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|projects

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) supports innovative projects that accelerate the commercialization of technological advancements in key economic sectors. Eligible projects should demonstrate industry-driven research and development efforts with a strong potential for commercialization and economic impact.

Research and development of novel technological solutions.
Prototyping and testing of innovative products.
Efforts leading to the commercialization and market entry of groundbreaking technologies.
Activities related to intellectual property protection and technology transfer.
Investment in necessary capital expenditures specific to the R&D process, such as equipment purchase.
Engagement of third-party professional technical services for development and expertise.
Incremental R&D and technical personnel salaries associated with eligible projects.
Travel and accommodation for collaborative purposes related to the project.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$450,000

Saskatoon

Implementation of sustainable mining technologies in Saskatchewan mines

$450,000

Oakville

Development of energy-efficient manufacturing processes for the automotive industry

$450,000

Vancouver

Research and implementation of new lithium extraction techniques

$450,000

Toronto

Development of an AI-based diagnostic tool for rare diseases

$450,000

Montreal

Commercialization of a portable renewable energy generator

$450,000

Toronto

Innovative water treatment solutions for healthcare facilities

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The company eligibility criteria for the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) grant are as follows:

Proposed by a group of active private sector partners that represent the project’s value chain (researchers, those involved in the production/supply process, and customer/end users).
Active partner: participating in the project either through cash and/or in-kind contribution, equity investment, and/or letter of intent to purchase.
Project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization*. Preference will be given to lead proponents with headquarters in Saskatchewan. The project group can consist of non-Saskatchewan organizations, providing the majority of the group have headquarter presence in Saskatchewan.
Priority is given to proposals that have an academic partner from a Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institute.
Demonstrate how the technological innovation will solve a specific industry challenge and benefit the sector as a whole, not just individual companies.
Technological solutions must be novel and innovative.
Demonstrate a feasible path to commercialization and how the benefits of the project will be sustained over the long-term.
Industry partners must provide 50% or more of the project’s budget. The amount requested from IS 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. IS reserves full discretion to declare the lead proponent ineligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) accepts applications for research and development projects focused on technological innovations in specific sectors. Eligible projects must address industry challenges within these key areas to qualify for non-repayable grants.

Mining
Energy
Manufacturing and Processing
Healthcare

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Funding from the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) can be used to cover costs essential to the R&D of technology leading up to commercialization.

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

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) primarily targets companies led by Saskatchewan-based organizations, while certain projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations may be considered if they bring significant benefit to Saskatchewan. Preference is given to those with headquarters in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan-based companies
Non-Saskatchewan companies with significant benefit to Saskatchewan (assessed on a case-by-case basis)

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF):

Projects must be proposed by active private sector partners representing the project's value chain.
The project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization, demonstrating a feasible path to commercialization and industry benefit.
Technological solutions should be novel and innovative, with industry partners contributing at least 50% of the project's budget.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online application portal.
Complete the "Eligibility Questionnaire" provided in the application portal.
Ensure the EOI is three pages or shorter, using the template provided by Innovation Saskatchewan.

Step 2: Receive Invitation for Full Proposal

Wait for the EOI to be evaluated during the intake periods.
If shortlisted, receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.

Step 3: Full Proposal Submission

Develop a full proposal using the template provided, not exceeding 20 pages.
Address all evaluation criteria as specified in the “Application Guidelines.”
Submit the full proposal alongside a completed "Financial Questionnaire and Information Request Form."
Attach at least two letters of intent from prospective or committed customers.

Step 4: Evaluation Process

Undergo preliminary review and proposal refinement by Innovation Saskatchewan (IS).
Have the proposal evaluated on technical and financial merit by independent external experts.
The proposal will be reviewed by the SAIF Advisory Committee.

Step 5: Board of Directors Approval

The IS Board of Directors evaluates and approves proposals based on strategic alignment and funding availability.

