This program is between intakes. One challenge per cycle. For the 2026 Aquatic Invasive Species challenge, Expressions of Interest are accepted until August 14, 2026; virtual information sessions were held July 8 and July 30, 2026. Confirm on the official site ↗
Updated August 2026 · Verified against Innovation Saskatchewan / Ministry of Environment guidelines
✓ First-Timer Friendly Milestone-Based
Award Provincial Between Intakes

Saskatchewan Innovation Challenge 2026 — Aquatic Invasive Species

Innovation Saskatchewan / Ministry of Environment
Prize
$30,000 grant plus a 16-week residency (minimum)
Between intakes
Visit Official Program →
Difficulty
Easy
Payment
Milestone-Based
Trend
Stable
First-Timers
Friendly ✓
Saskatchewan Innovation Challenge 2026 — Aquatic Invasive Species provides up to $30,000 grant plus a 16-week residency (minimum). Offers a $30,000 grant plus a minimum 16-week residency to Saskatchewan-based researchers, tech companies, students, and entrepreneurs developing early-stage solutions to prevent aquatic invasive species, especially zebra mussels, from entering provincial waters. Applications accepted until August 14, 2026.
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Program Description

Offers a $30,000 grant plus a minimum 16-week residency to Saskatchewan-based researchers, tech companies, students, and entrepreneurs developing early-stage solutions to prevent aquatic invasive species, especially zebra mussels, from entering provincial waters.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Saskatchewan-based startups
  • Students enrolled in a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution
  • Researchers or entrepreneurs who are residents of Saskatchewan
  • Early-stage ideas are welcome; a fully developed solution is not required
  • Location test — either be based in Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan head office, registered to do business in the province, or at least 50 per cent of employees residing in Saskatchewan) OR be a registered student or faculty member at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution
  • Companies and startups must generate less than $2 million in annual recurring revenue
  • The solution must be at or approaching a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 and demonstrate clear potential for real-world application
  • The team must have the technical expertise and capacity to develop and deliver the proposed solution
  • The winner must commit full-time to the 16-week residency period
Provinces
Industries
Technology Clean Technology Research Innovation
Business Stage
Startup

Quick Assessment

Difficulty
Easy
Competition
Moderate
First-Timer
Friendly

Funding Details

Amount
$30,000 grant plus a 16-week residency (minimum)
Type
Award
Level
Provincial
Deadline
Applications accepted until August 14, 2026

Program Scorecard

Competition, effort, and approval at a glance

Competition
Moderate
Deadline
Aug 14, 2026
Approval
Varies
Accessibility
--/5
Competition
--/5
Approval Rate
--%
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Attend a virtual information session (Jul.

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Application Playbook

Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses

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Application Steps

1 Review the Program Guide and confirm eligibility Read the 2026 Innovation Challenge Program Guide to understand the challenge parameters and check you meet all criteria — Saskatchewan location (or SK post-secondary student/faculty status), under $2M annual recurring revenue, and a solution at or approaching TRL 3.

Required Documents 6

Completed Expression of Interest form (PDF) emailed to [email protected]
Solution Overview — up to 300 words on what the solution is, how it works, where it would be used and the expected impact

Deadline Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions

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When do Expressions of Interest close?
August 14, 2026. Shortlisted candidates are notified in August 2026, the Solution Day pitch competition and winner announcement happen in September 2026, the residency runs in Fall 2026, and the final product demo day is in Winter 2026/27.
Does my technology have to be finished to apply?
No. Submissions do not need to be fully developed or market-ready, but the solution must be at or approaching Technology Readiness Level 3 and show clear potential for real-world application.
Is there a revenue cap?
Yes. Companies and startups must generate less than $2 million in annual recurring revenue. You also need a Saskatchewan head office, registration to do business in the province, or at least 50 per cent of employees residing in Saskatchewan — or be a registered student or faculty member at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution.
Who owns the intellectual property?
You do. Participants retain ownership of their IP and full commercialization rights. You are responsible for entering into any required agreements with project partners, and confidentiality agreements are signed before data is shared.
What can the $30,000 be spent on?
Salaries for research, development and technical personnel, plus IP, technology transfer and commercialization costs. Equipment purchases, land or buildings, non-technical staff salaries, consultant billable hours, membership fees, business development, and hospitality are all ineligible.

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