How much funding can be received?

Receive up to a maximum of $450,000 in grants to support the commercialization of innovation or technology in the following sectors: Mining, Energy, Manufacturing and Processing, and Healthcare.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund provides structured financial support designed to accelerate the commercialization of technological innovations through targeted investments. Financial arrangements focus on milestone-based funding, equity considerations, and budget contributions.

SAIF grants provide non-repayable funding up to a maximum of $450,000 for eligible projects.
Fund contribution is capped at 30% of the total project budget, with the remaining budget covered by industry partners (minimum 50%) and other sources.
Equity investments cannot be declared as part of the proponent’s financial contributions without disclosure, and IS reserves discretion over their eligibility.
The program limits total lifetime grant funding to $900,000 when SAIF is combined with the Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI).
The disbursement of funds is linked to the achievement of predefined project milestones and the submission of requisite progress reports.
Proponents may apply for additional funding if the new project meets specific criteria and is different from original projects funded under SAIF.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) is designed to support research and development projects that drive technological innovation and commercialization in various sectors. Eligible activities focus on addressing industry challenges and fostering economic benefits through novel, innovative solutions.

Development of new technological solutions in the mining sector.
Innovative projects aimed at enhancing energy production and efficiency.
Advancements in manufacturing and processing technologies.
Healthcare innovation projects that introduce novel technological solutions.
Creating a feasible path toward the commercialization of developed technologies.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 450,000

Implementation of sustainable mining technologies in Saskatchewan mines

$ 450,000

Development of energy-efficient manufacturing processes for the automotive industry

$ 450,000

Research and implementation of new lithium extraction techniques

$ 450,000

Development of an AI-based diagnostic tool for rare diseases

$ 450,000

Commercialization of a portable renewable energy generator

$ 450,000

Innovative water treatment solutions for healthcare facilities

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and the proposed project.

The project must be proposed by a group of active private sector partners representing the project's value chain, including researchers, those involved in the production or supply process, and customer or end-users.
An active partner is defined as participating in the project through cash and/or in-kind contribution, equity investment, or a letter of intent to purchase.
The project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization, with preference given to lead proponents with headquarters in Saskatchewan.
The project group can include non-Saskatchewan organizations, provided the majority have headquarters in Saskatchewan.
Priority is given to proposals that include an academic partner from a Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institute.
The technological innovation must solve a specific industry challenge and benefit the sector as a whole, not just individual companies.
The technological solutions must be novel and innovative.
Proposals must demonstrate a feasible path to commercialization and how the project's benefits will be sustained over the long-term.
Industry partners must provide 50% or more of the project's budget.
The amount requested from Innovation Saskatchewan is no more than 30% of the proposed budget.
Projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations with innovative technologies of significant benefit to Saskatchewan will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and full discretion to declare the lead proponent ineligible is reserved by Innovation Saskatchewan.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Saskatchewan-based organizations leading R&D projects proposed by a consortium of active private sector partners, particularly those including academic partners from Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institutions. The application must fall within targeted sectors such as mining, energy, manufacturing and processing, or healthcare. Projects proposed by non-Saskatchewan organizations are eligible if the technologies offer significant benefits to Saskatchewan, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.

Businesses seeking funds for non-R&D related expenditures.
Companies not part of the core sectors: mining, energy, manufacturing and processing, or healthcare.
Organizations where the project is not led by a Saskatchewan-based entity, unless significant benefit to Saskatchewan is demonstrated.
Proponents without the required industry partner contribution (50% or more of the project’s budget).
Entities seeking funds for feasibility studies as the sole focus of the project.
Applications exceeding the combined lifetime cap of $900,000 for SAIF and STSI programs.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Funding from SAIF can be used for costs critical to the R&D of technology leading up to commercialization.

Consumables
Capital expenditures within length of project required for R&D (e.g., equipment purchase)
Incremental salaries for R&D and technical personnel
Contracted professional technical services or expertise (e.g., 3rd party software developer)
Costs related to intellectual property (IP) protection, technology transfer, and commercialization
Travel and accommodation for collaborative purposes

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant requires that the project is led by a Saskatchewan-based organization, with a preference for lead proponents headquartered in Saskatchewan. Furthermore, the project group can include non-Saskatchewan organizations, provided the majority of the group has headquarters in Saskatchewan.

Lead proponents headquartered in Saskatchewan.
Majority of the project group with headquarters in Saskatchewan.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) are based on detailed criteria to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives and strategic priorities.

