How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses, capped at $450000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF)?

Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) is funded by Government of Saskatchewan, Innovation Saskatchewan

What are Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF)'s eligibility criterias?

Applications must be proposed by a group of active private sector partners, including researchers, producers, suppliers, and customers/end-users. The project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization, with preference given to those with headquarters in Saskatchewan. Proposals should ideally include an academic partner from a Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institute.

Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF)

grant_single|update January 24, 2025

SK, Canada

Funding for R&D projects in Saskatchewan

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grant_single|openingDate April 1, 2023
grant_single|closingDate April 30, 2023

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Grant and Funding

grant_single|eligibleIndustries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance

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Government of Saskatchewan
Innovation Saskatchewan

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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.

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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.

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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.

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$ 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.