Innovation Saskatchewan has unveiled a new provincial research strategy and unified brand aimed at cementing Saskatchewan’s position as a global leader in innovation and economic growth.
The new plan, titled Accelerating Innovation, Advancing Industry: Saskatchewan's Research Strategy, outlines how the province will enhance its research programs, expand support for startups, and focus investment on high-growth sectors. The strategy is built around three pillars — Invent, Commercialize and Connect — representing key stages in the innovation life cycle.
“We have a world-class research community that continues to build upon our reputation as a global innovation hub,” said Warren Kaeding, minister responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan. “This new strategy and unified brand align our provincial supports to unlock opportunities, drive creativity, and help meet our goal of tripling the technology sector by 2030.”
As part of the announcement, the province introduced a new cohesive identity for Innovation Saskatchewan, consolidating its programs and supports under a single brand. That includes the renaming of the Innovation Place research parks in Regina and Saskatoon to Innovation Saskatchewan Research and Technology (R+T) Parks.
The research strategy targets four priority sectors: agriculture, life sciences, energy and mining, and critical minerals — areas where Saskatchewan already has established strengths or emerging global potential. The goal is to ensure public investment delivers measurable economic returns while addressing key challenges.
To support the strategy, the province will enhance two key Innovation Saskatchewan programs:
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The Innovation and Science Fund (ISF) will nearly double in size, receiving a $2.4-million annual increase to bring total funding to $5.2 million. The program will now support four core streams: research infrastructure, research projects, the broader research ecosystem and international collaboration.
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The Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI) will expand eligibility to include life sciences startups, allowing more investors to access its 45 per cent non-refundable tax credit for qualifying ventures.
“These joint, milestone announcements are a signal to the world that Saskatchewan is ready to lead in research, innovation and industry collaboration,” said Innovation Saskatchewan CEO Kari Harvey. “By expanding our programs and uniting under a clear, cohesive brand, we’re making it easier for researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to deliver solutions with real impact — right here in Saskatchewan.”
The announcement was made at the newly renamed Innovation Saskatchewan R+T Park Saskatoon, highlighting the province’s renewed focus on collaboration, commercialization and global research leadership.
Steven Siciliano, co-founder and CEO of LiORA, a Saskatchewan-based research-driven startup, praised the province’s support for innovation.
“Saskatchewan’s innovation ecosystem has been critical to LiORA’s growth,” Siciliano said. “Deepening this support will have a profound impact, pushing Saskatchewan even further to the forefront of innovation.”
The full strategy is available at researchSK.ca, and Innovation Saskatchewan’s new digital platform can be found at innovationsask.ca.