Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF)
- Open Date : September 1, 2023
- Closing date : September 30, 2023
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Maximum amount : 450,000 $
- Up to 30% of project cost
- Open Date : September 1, 2023
- Closing date : September 30, 2023
Eligible candidates
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Health care and social assistance
- Saskatchewan
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- All groups
Next Steps
Activities funded
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.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
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.
Who is not eligible
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.
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
Eligible geographic areas
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.
Additional information
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.