Step 6: Signing the Funding Contract

Once approved, sign the funding contract within 30 days with the project’s primary proponent.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

There is additional important information that SAIF grant applicants should know, related to project funding structure and reporting requirements:

Maximum grant amounts: Lead proponents can receive a maximum of $450,000 in SAIF grants over their lifetime.
Funding contributions: IS provides no more than 30% of the project's budget, with the remaining amount requiring at least 50% from industry partners.
Progress reporting: Applicants must submit periodic progress reports during the project duration, with the final payment tied to the submission of the final report.
Evaluation process: Includes a preliminary review, technical and financial assessments, advisory committee review, and Board of Directors approval.

grant_single_labels|contact

matthew.hayduk@innovationsask.ca

Apply to this program

Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund: Driving Technological Innovation

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) serves as a pivotal research and development funding initiative designed to accelerate the commercialization of transformative technological innovations across the province’s core sectors. By offering non-repayable grants, SAIF aims to address specific industry challenges to boost Saskatchewan's economic growth.

Comprehensive Guide to the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) is a strategic initiative administered by Innovation Saskatchewan, aiming to foster the development and commercialization of cutting-edge technological innovations that have the potential to significantly impact the province's key economic sectors. Through this program, non-repayable grants are provided to support projects that address critical industry challenges and promise substantial economic benefits for Saskatchewan. The fund's main objective is to stimulate industry-driven research and development (R&D) efforts that can lead to revolutionary technologies with widespread application and adoption within the province and beyond.

Target sectors for the SAIF encompass a broad range of industries pivotal to Saskatchewan's economy, including mining, energy, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. These sectors have been identified for their strategic importance and potential for growth through innovative technological solutions. By focusing on these areas, SAIF seeks to contribute to the province's economic resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing global market.

The application process for the SAIF is organized into annual intakes, with deadlines set twice per fiscal year. This structured approach allows for a systematic evaluation of innovative proposals that align with the province’s R&D priorities. To participate, prospective applicants must initially submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), accompanied by a detailed eligibility questionnaire. This preliminary stage is critical as it ensures that only projects with the highest potential for strategic alignment and impact proceed to the full proposal stage.

Projects that make it past the initial screening face a rigorous multi-staged evaluation process. This includes a preliminary review by Innovation Saskatchewan, followed by technical and financial assessments by independent external experts. These experts evaluate the feasibility of the proposed technologies, the accuracy of cost projections, the capability of the proponents, and the financial health of the lead organizations. Successful proposals then undergo scrutiny by the SAIF Advisory Committee, which consists of industry, policy, and academic experts who provide their recommendations to Innovation Saskatchewan’s Board of Directors.

An interesting feature of SAIF is its emphasis on collaborations between Saskatchewan-based organizations and key stakeholders, including private sector partners, academic institutions, and research organizations. Such collaborations are vital, as they leverage Saskatchewan's established research infrastructure, like the Canadian Light Source and VIDO-InterVac, enhancing the capacity to bring the developed technologies to the market. This collaborative approach not only underpins the project’s technical execution but also ensures that the innovations are well-integrated with industry needs.

In terms of funding eligibility, applicants must demonstrate that their projects are novel and innovative, present a clear path to commercialization, and are capable of overcoming existing industry challenges. Furthermore, they must also ensure that there is a substantial industry partner commitment, with at least 50% of the project funding coming from private sector partnerships, ensuring that the technological innovations have a strong foundation and market validation even before they are fully developed.

Applicants are required to include letters of intent from potential customers or end-users, which validate the market demand for the proposed innovations. Additionally, the financial contributions from industry partners underscore the shared risk and potential reward for the investment. By advocating for this model, SAIF promotes a balanced distribution of responsibility and benefit between government, industry, and research entities.

SAIF’s approach to managing intellectual property (IP) is also noteworthy. The fund does not claim ownership of any developments arising from its supported projects, but it requires proponents to have a clear IP agreement among all project partners. This stipulation ensures that IP issues do not stall project progress and reinforces the legitimacy and potential reach of the innovation.

Overall, the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund plays a pivotal role in promoting technological advancements that align with the province’s strategic economic goals. By fostering an environment where innovation is not only encouraged but actively supported through strategic funding, SAIF contributes to bolstering Saskatchewan's reputation as a hub for innovative technology solutions and economic growth. Its comprehensive and targeted approach ensures that funded projects have the potential to make significant technological, economic, and societal impacts, thus positioning Saskatchewan as a leader in innovation-driven growth.