Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program: How to Apply

By GrantHub Research Team · · Lire en français

Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program: How to Apply

If you have a Saskatchewan-based tech solution that could improve how the provincial government delivers services, the Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST) is designed for you. This program connects local technology companies with government ministries to pilot new solutions through a paid contract. Successful applicants can receive up to $30,000 and run a pilot project for up to six months.


What the Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program Funds

The Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program is run by Innovation Saskatchewan on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan. It is not a traditional grant. Instead, it is a non-repayable pilot contract that allows government ministries to test made-in-province technology before scaling it more broadly.

Key program details

  • Funding amount: Up to $30,000 per project
  • Funding type: Government pilot contract (non-repayable)
  • Pilot length: Up to 6 months
  • Status: Open
  • Jurisdiction: Saskatchewan
  • Who it’s for: Technology companies with solutions that improve Saskatchewan government services

MIST is a good option for new and growing tech companies that want to test their product with a government client.


Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program, your business must meet the program’s core eligibility requirements.

Your business must:

  • Be a technology company with a ready or near-ready solution
  • Offer a product or service that can improve the delivery of a Government of Saskatchewan service
  • Be capable of running a time-limited pilot project with a provincial ministry
  • Be legally able to enter into a government contract

Startups can apply, as long as the technology is sufficiently developed to be piloted in a live government environment. The program is not limited to large or established firms.

If you’re unsure whether your business meets these requirements, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm your fit for MIST and similar Saskatchewan programs.


How to Apply

The MIST application process focuses on fit and feasibility rather than long business plans.

Application overview

  1. Identify a government use case
    Your solution must address a real service delivery challenge within the Saskatchewan government.

  2. Prepare your proposal
    You will outline:

    • The technology you are proposing
    • The problem it solves for government
    • How the pilot will run over six months
    • Expected outcomes and benefits
  3. Submit through Innovation Saskatchewan
    Applications are submitted directly through Innovation Saskatchewan’s program intake.

  4. Evaluation and matching
    Proposals are reviewed for alignment with government priorities and technical readiness.

  5. Contract and pilot launch
    If approved, you enter a contract and begin the pilot project.


What Expenses Are Covered

Because MIST is delivered as a contract, funding supports the costs required to deliver the pilot project.

Commonly supported costs include:

  • Software development or configuration
  • Technical labour directly tied to the pilot
  • Testing, integration, and deployment costs
  • Reporting and evaluation related to the pilot

The $30,000 maximum is meant to support testing and validation, not full commercialization.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying with an idea-only concept

MIST is for pilot-ready technology. Pure concepts or early R&D projects are rarely a fit.

2. Ignoring the government use case

Applications that focus only on your product — not the government problem — are less competitive.

3. Underestimating pilot timelines

You must be able to deliver results within six months. Overly complex pilots are often rejected.

4. Treating MIST like a traditional grant

This is a contract. You will be expected to deliver defined outcomes and milestones.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding does the Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program provide?
Successful applicants can receive a contract worth up to $30,000 to deliver a pilot project.

Q: Is MIST funding repayable?
No. MIST funding is non-repayable, but it is structured as a government contract rather than a grant.

Q: How long is the pilot period?
Pilot projects typically run for up to six months, depending on the approved scope.

Q: Can startups apply for the Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program?
Yes. Startups can apply if their technology is developed enough to be tested in a real government setting.

Q: Is MIST funding taxable?
Government contract revenue is generally considered taxable income. Speak with your accountant to confirm how it applies to your business.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and contract-based funding programs across Canada — including provincial technology pilots like MIST — so you can see which ones match your business in one place.


Next Steps

The Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program is a strong entry point if you want government validation and early revenue for your tech solution. Before applying, confirm your readiness and look at complementary Saskatchewan and federal programs that could support your growth. GrantHub helps you compare active opportunities and focus your time on the programs you are most likely to qualify for.

See also:

  • How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
  • Innovation Vouchers vs Traditional Grants for Alberta Startups
  • What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

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