Saskatchewan launches innovation challenge in effort to protect waters from invasive species

The Government of Saskatchewan has launched a search for innovative, technology-based solutions to issues with invasive aquatic species in the province’s waters.

The innovation challenge is similar to a previous program the government ran in 2022, but this time features more funding and support designed to reduce barriers and bring innovative ideas to market more quickly.

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The challenge is open to researchers, tech companies, students and entrepreneurs based in the province, and early stage ideas are welcomed, meaning the innovation doesn’t need to be fully developed in order to apply.

The winning group will receive a $30,000 grant and a 16-week residency, along with full commercial rights and an opportunity to test the technology in a real-world setting.

“One of the biggest barriers for innovators is getting that first opportunity to prove their solution,” Warren Kaeding, the provincial minister responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan, said in a statement.

“Through the Innovation Challenge, innovators can work with government as a partner and early customer, allowing them to test their ideas in real-world settings, demonstrate its value and accelerate a path to market.”

The provincial government said aquatic invasive species – zebra mussels in particular – are a growing threat in provincial waterways. Though they have not yet established a population in Saskatchewan, the invasive mussels are slowing spreading westward across North America, making preventative action “critical.” The government said solutions to the emerging issue are in high demand both inside and outside the province.

“Preventing invasive species is far more effective than managing them after arrival,” Darlene Rowden, Saskatchewan’s environment minister, said in a statement.

“By working with Innovation Saskatchewan and the province’s innovators, we are strengthening our approach and ensuring we are prepared to protect Saskatchewan’s water resources for the long term.”

Applications will be accepted until August 14, the province said, and a virtual information session on the challenge will be held on July 8. Details can be found on Innovation Saskatchewan’s website.

The five innovation challenges Saskatchewan has run since 2018 have led to the launch of four new companies and helped create about 30 jobs, the government noted.

“Past winners have successfully scaled their solutions and entered new markets,” the province noted.

“Regina-based Prairie Robotics advanced its AI-powered contamination detection technology and has since gained national cleantech recognition, while Rivercity Innovations expanded its BeeSecure asset-tracking solution into global IoT applications supporting supply chain efficiency and sustainability.”