Creative Journeys: Camino with John Barbosa

Join us on February 27, 2026 at 8am at the Forks Market (2nd floor event space), as we explore the theme Camino—the ways and paths that shape innovation—with entrepreneur and U-Pro Soccer founder, John Barbosa. We are proud to be a partner of MB Tech Week! 

Our Global theme for February is CAMINO. It was chosen by our Oviedo chapter in Asturias, Spain and illustrated by Marta Vila.

Camino (pronounced Kah-Mee-Noh) is a Spanish word meaning “path” or “way.”

You don’t have to know exactly where your path leads, just trust that you’ll learn what you need along the way. Wherever you are headed, we wish you, as they say in Oviedo, “buen camino.” May you have a safe and meaningful journey.

 Our Speaker: 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.

In John's Own Words: 
I’m the CEO and founder of U-Pro Soccer Technologies Inc., where we’re re-imagining how kids and families experience sports. Our mission is simple: turn screen time into skill time.

U-Pro was inspired by my own son, after he accidentally broke our TV while training indoors, I realized kids need a safer, smarter, and more engaging way to practice the game they love. That spark grew into a platform that combines AI-powered biomechanics, gamification, and a freemium model to make world-class training accessible to every child, no matter their background.

I believe in a future where sports and play aren’t limited by cost, geography, or access, but available to every family, everywhere. That vision has guided U-Pro to early recognition, including the Leadership in AI Award and partnerships across youth soccer ecosystems.

Originally from Brazil, I moved to Winnipeg in 2017. My background spans tech, business strategy, and community-driven growth, but my focus is always the same: building companies that create lasting impact.

Camino to Creation: The Lived Journey of an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is rarely linear - it’s a Camino shaped by experimentation, values, and persistence. In this talk, John Barbosa shares the lived journey behind creating U-Pro Soccer, exploring how creativity emerges through problem-solving, iteration, and commitment to impact. From a simple moment of insight to building an AI-powered platform expanding access to elite training, John reflects on what it means to create something meaningful while becoming the kind of leader the work requires.

** What to expect at a CM Winnipeg event (besides inspiration and fun)**

8:00am Arrival and check in -- grab a coffee, a breakfast treat and make a new friend (or just smile at someone while making a cool nametag)

8:25am Refill coffee and settle in for a great event!

8:30am Welcome to CreativeMornings and listen to our featured local performer

8:45am Community creative engagement activity -- introvert approved (and introvert friendly!)

9:00am Intro of Headliner (speaker)

9:30am Wrap up and exchange contact info with your new friend!

We aim to have the event wrapped up by no later than 9:45am.