Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST)

The Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST) has specific financing modalities designed to support tech startups in collaboration with public sector entities. These modalities ensure that funds are effectively matched and utilized to advance innovative pilot projects.

• Non-repayable funding with a maximum lifetime amount of $30,000 available to each startup.
• Funding must be matched 1:1 by an eligible project partner.
• In-kind contributions from project partners can qualify for matching funds, provided there is also a monetary contribution.
• Funding is disbursed following the signing of a funding agreement between the startup and Innovation Saskatchewan, supported by a signed contract or statement of work with a project partner.
• The grant disbursement occurs after an invoice submission post-approval of the funding agreement.
• Strict requirements for tracking and accounting expenditures related to the project in case of audits by Innovation Saskatchewan.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the startup's location, size, and technological readiness.

• The startup must be based in Saskatchewan, with a head office address in the province.
• The startup must be registered to carry on business in the province of Saskatchewan.
• At least 50% of the startup's employees must reside in Saskatchewan.
• The startup must have fewer than 50 employees, including full-time, part-time, and contract workers.
• The startup must report annual recurring revenue of under $1 million in the latest year-end financial statements.
• The startup must own a novel technology that is ready to implement or is close to commercialization (at least Technology Readiness Level 6).
• The startup must demonstrate reasonable capacity to work with an enterprise-level customer, such as the government.

Who is eligible?

The Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST) is open to tech startups that meet the following criteria:- Location: The startup must be based in Saskatchewan, meaning it should have a Saskatchewan head office address, be registered to carry business in the province, and at least 50% of its employees must reside in Saskatchewan.- Size: The startup must have fewer than 50 employees, including full-time, part-time, and contract workers.- Revenue: Startups should have reported annual recurring revenue of under $1 million in their latest year-end financial statements.- Technology Readiness: The startup must have a novel technology that is close to commercialization, with a minimum Technology Readiness Level of 6.- Capacity: The startup should have the capacity to work with an enterprise-level customer, such as the government.Eligible project partners include the Government of Saskatchewan, its ministries, agencies, Crown corporations, Saskatchewan public sector organizations, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and municipalities.Startups must have a prospective pilot project partner and must match the funding 1:1 with the eligible public sector or non-profit partner.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly associated with the pilot project work items identified in the contract or statement of work.

• Consumables necessary for the project.
• Salaries for research and development and technical personnel within the startup.
• Contracted professional technical services or expertise, such as third-party software developers.
• Costs related to intellectual property protection, technology transfer, and commercialization.
• Travel and accommodation expenses directly related to the project.

Eligible geographic areas

The Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST) is specifically designed for tech startups that are based in Saskatchewan. Eligible companies must have their head office in Saskatchewan and conduct business in the province as part of the program's geographical requirements.

• Saskatchewan, Canada

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST) focus on assessing key criteria to ensure alignment with the program’s goals of advancing public sector innovation and stimulating the technology sector.

• Innovation: Demonstrate how the technology being developed is novel and innovative, differentiating it from existing market solutions available to the public sector.
• Value Proposition/Relevance: Demonstrate how the technology is relevant to a potential project partner, highlighting its ability to address public sector challenges.
• Technology Readiness: Describe the technology’s readiness level, with a requirement of at least TRL 6, and discuss testing and validation conducted to date.
• Team Capacity and Enterprise Readiness: Describe the capacity to execute the proposed pilot project, including involved personnel and their biographies, and readiness to work with an enterprise-level client.
• Current Level of Engagement with Clients and Partners: Describe the current engagement with existing business, clients, and partners.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The maximum funding available from the MIST program is $30,000, and this must be matched 1:1 by the eligible project partner.
• Projects are expected to have a strong innovation component and be ready for market testing.
• Startups can leverage the MIST program to build capacity through collaboration with other startups.
• Startups are required to demonstrate clear project outcomes and need to adhere to reporting requirements for up to a year post-project.
• In-kind contributions from project partners can be considered for matching, provided there is also a monetary contribution.
• Media releases concerning funded projects will involve consultation with the startup; however, IS will maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Intellectual property arising from the pilot projects remains with the startup or negotiated partner arrangements.