Innovation Saskatchewan Unveils New Research Strategy and Unified Brand
June 23, 2025
Innovation Saskatchewan
Today, Innovation Saskatchewan released Accelerating Innovation, Advancing Industry: Saskatchewan’s Research Strategy—a new plan to position the province as a global leader in research and innovation. The strategy includes enhancements to two Innovation Saskatchewan programs—the Innovation & Science Fund (ISF) and the Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI)—to promote economic growth through research and innovation.
The announcement also introduced Innovation Saskatchewan’s unified brand, which brings the agency’s programs and supports under one identity and includes the renaming of Innovation Place to Innovation Saskatchewan Research and Technology (R+T) Parks in Regina and Saskatoon.
Together, these efforts reinforce the province’s commitment to research, innovation and economic advancement for key sectors in support of Saskatchewan’s 2030 Growth Plan Goals.
“Saskatchewan has a world-class research community that continues to build upon our reputation as a global innovation hub,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Warren Kaeding said. “This new research strategy and unified brand align provincial supports and programs to unlock future opportunities, enhance creative impacts and excel Saskatchewan’s ambitious growth plan target to triple the technology sector by 2030.”
Saskatchewan’s research strategy is built on three pillars of the innovation life cycle: Invent, Commercialize and Connect. By focusing support on these stages, the province aims to maximize impact through stronger access to talent, infrastructure, funding and global networks—while reducing barriers and risks.
The strategy targets sectors where Saskatchewan has established strengths or high growth potential—ensuring public investment delivers strong returns and tangible benefits for citizens. The four Research Priority Areas are Agriculture, Life Sciences, Energy and Mining & Critical Minerals.
“Saskatchewan’s innovation ecosystem has provided unparalleled opportunities critical to LiORA’s growth from training at top research universities to collaborations with unique research institutions to access to funding and global networks and partnerships,” Steven Siciliano, Co-Founder & CEO of LiORA said. “Deepening this support will have a profound impact on our province and the world, pushing Saskatchewan even further to the forefront of innovation.”
As part of the research strategy, Innovation Saskatchewan also announced upcoming enhancements to ISF and STSI.
ISF will receive a $2.4 million annual increase, nearly doubling total funding to $5.2 million—and will expand to support four key streams: research infrastructure, research projects, the broader research ecosystem and international collaboration.
STSI will extend eligibility status to life sciences startups, broadening investor access to the program’s non-refundable 45 per cent tax credit for more Saskatchewan ventures.
“These joint, milestone announcements are a signal to the world that Saskatchewan is ready to lead in research, innovation and industry collaboration,” said Kari Harvey, CEO of Innovation Saskatchewan. “By expanding key programs in a government-wide strategy and uniting our supports under a clear, cohesive brand, we’re making it easier for researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to work together and deliver solutions with real impact—right here in Saskatchewan.”
Saskatchewan’s Research Strategy was announced during an event at the newly renamed Innovation Saskatchewan R+T Park Saskatoon—a symbolic backdrop for the province’s renewed focus on collaboration, commercialization and global research leadership.
Explore the full strategy at researchSK.ca and discover Innovation Saskatchewan’s new brand and digital experience at www.innovationsask.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Dani Wawryk
Innovation Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-230-6220
Email: dani.wawryk@innovationsask.ca
Cell: 306-230-6220
Thank you Innovation Saskatchewan for submitting the article and photos.