeatminorSupport Partner in NMM ecosystem.
- Moonlite LabsminorSupport Partner - AI Interactive funded company engaged with NMM programs.
- UPRO SoccerminorSupport Partner - AI Interactive funded company engaged with NMM programs.
- University of Winnipeg PACE ProgramsupportingAcademic Partner providing practicum and internship opportunities for students. Logo placement on NMM website.
- Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT)supportingAcademic Partner collaborating on workforce development and training programs.
- Assiniboine CollegesupportingAcademic Partner supporting IDM education and skills development.
- Red River College PolytechsupportingAcademic Partner providing Digital Media Design program and collaborating on workforce development.
- Winnipeg School DivisionsupportingAcademic Partner supporting K-12 engagement and Girls in Gaming workshops in schools.
- On Screen ManitobasupportingPartnership to jointly deliver New Level CoLab virtual production training program featuring Hollywood-level instruction from Fish Flight Entertainment.
- Manitoba StartsupportingCollaboration on PitchLab program helping newcomers showcase international IDM skills to Canadian employers. Also provides Foreign Credential Recognition support.
- Communities Economic Development Fund (CEDF)supportingProvincial Crown Corporation partnering on Digital Internship Program for Northern Manitoba youth, helping attract Indigenous and Northern youth to IDM careers.
- National Film Board of CanadasupportingCommunity Partner supporting IDM and film industry development in Manitoba.
- National Screen InstitutesupportingCommunity Partner collaborating on NSI Intro to Virtual Production - Manitoba Indigenous Lab training program at StudioLab xR.
- True North Sports + EntertainmentminorCommunity Partner supporting IDM ecosystem in Manitoba.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
New Media Manitoba competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Alliance numérique: Quebec's industry association for interactive digital media companies. Comparable as a francophone Canadian provincial sector council for IDM with similar workforce development and funding program mandates.
- Interactive Ontario: Ontario's sector association for the interactive digital media industry, providing workforce development, funding programs, and community building for IDM companies. Most directly comparable as a peer province sector council serving the same IDM vertical with similar mission and programming.
- DigiBC: British Columbia's industry association for digital media and wireless technology companies. Directly comparable as another Canadian provincial sector council serving the digital media/IDM industry with workforce development and community-building mandates.
- SaskInteractive: Saskatchewan's interactive digital media industry association providing training, networking, and funding support. A direct peer as another prairie province sector council serving the same IDM industry with similar service offerings.
- Digital Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia's industry association for the digital economy including interactive digital media. Comparable as another Canadian provincial digital media sector council with funding, training, and community development programs.
Broad incumbents
- Ontario Creates: Ontario's provincial agency supporting creative industries including film, television, interactive digital media, and book publishing. Broader incumbent than NMM with a wider creative industries portfolio but overlapping in the IDM sector.
- Canada Media Fund: National funding organization supporting Canadian media creators including interactive digital media projects. Operates at a larger scale across Canada with broader mandate than NMM's Manitoba-specific sector council role.
Others
- Ubisoft Winnipeg: Major video game studio in Winnipeg serving as NMM's Strategic Partner and supporting the Initial Development Support Program. Not a peer but a key industry partner and ecosystem anchor within Manitoba's IDM sector.
- National Film Board of Canada: Canada's public film producer and distributor with community partnership relationship with NMM. Not a direct peer as a federal cultural agency, but thematically related as an ecosystem participant in Canadian screen and digital media production.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
New Media Manitoba social profiles
Digital presenceNew Media Manitoba financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
New Media Manitoba leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
New Media Manitoba funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
New Media Manitoba M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about New Media Manitoba
What does New Media Manitoba do?
New Media Manitoba is a non-profit sector council and industry association that supports Manitoba's Interactive Digital Media (IDM) industry through funding programs (AI Interactive up to $10K per company, Initial Development Support Program up to 75%, Market Access Program up to $20K), workforce training (GameBiz Lab, IDM CreatorLab, StudioLab xR), facility rentals (5,500 sq ft xR facility and HQ), and community-building initiatives including meetup groups, conferences, and mentorship programs.
Is New Media Manitoba a public or private company?
New Media Manitoba is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was New Media Manitoba founded?
New Media Manitoba was founded in 2000. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is New Media Manitoba based?
New Media Manitoba is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada, in the North America region.
How does New Media Manitoba make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are partnership Program, facility Rentals and training Services.
Who are New Media Manitoba's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Alliance numérique, Interactive Ontario, DigiBC, SaskInteractive and Digital Nova Scotia. Broad incumbents are Ontario Creates and Canada Media Fund. Others are Ubisoft Winnipeg and National Film Board of Canada.
Does New Media Manitoba have an API?
No public API is recorded for New Media Manitoba.
What industry is New Media Manitoba in?
New Media Manitoba's product category is Industry Association / Sector Council Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAHAJ, Media Arts & Film/Photography Nonprofits. Its NAICS code is 81392 and its SIC code is 7819.