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.

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This grant primarily targets companies that are based in Saskatchewan, Canada. However, projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations can also be considered if their technologies provide significant benefits to the region.

Companies with headquarters in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations but provide significant benefits to Saskatchewan.

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) grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's project and partnership structure.

The application must be proposed by a group of active private sector partners representing the project's value chain, including researchers, production/supply participants, and customer/end users.
Active partners must participate through cash and/or in-kind contribution, equity investment, and/or a letter of intent to purchase.
The project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization, with preference given to those headquartered in Saskatchewan.
The project group can include non-Saskatchewan organizations, provided the majority have headquarters in Saskatchewan.
Priority is given to proposals with 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.
Technological solutions must be novel and innovative.
The proposal must demonstrate a feasible path to commercialization and how benefits will be sustained over the long term.
Industry partners must provide 50% or more of the project’s budget, with the amount requested from Innovation Saskatchewan (IS) being no more than 30% of the proposed budget.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Projects eligible to apply for the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) must be strategically aligned with provincial R&D priorities and demonstrate the capacity to solve industry challenges through technological innovation. They must also show a feasible path to commercialization and sustained long-term benefits.

Proposed projects must be executed by a group of active private sector partners in the project’s value chain, including researchers, production/supply participants, and customer/end users.
The project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization, with a preference for proponents with headquarters in Saskatchewan. Projects can include non-Saskatchewan organizations if the majority of the group has a headquarter presence in Saskatchewan.
The inclusion of academic partnerships with Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institutes is prioritized.
The technological innovation should address specific industry challenges, benefiting the entire sector rather than individual entities.
The proposed technological solutions must be novel and innovative.
Projects should demonstrate a viable path to commercialization and sustainability of benefits over the long term.
Industry partners must cover 50% or more of the project’s budget, with Innovation Saskatchewan funding covering no more than 30%.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) supports research and development projects focused on accelerating the commercialization of innovative technological solutions in the province's key industry sectors. Eligible activities under this grant are centered around technological advancements addressing specific industry challenges.

Research and development in the mining sector to create innovative technological solutions.
Energy sector projects focusing on innovative technology advancements.
Development of new technologies in the manufacturing and processing industries.
Healthcare innovations aimed at addressing sector-wide challenges using novel technology.

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Funding from SAIF can be used to cover costs deemed essential to the R&D of the technology leading up to commercialization.

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

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

Project Overview: Clarity and comprehensiveness of the project's objectives, planned activities, involved partners, and timeline.
Sector Benefits: Demonstration of the industry's demand for the technology and the specific industry challenge it addresses, alongside expected broad and tangible sector benefits.
Innovation: Assessment of the project's novelty and uniqueness, ensuring it is not merely an incremental improvement. Consideration of the risks involved and how they justify the need for government support.
Path to Commercialization: Feasibility and clarity of the plan to commercialize the technology, including market adoption strategies.
Financial Leverage: Detailed funding breakdown including the amount requested from SAIF, contributions from partners, and other funding sources.
Academic Research Asset Leverage: Engagement of Saskatchewan-based research infrastructure and personnel to support the project.
Project Design: Thoroughness and feasibility of the project implementation plan with supporting deliverables and timelines.
Proponent Capacity: The capability of the applicants to execute the project from start to finish, demonstrating the expertise of involved personnel.
End User Impact/Adoption: Identification of the beneficiaries of the project and readiness to adopt the technological innovation.
Competitive Analysis: Analysis of market competition and demonstration of the unique advantages of the technology.
Risks: Identification of potential risks, with strategies for mitigation, including regulatory risks.
Economic Impact: Assessment of the project's anticipated economic contributions to the province, such as job creation and increased productivity.
Environmental Impact: Consideration of the project's potential environmental impacts, whether positive or negative.
Long-term Impact: Sustainability of the project's benefits and strategic plans for future market expansion, including intellectual property management.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure the project aligns with the target sectors: Mining, Energy, Manufacturing and Processing, or Healthcare.
- Verify that your organization's headquarters is in Saskatchewan or that the project involves a majority of Saskatchewan-based organizations.
- Ensure industry partners can cover 50% or more of the project’s budget, with the requested grant not exceeding 30% of the project budget.
Step 2: Prepare Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Draft an EOI that summarizes the project scope, objectives, benefits to the sector, and alignment with SAIF criteria using the provided template.
- Complete the "Eligibility Questionnaire" to confirm all criteria are met.
- Ensure the EOI does not exceed three pages and uses the prescribed format.
Step 3: Submit EOI
- Use the online application portal to submit the EOI and Eligibility Questionnaire before the intake deadlines (April 30 for Intake Period 1 or September 30 for Intake Period 2).
Step 4: Full Proposal Submission (if shortlisted)
- Receive an invitation to submit a full proposal if the EOI is shortlisted.
- Develop a comprehensive proposal addressing the 13 evaluation criteria, including project design, technical details, and financial plans, using the provided template. This should not exceed 20 pages.
- Gather all necessary documents including letters of intent from prospective customers and a completed Financial Questionnaire Form.
- Submit the full proposal via the online portal by the specified deadline (July 31 for Intake Period 1 or December 31 for Intake Period 2).
Step 5: Follow-Up and Feedback
- Participate in proposal refinement discussions with IS if necessary.
- Utilize feedback from IS to improve proposal during the draft stage, before submitting the final version.
Step 6: Await Funding Decision
- Decisions will be made by September 30 for Intake Period 1 or by February 28 for Intake Period 2.
- Receive notification of funding decision.

