Innovation Saskatchewan announced a new initiative that will focus on the development of technologies that can be used to help residents address crime in rural areas in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice’s Protection and Response Team. The rural crime innovation challenge will call for technology companies and researchers to submit proposals for a 16-week residency program.
“Rural residents face special circumstances when it comes to crime,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Steven Bonk said. “It is our hope that this new program will attract students, researchers and technology companies to complete a bid and assist rural residents who have concerns about the safety of their property and well-being.”
Prior to the October 13 deadline for expressions of interest, there will be information sessions in Regina, Saskatoon and online. Applications are available at Rural Crime Innovation Challenge page at www.innovationsask.ca.
Applications will be evaluated by a panel including Innovation Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Justice and stakeholders - such as rural residents, farmers, police services and technology experts who will use the solution. The successful candidate will prepare a prototype of their technology during the 16-week residency period in government.
“We are optimistic that this new program will identify some technologies and innovative ways to improve safety and security in rural Saskatchewan,” Bonk said. “Our hope is that a feasible technological solution can be identified and eventually commercialized to benefit rural areas not only in Saskatchewan but in other provinces as well.”
This initiative forms part of the government‘s strategy on rural crime reduction announced on August 22, 2017.
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca
