IMII Innovation Programs: Accelerating the Future of Saskatchewan’s Minerals Industry
At IMII, we are dedicated to fostering innovation at every stage of the minerals industry’s development. Our three dynamic programs—Exploring Innovations, Developing Innovations, and Demonstrating Innovations—offer funding and expertise to drive transformative solutions, from early-stage research to commercial deployment.
Through our programs, we provide a platform for collaboration among industry experts, researchers, and community leaders, shaping the future of Saskatchewan’s minerals sector. Together, we are pioneering new technologies and practices that ensure a sustainable, efficient, and competitive industry.
Key Areas of Interest
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Automation & Digitization
Environmental Sustainability (ESG)
Extraction & Processing Technologies
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Sustainability Solutions
Tailings Management
Workplace Health & Safety
Through this model, we are fostering a more connected and dynamic minerals sector that drives growth, enhances sustainability, and attracts investment.
Exploring Innovations Program: Uncovering New Possibilities
The Exploring Innovations Program is designed to identify new solutions and explore early-stage ideas. We fund short-term research projects with grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, perfect for academic investigations or six-month studies. This program focuses on identifying industry challenges, reviewing existing technologies, developing new concepts, and conducting preliminary testing.
Key Program Elements
Problem Identification
Understand industry challenges and research existing solutions.
Literature & Technology Review
Examine previous research and explore new approaches.
Development of Ideas & Methodologies
Formulate innovative concepts and test their feasibility.
Preliminary Testing
Conduct initial trials to validate theories and approaches.
Project Results
Determine if the solution is viable for further research or development.
The Exploring Innovations Program is ideal for researchers, academic institutions, and organizations exploring new ideas with potential for transforming the minerals industry.
Developing Innovations Program: Scaling Promising Solutions
The Developing Innovations Program supports projects focused on scaling promising solutions. Grants of up to $250,000 are available for two-year projects. This program is for organizations working to transition from early research to practical application, validating new technologies and exploring their commercialization potential.
Key Program Elements
Further Research
Investigate outcomes from earlier Exploring Innovations projects or identify new industry problems.
Industry Collaboration
Leverage insights from industry partners to explore technical feasibility.
Proof of Concept
Demonstrate the potential of the technology for practical application.
Prototype Development & Testing
Develop prototypes and validate them in controlled or simulated environments.
Outcomes Expected
Feasibility Validation
Ensure that the technology or solution meets technical expectations.
Commercialization Potential
Assess the market readiness and business viability of the solution.
Problem Resolution
Identify pathways for overcoming obstacles and advancing the technology.
The Developing Innovations Program is perfect for innovators ready to move from concept to practical application, accelerating the journey towards industry-ready solutions.
Demonstrating Innovations Program: Bridging the Gap to Market
The Demonstrating Innovations Program is IMII’s flagship program, supporting the testing and development of technologies that are ready to solve advanced industry challenges. With a focus on prototype development, product testing, and market optimization, this program helps bring cutting-edge solutions into the minerals sector. Projects typically last up to two years and focus on demonstrating the operational viability of new technologies.
Key Program Elements
Prototype Development & Testing
Design and refine prototypes to meet real-world industry needs.
Technology Optimization
Improve the technology to meet market expectations and manufacturing standards.
Market Demonstration
Test the technology in operational environments and assess its readiness for commercialization.
Expected Results
Technical Feasibility
Demonstrate the technology’s viability in a real-world setting.
Successful Deployment
Ensure the technology is ready for operational use within the industry.
Scalability
Evaluate if the technology can be scaled up for broader application.
Commercial Partner Identification
Identify potential commercialization partners to bring the solution to market.
The Demonstrating Innovations Program is ideal for organizations with technologies that are ready for deployment, providing the final push to bring groundbreaking solutions into the minerals industry.
Partnering for Progress: Building a Sustainable Future
IMII’s Innovation Programs are designed to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies that address the unique challenges of the minerals industry. Whether you’re an academic institution, a startup, or an established company, our programs provide the support and resources necessary to take your innovations from idea to industry-ready solution.
Through collaboration with industry experts, researchers, and government leaders, we’re driving a sustainable and technologically advanced future for Saskatchewan’s minerals industry. Join us in shaping the future and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Ready to Accelerate Your Innovation?
Explore our programs and find the right fit for your next breakthrough idea. Together, we can build a sustainable and competitive future for Saskatchewan’s minerals industry.
Links for
- Exploring Innovations Expression of Interest
- Exploring Innovations Guidelines
- Developing Innovations Expression of Interest
- Developing Innovations Guidelines
- Demonstrating Innovations Expression of Interest
- Demonstrating Innovations Guidelines