Project Overview: Clarity and thoroughness in the description of the project, including objectives, activities, partners, and timeline.
Benefits to Sector: Demonstrated alignment with industry needs and clear indication of the industry challenge being addressed.
Innovation: Evidence of the innovative and unique nature of the technological solution, avoiding incremental advancements.
Path to Commercialization: Feasibility and detail of the plan to commercialize the developed technology.
Financial Leverage: Detailed funding structure with necessary documentations and logical financial planning.
Academic Research Asset Leverage: Use of Saskatchewan-based research resources to advance the project’s objectives.
Project Design: Comprehensive design with clear work descriptions, deliverables, and justified budget requests.
Proponent Capacity: Demonstrated capacity and partner expertise to conduct the project successfully.
End User Impact/Adoption: Identification of end-user groups and their readiness to adopt the innovation.
Challenges to Technology Adoption: Identification and planned mitigation of adoption challenges.
Competitive Analysis: Analysis of market competition and differentiation of the proposed technology.
Risks: Identification and management plan for potential development and implementation risks.
Economic Impact: Estimation of economic benefits, such as job creation and increased productivity.
Environmental Impact: Consideration of the project’s potential environmental impacts.
Long-term Impact: Plans for the ongoing impact and expansion of the technology to other markets.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF):

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Prepare a three-page or shorter EOI using the template provided by Innovation Saskatchewan (IS).
Fill out the "Eligibility Questionnaire" to confirm the proposed project meets the eligibility criteria.
Submit the EOI via the online application portal before the intake deadline.
Step 2: Application Selection
Wait for IS to evaluate submitted EOIs. Only shortlisted proponents will be invited to submit full proposals.
Receive an invitation to submit a full proposal if shortlisted.
Step 3: Full Proposal Submission
Prepare a full proposal, not exceeding 20 pages, using the application template provided.
Include all necessary evaluation criteria such as project overview, financial leverage, and end-user adoption.
Submit a completed "Financial Questionnaire and Information Request Form" along with the proposal.
Gather and include at least two letters of intent from prospective or committed customers.
Submit the full proposal via the online application portal by the specified deadline.
Step 4: Feedback Opportunity
Take advantage of IS’s offer to provide feedback on a draft of the proposal before the submission deadline.
Step 5: Evaluation Process
IS conducts preliminary review and technical/financial review of the proposal.
Proposals are reviewed by the SAIF Advisory Committee.
Approved projects are forwarded to the Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan for final approval.
Step 6: Confirmation and Contracts
Receive a funding decision notice and, if approved, sign the funding contract within 30 days.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The SAIF operates under strict confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure for all external consulting evaluations.
If a project's goals or group dynamics change significantly, or if progress is not satisfactorily reported, IS can terminate funding.
Grant recipients are required to provide detailed progress reports during and after the project period, including a post-project debrief a year after completion.
Projects can reapply for new SAIF funding provided they are substantially different from previously funded projects, with a cumulative cap of $900,000.

grant_single_labels|contact

matthew.hayduk@innovationsask.ca

Apply to this program

Accelerating Innovation with Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) is dedicated to advancing the commercialization of groundbreaking technological innovations in key economic sectors. By providing non-repayable grants, this program aims to tackle industry-specific challenges, fostering broader economic benefits across the province.

In-Depth Insight into the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) is a strategic initiative by Innovation Saskatchewan designed to boost the province's economic growth through targeted research and development (R&D) funding. This initiative focuses on aligning technological innovation with industry demands, thereby enhancing the commercial viability of novel solutions in sectors such as mining, energy, manufacturing, processing, and healthcare. The fund aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application by providing substantial support to projects that propose viable solutions to industry challenges.

A core objective of SAIF is to encourage private sector collaborations that bring together various stakeholders, including researchers, producers, suppliers, and end users, forming a value chain that enhances project viability and impact. The emphasis is on fostering partnerships that include Saskatchewan-based organizations, although non-local entities can participate if most of the consortium is Saskatchewan-headquartered. This strategic structure underlines the importance of local economic impact while embracing valuable external expertise and resources.

Projects vying for SAIF grants are expected to offer clear paths to commercialization, ensuring that innovations are not only novel but also capable of creating sustained economic benefits. Industry partners must be ready to invest significantly, contributing at least 50% of the project budget. The grants from Innovation Saskatchewan will cover up to 30% of the project costs, with the remaining budget ideally sourced from federal contributions or other funding avenues. This robust financial framework is designed to leverage both public and private investments, maximizing the potential for project success.

The application process for SAIF is comprehensive, involving multiple intake periods and a thorough assessment protocol. Prospective applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) accompanied by an eligibility questionnaire. Only proposals that align with strategic priorities and exhibit potential for substantial industry impact are invited to submit full applications. This rigorous selection process ensures that resources are allocated to projects with the highest potential for innovation and economic return.

In addition to financial backing, SAIF offers an array of support mechanisms including feedback on proposal drafts, encouraging proponents to refine their project designs to meet stringent evaluation criteria. Successful projects must demonstrate a credible business case, leverage existing academic research assets, and articulate clearly defined pathways to market adoption.

Furthermore, SAIF places an emphasis on intellectual property management, requiring proponent groups to establish clear agreements before project initiation. This focus safeguards innovation while ensuring project continuity and minimizing risks related to IP disputes. The fund's structure prioritizes transparency and accountability, with detailed performance reporting requirements tied to funding disbursements.

Overall, the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund represents a significant opportunity for innovators seeking to transform sectoral challenges into opportunities for growth. By supporting high-impact projects, SAIF not only advances Saskatchewan's technological frontier but also contributes to a more dynamic and resilient provincial economy.