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Here are additional relevant details for the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) grant:

There is a lifetime cap of $900,000 for applicants applying to both SAIF and the Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI).
The stacking policy specifies that funding from SAIF and the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) is not combineable.
Projects shorter than 3 years are subject to lower maximum grant amounts.
IS reserves discretion to declare expenditures and equity investment contributions ineligible.
Funding decisions depend on budget availability and strategic alignment with provincial R&D priorities.
A preliminary review is conducted, followed by technical and financial reviews, with feedback provided to proponents to address gaps.
The evaluation process includes a review by an advisory committee and requires Board of Directors approval.
On approval, proponents have 30 days to sign the funding agreement.
The application process involves the submission of a draft proposal for feedback before the deadline.
Funding payments are tied to milestone achievements and submission of progress reports, with the final payment upon submission of a final report.
Independent consultants and an advisory committee of external experts are involved in the proposal evaluation process.

grant_single_labels|contact

matthew.hayduk@innovationsask.ca

Apply to this program

An Opportunity to Fund Your Innovative Projects in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) offers financial support to drive research and development initiatives that aim to commercialize groundbreaking technological innovations in Saskatchewan's core sectors. This program is designed to tackle specific industry challenges, benefiting entire sectors rather than individual enterprises.

In-Depth Understanding of the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF)

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) is strategically crafted to bolster innovation through research and development in key sectors such as mining, energy, manufacturing and processing, and healthcare. Its core mission is to support projects that not only address prevalent industry challenges but also present a path to commercialization that ensures long-term benefits for Saskatchewan's economic ecosystem. Projects must be driven by a consortium of private sector partners spanning the research, production, supply, and end-user stages of the value chain, thus ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling industry issues.

Funded by Innovation Saskatchewan (IS), SAIF offers non-repayable grants to projects led by organizations based in Saskatchewan, with preferential consideration given to those with their headquarters in the province. These initiatives must demonstrate the ability to bring novel, innovative technologies to market within a feasible timeline, as well as show a realistic path to commercial adoption across the relevant sector.

To qualify, projects are required to secure at least 50% of their budget from industry partners, with IS contributing no more than 30%. The remaining budget may be sourced from alternative funding channels, such as federal government grants or other institutions. This financial structure not only maximizes resource allocation but also promotes collaboration among multiple stakeholders, fostering a robust innovation ecosystem within the province.

The SAIF funding cycle includes two intake periods per fiscal year, enabling structured yet flexible involvement for applicants. In the preliminary stage, prospective applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and an Eligibility Questionnaire. These submissions are thoroughly reviewed, and only those aligning closely with the province's strategic research and development priorities progress to full proposal development. This careful vetting process ensures the selected projects are those with the highest potential strategic fit and impact.

The supported projects have the potential to substantially enhance sector-wide innovation by delivering sustainable solutions to current challenges. Moreover, the program emphasizes the importance of collaboration with academic institutions, pushing forward academic-industry partnerships as a means to enhance the research capabilities and expand the innovation landscape in Saskatchewan.

SAIF also mandates that applicants present a comprehensive commercialization plan that involves clear strategies for market introduction and future expansion capabilities to ensure ongoing benefits beyond the initial funding period. This foresight ensures that initiatives underwritten by SAIF not only bring immediate technological advancements but also contribute to the province’s economic resilience in the long term.

Finally, in a commitment to environmentally sustainable practices, all projects are evaluated on their potential economic impacts, such as job creation and increased productivity, alongside any environmental implications. Successful applicants must demonstrate measurable economic returns and environmentally conscious project design to be eligible for this prestigious funding program. Overall, SAIF stands as a crucial element in propelling Saskatchewan towards a more innovative, economically vibrant, and sustainable future.