About Us
Innovation Saskatchewan is an agency of the Government of Saskatchewan. We fuel economic growth by empowering innovators and supporting Saskatchewan’s vibrant tech sector and research community.
Vision
Saskatchewan will be a leader in its capacity and ability to innovate, attracting companies and researchers from Canada and around the world.
Mission
Supporting Saskatchewan’s research community and tech sector to create economic growth and diversity.
Values
Woven through all we do, our core values provide the foundation for how we serve Saskatchewan.
Show Respect & Integrity
We communicate honestly and respectfully, value each other’s opinions and keep our promises.
Serve Citizens
We strive to continuously improve and exceed expectations through consultation, engagement and understanding
Practice Excellence & Innovation
We foster a supportive, accountable and forward-thinking environment that prioritizes safety, celebrates success and invests in employee development.
Act as One Team
We collaborate, support and share resources with each other to make our team strong and unified.
Innovation Saskatchewan Mandate
Innovation Saskatchewan is tasked with the following actions:
Facilitate the coordination and strategic direction of the Government of Saskatchewan’s support for research & development (R&D), science and technology with the objective of fostering the development of new ideas, products and processes to ensure the long-term sustainable growth of Saskatchewan’s economy.
Coordinate and support the establishment and maintenance of R&D and science infrastructure in Saskatchewan.
Create, encourage and facilitate business opportunities in the Saskatchewan tech sector through the development and operation of research and technology parks.
Undertake any program or activity for the purposes of achieving the objectives described above, on the request of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Provide advice and guidance to the Government of Saskatchewan in respect to science and technology policy and to establish, measure, monitor and report on the Government of Saskatchewan’s strategies and goals for advancing innovation in the province.
Provide recommendations to the Government of Saskatchewan respecting research, development, demonstration and the commercialization of new technologies and innovative processes in Saskatchewan as well as advise on policies that may better coordinate, support, foster, promote and facilitate R&D and the commercialization of technologies.
Undertake any other prescribed programs and activities.
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Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan
Honourable Warren Kaeding
Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan
Warren Kaeding was first elected as the MLA for Melville-Saltcoats in the 2016 provincial election. He was re-elected in 2020 and in 2024.
Warren received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan in 1985 and worked as a territory manager for Hoechst AG from 1986-1996. From 1986-2011, Warren was also owner/operator of Wagon Wheel Seed Corporation and additionally served in roles such as the Executive Director for the Sask Farm Stewardship Association, Advisor to the Agriculture Development Fund, and was a Crop Inspector with Maxcor Ventures.
Prior to entering politics, Warren held careers in the pedigreed seed and purebred Polled Hereford industry. During this time, Warren travelled extensively, gaining valuable experience engaging with trading partners in global markets, exporting agricultural products to over 17 different countries as well as live cattle to 4 international markets around the world. In 1999, Warren and his wife Carla were named co-winners of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers award.
In Cabinet, Warren has served the province as Minister of Government Relations and Minister of First Nations, Metis and Northern Affairs. He has also served as Minister Responsible for Rural and Remote Health and Seniors, as well as Minister of Environment.
In November 2024, Premier Scott Moe appointed Warren as the Minister of Trade and Export Development and Minister responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Research Council.
In addition to his busy professional life, Warren was involved in his community as Chair of the local economic development board, elder in his church, is a member of the Lions Club, and was an official with local minor hockey and baseball. Warren and his wife Carla have two adult sons.
Innovation Saskatchewan Executive Leadership
Meet the Innovation Saskatchewan executive team.
Kari Harvey
Brent Sukenik
Kelley Moore
Avery Vold
Dani Wawryk
Shauna Minty
Board of Directors
The Board’s primary responsibility is to oversee the purpose,
plans and policies of Innovation Saskatchewan.
Honourable Warren Kaeding (Chairperson)
Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff
Honourable David Marit
Innovation Saskatchewan's History
From facilities to funding, Innovation Saskatchewan is part of a long-standing commitment to supporting the province’s research community and tech sector.
1977
Saskatchewan Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) begins the development of an 80-acre research park in Saskatoon. Later named Innovation Place, the park attracts advanced scientific and technological research and business to the province.
1994
Crown Investments Corporation takes ownership of Saskatoon’s Innovation Place, leading to the creation of Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation (SOCO).
2000
SOCO opens Saskatchewan’s second research park in Regina, further expanding research and technology infrastructure.
2009
Innovation Saskatchewan is formed to advise the Government of Saskatchewan on strategic direction in research & development, science and technology.
2012-20
Innovation Saskatchewan launches major programs like the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) and Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI) and begins administering funding for Research Partners like Canadian Light Source, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization and Petroleum Technology Research Centre.
2022
Innovation Place (SOCO) and Innovation Saskatchewan amalgamate, creating a strong, integrated innovation agency for the province.