Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST)
SK, Canada
Contract opportunities for SK technology companies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 01, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateApril 30, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Innovation Saskatchewan
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If your technology company has a product that could improve the delivery of a Government of Saskatchewan service, you could be awarded a contract of up to $30,000 and a chance to pilot the project for 6 months.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Made in Saskatchewan Technology (MIST) program supports pilot projects that involve significant collaboration between Saskatchewan tech startups and public sector entities. The aim is to develop and implement innovative technological solutions to enhance service delivery and address specific challenges faced by the public sector.
- Collaboration between startups and public sector partners to pilot new technologies.
- Implementation of novel technological solutions to improve public sector services and operations.
- Pilot projects to test and validate technologies ready for commercialization.
- Development of innovative technologies tailored to public sector needs.
- Engagement with enterprise-level customers in a pilot project setting.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 30,000
Implement an automated traffic monitoring system to enhance road safety
$ 30,000
Develop a platform for digital literacy training in public libraries
$ 30,000
Develop a mobile app to streamline health service appointments
$ 30,000
Create an online portal for efficient public service requests
$ 30,000
Deploy a real-time water quality monitoring system for municipal water bodies
$ 30,000
Develop a telemedicine platform focused on mental health services for Swift Current
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your startup meets MIST program criteria, such as being based in Saskatchewan, having fewer than 50 employees, and having a novel technology ready for implementation.
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- Gather necessary documents including financial statements, proof of technology readiness, and details of the pilot project.
- Identify and confirm engagement with potential eligible project partners.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Access the application form via the Innovation Saskatchewan website.
- Provide detailed information about your startup, project specifics, and strategic objectives.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form before the relevant quarterly deadline (April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31).
- Step 5: Evaluation Process
- Your application will undergo an internal assessment followed by a review by the MIST Advisory Committee.
- Be prepared to submit additional information if requested by the program manager during assessment.
- Step 6: Notification of Results
- Receive notification of approval or rejection around 15 days post-review meeting.
- Approved startups will move forward in coordinating the funding agreement and project initiation.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
mist@innovationsask.ca
1-306-933-6609
Apply to this program
Driving Innovation in Saskatchewan's Tech Landscape
The Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST) is an initiative designed to boost the province's technology sector by fostering partnerships between tech startups and public sector bodies. This program offers pilot funding to tech innovators poised to address public sector challenges with novel solutions.
Understanding the Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST)
The MIST program stands as a testament to Saskatchewan's commitment to stimulating technological innovation and public sector excellence. Through this initiative, Innovation Saskatchewan provides non-repayable funding to local tech startups, facilitating their efforts to pilot novel technologies within public sector environments. This strategic collaboration not only assists public organizations in tackling contemporary challenges but also accelerates the growth of startups by providing them with real-world testing opportunities and exposure to enterprise-level clients.
Applicants seeking MIST funding must demonstrate the readiness of their technologies, which should ideally be hovering around Technology Readiness Level 6. This indicates that the technology should be beyond the prototyping stage, nearly ready for commercial use, ensuring that public sector collaborators gain access to practical and scalable solutions. Startups also need to show their capability to manage and collaborate with large-scale organizations like government agencies, thereby ensuring a smooth integration and beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
The grant, capped at $30,000 per startup project, is structured to require a matching contribution from the eligible public sector partner. This unique funding model not only maximizes the available resources but also signifies the commitment of both parties towards the successful realization of the pilot projects. Moreover, this structure allows multiple startups to collaborate on a singular project, fostering an environment of shared learning and collective problem-solving, which can amplify the potential impact of the innovative technologies being deployed.
More than just a financial lifeline, the MIST program provides an ecosystem where startups can flourish by leveraging the expertise and facilities offered by their public sector partners. These collaborations are bolstered by the in-kind contributions of partners, which might include equipment, technical expertise, or access to infrastructural facilities. This symbiotic relationship not only facilitates the immediate goals of both startups and their public sector counterparts but also sets the stage for longer-term collaborations that could drive systematic improvements across various sectors within Saskatchewan.
Additionally, MIST maintains a robust framework for transparency and evaluation, ensuring that all projects meet prescribed standards and deliver tangible results. The program's advisory committee reviews applications based on innovation, relevance, and the startup’s readiness to engage in substantial partnerships. The emphasis on rigorous evaluation criteria ensures the optimal use of resources and maximizes the program's impact towards advancing technological capabilities and public services in Saskatchewan.
For startups eyeing a partnership with the public sector, the MIST program offers a distinct pathway to not only showcase their innovations but also to enhance their credibility and visibility in the market. By participating, these startups gain invaluable insights and feedback through the piloting process, which can be instrumental in refining their technologies and business models for broader commercial success. Consequently, the MIST program exemplifies a comprehensive approach to fostering innovation, providing a pivotal platform for tech startups in Saskatchewan to scale new heights while directly contributing to the province's economic and technological advancement.
