The Southeast Techhub (SETH), based in Estevan, is expanding its impact with the launch of the Rural Innovation Startup Ecosystem (RISE), a unique incubator program designed to support entrepreneurship and technology startups in rural communities across southeast Saskatchewan.
RISE is believed to be North America’s only truly rural startup incubator, built specifically to address the challenges and opportunities faced by rural founders and industries. “This isn’t just another startup program copied from a big city model,” said Steven Hansen, program director of RISE. “RISE was built from the ground up for rural realities. We’re not just building companies, we’re building a movement rooted in local knowledge, resilience, and community.”
The incubator grew out of regional need. “Before Southeast College created their computer science program last year, there was absolutely no place in southern Saskatchewan to get computer science education,” explained Gordon More, executive director of SETH. “That gap showed us how much potential was going untapped here.”
More emphasized the strength and potential of the region. “Our communities are full of smart, resilient people who want to innovate and build. RISE is about giving them the tools and support to do just that and to turn ideas into businesses that can grow and thrive right here.”
He added, “Innovation isn’t just something that happens in big cities like Toronto or Vancouver. It happens here in Weyburn, Estevan, Carlyle, and all across our rural region. We’re proving that rural communities can lead in technology and entrepreneurship.”
The free, 10-month program walks participants through business planning, patenting and funding options, ending with a $20,000 pitch competition to showcase and invest in local startups. “Our goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem that feeds itself, creating a ripple effect of innovation and economic growth throughout southeast Saskatchewan,” More said.
The RISE program launch event will be held Saturday, June 28 from 11AM to 1PM at 102 Coteau Ave Weyburn, featuring a community barbecue and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, business leaders and community members interested in learning more.