Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Applied Research Scholarships of $1,000 and $500 each are available to eligible students. These awards are intended to provide an opportunity for Sask Polytech students to engage in applied research partnerships with industry and the community. Engaging in applied research projects that solve every day problems allows our students and their faculty supervisors to successfully address current industry needs and make a real difference in their communities and in their fields of study.
Scholarship recipients present their work at the annual Student Applied Research Showcase in Saskatoon on April 28, 2025, giving them the opportunity to network with business and industry professionals, and a chance to win additional cash prizes.
Deadline to apply: December 15, 2024
This information is collected for the purpose of applying for and administering the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Applied Research Scholarships. For further information about privacy at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, see our Privacy Statement online.
Tips for writing a project summary
- Understand the purpose
- Before you start writing your application, make sure you thoroughly understand the purpose and requirements of the scholarship and of your project proposal.
- Start early
- Begin working on your applied research plan well in advance. Writing a strong proposal takes time, and rushing can lead to overlooked details.
- Use clear and concise writing
- Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Avoid jargon or overly technical language that might confuse reviewers.
- Structure your proposal
- Organize your proposal with a clear structure that typically includes:
- Introduction: Explain the context and significance of your applied research project
- Objectives: Clearly state your applied research goals and what you aim to achieve.
- Methodology: Describe your applied research methods and techniques.
- Timeline: Provide a realistic schedule for completing your applied research project
- Expected outcomes: Explain the potential impact of your research project.
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and the importance of your project.
- Organize your proposal with a clear structure that typically includes:
- Address the eligibility criteria
- Carefully review the eligibility criteria provided by the scholarship guidelines. Ensure your project proposal directly addresses these criteria.
- It is mandatory to have an industry or community partner.
- Provide a strong rationale
- Clearly explain why your applied research is important and how it will contribute to the field or address a specific problem. Convince reviewers of the significance of your work.
- Justify your approach
- Explain why your chosen research methods are appropriate for your project. Demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter.
- Demonstrate feasibility
- Show that your research plan is practical and achievable.
- Personal statement
- Include a personal statement that highlights your qualifications, experience, and passion for the applied research.
- Seek feedback
- Have your project supervisor review your proposal. They can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your ideas.
- Proofread and edit
- Ensure your proposal is free from grammar and spelling errors. A flawless document demonstrates professionalism.
- Meet deadlines
- Submit your application well before the deadline. Late submissions are typically not accepted.
- Stay persistent
- If your application is not successful, don't be discouraged. Seek feedback and consider reapplying in the future.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to receive a Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Applied Research Scholarship, a student must:
- Be enrolled full-time in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic certificate, diploma, degree or postgraduate certificate program of 20 weeks or more in length and have completed at least one semester of the program;
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member who will supervise the research project;
- Agree to submit an interim confirmation of progress, signed by the supervisor and make a social media post on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin about your experience with the Scholarship and Student Showcase. Students must tag #saskpolytechresearch in their posts.
- Collaboration with industry, community or business partner for $1000 Scholarship. $500 Scholarship for a project with no external partner.
- Agree to present the final results at the annual Applied Research Student Showcase in April 2025 in Saskatoon and in other presentations and/or videos;
- Complete this project prior to May 31, 2025.
Note that:
- Students may receive only one scholarship per academic year.
- Students may work jointly on a project, but will then be required to share the scholarship
- Students who are working as a research assistant or student researcher at a Saskatchewan Polytechnic Centre are not eligible for Scholarships. However, they may participate in the Applied Research Student Showcase to compete for prizes.
- Projects that have received funding from Saskatchewan Polytechnic are ineligible for the Scholarship.
Selection criteria
Selection will be based on:
- Academic achievement.
- Nature and applicability of the research project (e.g. innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurial, sustainable, etc.).
Scholarships
Scholarships will be awarded upon completion and participation at the annual Applied Research Student Showcase. The supervisor will be required to complete and sign a mid-project check-in stating that the project has begun and is on track for completion as anticipated.
- A short social media post on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin tagging #saskpolytechresearch from the student will need to be completed prior to the release of the final payment.
- Failure to complete the project (including submitting the required reports and presenting the work at the annual showcase), will result in the final payment being withheld.
Sask Polytech reserves the right to recover any paid out funds on projects not started or not making reasonable progress by the mid-term check in.