Made In Saskatchewan Technology Program
The Made in Saskatchewan Technology (MIST) program encourages innovative solutions to public sector and community challenges.
MIST: Connecting Tech Startups with the Public Sector
Open Intakes
MIST awards technology startups up to $30,000 to pilot their solution with a Saskatchewan public sector entity, non-profit, community-based organization or municipality.
Program Highlights
- Financing Type: Grant & pilot project
- Eligible Funding: Up to $30,000 per startup
- Goal: Pilot technology that enhances public service delivery and promotes tech sector growth
Startup Eligibility
- Saskatchewan-based with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in annual recurring revenue
- Developing novel technology close to commercialization
- Has capacity to work with enterprise-level customers
How MIST Helps
Startups
- Offers unique opportunity to pilot technology with public sector partner
- Encourages development of practical, real-world solutions
- Provides valuable exposure, feedback and validation
- Opens door to larger customer bases and potential future projects to scale company
Public Sector Partners
- Strengthens the technology ecosystem by enabling collaboration between public organizations and innovative startups
- Addresses pressing service delivery challenges through new technologies
- Benefits communities across Saskatchewan by driving innovation and growth
- Advances overall technological landscape in Saskatchewan
Program Objectives
- Advance the public sector's commitment to excellence and innovation by piloting technologies to enhance service delivery
- Address challenges that eligible pilot partners encounter by developing and deploying innovative technological solutions
- Stimulate the expansion and development of Saskatchewan's tech sector through strategic collaborations with early-stage tech companies
Note: Startups approved for MIST can receive a lifetime maximum of $30,000 to support pilot projects. The MIST grant must be matched 1:1 by the eligible project partner.
Since 2018
MIST Funding Deployed
Pilot Projects Completed by Startups through MIST
Funded Projects
SuperGeoAI
- Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation
Examining insurable cause of loss across multiple Saskatchewan wheat fields with its Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) platform pilot
TrailCollectiv
- Tourism Saskatchewan
Enhancing outdoor experiences for residents and tourists exploring the province by providing comprehensive trail information on its TrailCollectiv app
drOPs
- SaskWater
Streamlining onboarding of operators to enable efficient plant operation. The collaboration focused on system monitoring, maintenance protocols and direct service request integration
MemoryKPR
- SUMA, SIIT, Tourism Moose Jaw and more
Equipping organizations with technology to harness the power of storytelling and create connections within communities
Program Eligibility
Based in Saskatchewan
- Head office address in Saskatchewan
- Registered to carry business in Saskatchewan
- 50 per cent+ employees reside in Saskatchewan.
Fewer than 50 Employees
- Including full-time, part-time and contract workers
Annual Recurring Revenue Under $1M
- As per latest year-end financial statements.
Capacity to Work with an Enterprise-Level Customer
- e.g., Government
Eligible project partners include the Government of Saskatchewan, its ministries, agencies and Crown corporations, Saskatchewan public sector organizations, Saskatchewan non-profit organizations, community-based organizations and municipalities.
Funding Structure
The MIST grant must be matched 1:1 by the eligible project partner.
For funding examples and eligible costs, please review the Program Guide.
Intake Periods
Intake Period 1
- April 30: Deadline for MIST Applications
- May 15: MIST advisory committee review meeting
- May 31: Target for application responses
Intake Period 2
- July 31: Deadline for MIST Applications
- August 15: MIST advisory committee review meeting
- August 31: Target for application responses
Intake Period 3
- October 31: Deadline for MIST Applications
- November 15: MIST advisory committee review meeting
- November 30: Target for application responses
Intake Period 4
- January 31: Deadline for MIST Applications
- February 15: MIST advisory committee review meeting
- February 28: Target for application responses
How to Apply for MIST
Review the Program Guide to confirm eligibility
Create a user account on the Online Application Portal and complete the application form
Final review by external advisory committee. Successful applicants notified of MIST approval*
* in accordance with the intake period schedule
Applicants are encouraged to work with Innovation Saskatchewan to refine their application in advance of final submission.
Consult the Program Guide for full program structure and application process details.