Saskatchewan Research Funding
Funding for Researchers
Innovation Saskatchewan proudly funds world-class research institutes and offers programs like the Innovation Science & Fund (ISF) to advance innovation.
Research Partners
We provide funding to world-class research institutions that are at the forefront of innovation, driving progress and growth for Saskatchewan.
Since 2005, CLS has enabled almost 6,000 scientists from 57 Canadian academic institutions and 45 countries to publish nearly 7,000 scientific papers, highlighting discoveries in a wide variety of fields, in over 1,000 international scientific collaborations.
Canadian Light Source (CLS)
Major national science facility that operates Canada’s only synchrotron. CLS’ unique infrastructure allows researchers to utilize beamlines for more advanced and experimental techniques not possible at other facilities in the country, and has led to breakthroughs in innovative health, agriculture, environment and advanced materials research.
Since 2016, the Saskatchewan Cyclotron Facility has supplied radiopharmaceuticals to the Royal University Hospital, reducing PET-CT scan wait times from four and a half weeks to just one week
Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation (Fedoruk Centre)
Advanced nuclear science facility focused on nuclear research, development and training. Fedoruk Centre also operates Saskatchewan’s only cyclotron, and one of the few in Canada accessible to external researchers and industry, and provides funding opportunities to support and expand nuclear research in Saskatchewan.
In 2024, VIDO won an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract under the pre-clinical models of infectious disease program by the United States’ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) – one of four international awardees and the only Canadian organization selected.
Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)
World leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals and one of the largest and most advanced containment facilities in the world. VIDO has extensive vaccine manufacturing infrastructure, including containment level two and three facilities and level four standards in development.
IMII’s iMpowered scholarship program is dedicated to increasing Indigenous and female representation in Saskatchewan’s mining industry. In 2023, it awarded $125,000 to support these underrepresented groups.
International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII)
Industry-led institute supporting technological transformation in the mining & minerals sector. IMII provides funding for both research & development (R&D) projects and education & training (E&T) programs and also hosts DEMOday, an annual event where startups, inventors and supply chain companies pitch their solutions industry challenges.
Since 2005, CLS has empowered groundbreaking discoveries, leading to over 2,400 peer-reviewed publications – 85 per cent of which were authored by Canadian researchers.
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF)
Provincial agency that funds, supports and promotes the impact of health research that matters to Saskatchewan people. SHRF allocates funding to high-impact and peer-reviewed health research relevant to the province, hosts open research funding competitions and partners with health research leaders to enhance the health research ecosystem.
Since 2005, CLS has empowered groundbreaking discoveries, leading to over 2,400 peer-reviewed publications – 85 per cent of which were authored by Canadian researchers.
Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC)
A not-for-profit research organization that facilitates research, development and demonstration projects to reduce the carbon footprint and increase the production of subsurface energy. PTRC is also home to the Energy Innovation Hub, a specialized lab that support the full spectrum of energy innovation.
Innovation Saskatchewan Research Funding
Open Intakes
Innovation & Science Fund (ISF)
ISF matches funding from federal innovation agencies to support projects at Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions and research institutes to enhance research capacity and technology development.
ISF-Funded Projects
Geospatial and Remote Sensing Tools for Sustainability project led by Dr. Abdul Raouf
- $70,000
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Increases capacity for mapping natural resources, community infrastructures and environmentally vulnerable zones by deploying a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System platform and specialized equipment. This research addresses the growing demand for more comprehensive geospatial data from the natural resource industry.
Cannabis Plant Quality Improvement Applied Research and Analytical Lab led by Blaine Chartrand
- $96,171
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Addresses the need for expand agricultural research capacity to include robust cannabis crop breeding programs. This research supports genetics research, improves plant quality and develops efficient propagation methods for better value-added products in agriculture and life science industries.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) Fuel Corrosion Laboratory led by Dr. Arthur Situm
- $200,000
- University of Regina
Aims to make SMRs safer and more efficient by studying ways of preventing rust and damage in materials used to protect fuel in the reactors. With the renewed focus on nuclear power as a cleaner energy source, this research will provide advanced training opportunities in SMR technology and valuable insight to government and industry.
HAWC Science Mission led by the University of Saskatchewan
- $600,000
- University of Saskatchewan
Delivers critical measurements to support extreme weather prediction, climate modelling and disaster monitoring as part of the Canadian Space Agency’s contribution to the Atmosphere Observing System (AOS) mission led by NASA slated to launch in 2031. This research will provide new data for scientists to better analyze, interpret and understand factors contributing to climate change.
Federal Support for Researchers
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Federal health research investment agency that funds projects led by independent researchers affiliated with Canadian post-secondary and/or its affiliated institutions.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Federal agency responsible for funding natural sciences and engineering research at Canadian universities and companies.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Federal department responsible for regulating agriculture and also offers programs and services to supports agtech innovations and sustainable agriculture.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Federal department for fostering innovation, science and economic development in Canada and also offers a variety of programs that target a wide range of sectors and activities.
Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
Non-profit federal corporation that supports the development of world-class research infrastructure in Canada and funds research at Canadian post-secondary institutions, non-profits and research hospitals.
National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Canada’s leading research & development organization, supporting innovation across diverse sectors like health, environment, aerospace and digital technologies. It also partnership opportunities, funding, access to advanced facilities and commercialization support to bring scientific ideas to market.
Innovation Saskatchewan R+T Parks
Unlock the full potential of your research with fully equipped lab spaces, greenhouses* and growth chambers* designed to elevate your work. With access to world-class research facilities and seamless utility connections, you’ll join a thriving hub of researcher innovation.
* Facilities available at the R+T Park Saskatoon