Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive
The Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI) encourages investment in early-stage technology startups that bring new products to market and create jobs in Saskatchewan.
STSI: Canada’s Most Aggressive Tech Tax Credit Program
Open Intakes
STSI offers a 45 per cent tax credit to Saskatchewan-based investors supporting Eligible Startup Businesses.
Program Highlights
- Financing Type: Tax credits
- Annual Budget: $7 million*
- Goal: Incentivize investment in startups that bring new products to market and create jobs in Saskatchewan
* total annual program cap
Eligibility
- Saskatchewan-based startups developing novel innovations in clean or digital technology
- Saskatchewan-based accredited individual or corporate investors
How STSI Helps
Saskatchewan Startups
- Bridges the gap between emerging tech companies and investors
- Helps Saskatchewan-based startups access critical early-stage funding through private investment
- Fosters a thriving tech ecosystem to help startups scale, create jobs and drive innovation
Saskatchewan Investors
- Creates unique opportunity to actively support Saskatchewan startups
- Secures attractive return through a 45 per cent tax credit
- Mitigates investment risk
- Draws on diverse range of new and seasoned angel investors, nearly 60 per cent of which are new to angel investing
Note: An Eligible Startup Businesses (ESB) can raise a maximum of $2 million under the program. No more than $1 million of this investment can have occurred prior to April 1, 2021. An investor can earn up to $225,000 in tax credits per annual investment in an ESB and claim a maximum of $140,000 per tax year. Tax credits are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
STSI Impact
SK Startups Supported since 2018
Private Investment Attracted per $1 Tax Credt*
Private Investment Attracted*
* based on data provided by program recipients
STSI Eligibility
STSI is open for Eligible Startup Businesses to participate if they are Saskatchewan-based, substantially engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of novel innovations in digital or clean technologies and additional criteria.
General Criteria
- Fewer than 50 employees, including full-time, part-time and contract workers
- 50 per cent of employees based in Saskatchewan
- Head office in Saskatchewan*
- Registered to do business in Saskatchewan
- Have not raised more than $5 million in equity capital
* Consult the program guide if Eligible Startup Businesses does not have a physical head office space
Technology Criteria
- Advancement to what currently exists in the marketplace
- Unique features and benefits distinct to competitors
- Digital technology uses electronics, software, computers, AI or other information & data systems
- Clean technology* increases energy efficiency or reduce emissions or environmental impacts of existing industrial processes
* Non-eligible clean technology areas: crop development, agricultural processing for the purpose of human or animal consumption, food and beverage development or manufacturing, synthetic or biological stimulants, power generation and biomedical technologies. Digital technologies in these areas are eligible.
STSI is open to individuals, corporations and limited partnerships who are based in Saskatchewan and meet the respective eligibility criteria.
Review the Program Guide for full eligibility criteria.
How to Apply for STSI
Review the Program Guide and support resources to confirm eligibility
Create a user account through the Online Application Portal and submit the appropriate form (e.g., Eligible Startup Businesses should complete the technology company application form)
Receive confirmation of STSI eligibility status. Typical application processing timelines are 1-2 weeks for investors and 3-4 weeks for technology company
Consult the Program Guide for full program structure and application process details.
STSI Resources
Resources for Navigating the Application Process
Connecting Startups and Investor
Have questions?
Contact us today to learn how Innovation Saskatchewan and our partners can support you.