Saskatchewan Regulation 20/2026 amends The Saskatchewan Technology Start-up Incentive Regulations under The Saskatchewan Technology Start-up Incentive Act pursuant to section 48 and Order in Council 145/2026. The amendments improve the incentive framework by refining eligible sectors, expanding definitional scope, extending program timelines, strengthening compliance rules, and enhancing information-sharing and administrative authority.

One change is the expansion and clarification of core definitions in subsection 2(1). The amendments introduce definitions for “clean technology,” “digital technology,” “eligible sector,” and “guidelines.” Clean technology is defined as innovations that improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or lower environmental impacts of industrial processes, while explicitly excluding agricultural processing for consumption, food and beverage manufacturing, and power generation. Digital technology is broadly defined to include software, electronics, computing, artificial intelligence, and other data-driven systems. The term “life sciences technology” is also newly defined to encompass human and animal health innovations and agricultural biotechnology, including therapeutics, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and bio-based agricultural inputs such as biofertilizers and biopesticides, while excluding food processing, beverage manufacturing, and power generation.

The regulations also formally adopt program guidelines through new section 2.1. The Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI) Program Guide, dated October 1, 2018 and published by Innovation Saskatchewan, is incorporated by reference as an authoritative administrative instrument, subject to amendment from time to time. The minister is empowered to publish and disseminate these guidelines publicly. New section 2.2 defines eligible sectors for participation in the program, limiting eligibility to clean technology, digital technology, and life sciences technology.

Section 2.3 introduces application deadlines, establishing March 31, 2029 as the final date for both start-up business registration and venture capital corporation registration under the Act. This creates a long-term but finite window for participation, ensuring program continuity while setting a clear sunset for new entrants.

Amendments to section 8 and related provisions tighten eligibility criteria for tax credit certificates. Equity capital used in applications must not already qualify for overlapping tax credits under The Labour-sponsored Venture Capital Corporations Act or The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Investment Tax Credit Act. Additional amendments prohibit applications involving shares issued after December 31, 2028, and impose a hard deadline of March 31, 2030 for submission or acceptance of applications under specified sections of the Act. Section 8.2 is also amended to limit program application through the 2028–29 fiscal year, reinforcing a controlled wind-down of program eligibility.

Saskatchewan (20/2026) April 8, 2026
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