Innovation Saskatchewan Supports Critical Upgrade at Canadian Light Source

CANADA, August 26 - Released on August 26, 2026

Innovation Saskatchewan is committing $3 million through the Innovation & Science Fund (ISF) to support a major technology upgrade at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), helping strengthen Saskatchewan's position as a global leader in research and innovation.  

The funding will support the installation of a state-of-the-art solid-state amplifier (SSA), an essential component of the particle accelerator at the heart of the CLS, powering all 22 synchrotron beamlines. The upgrade will enhance the facility's performance, reliability and energy efficiency, strengthening the advanced research capabilities that researchers and industry rely on to drive innovation and discovery.  

"The Canadian Light Source is one of Saskatchewan's most important research and innovation assets," Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding said. "Investing in world-class research infrastructure helps strengthen Saskatchewan's innovation ecosystem by connecting researchers, industry and institutions to accelerate discovery, commercialization and economic growth."  

As Canada's only synchrotron, the Canadian Light Source is a vital national research facility that brings together researchers, industry and institutions from across Canada and around the world. Its specialized tools allow scientists to examine materials at the atomic level, helping solve complex challenges, advance new technologies and create economic opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy and health.  

Recent projects at the CLS have focused on increasing the value of Saskatchewan-grown crops, advancing precision agriculture, developing more sustainable construction materials and supporting technologies that could strengthen Canada's nuclear energy sector.  

"We are deeply grateful to Innovation Saskatchewan for this generous funding," Interim CEO of CLS Ingrid Pickering said. "The new solid-state amplifier will boost our facility's reliability and performance, giving researchers and industry partners improved tools to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions across many sectors."  

"The CLS at the University of Saskatchewan is a shining example of how Saskatchewan is shaping global discovery," USask President Vince Bruni-Bossio said. "This investment from Innovation Saskatchewan will give researchers and industry partners stronger tools needed to spark new ideas and create valuable solutions that will have lasting impacts on Saskatchewan and around the world."  

The CLS is a cornerstone of Saskatchewan's innovation ecosystem, connecting researchers, industry and institutions to turn research into real-world solutions. Investments such as this help attract talent, partnerships and investment to Saskatchewan while supporting economic growth and global competitiveness.  

Since 2018, the Government of Saskatchewan, through Innovation Saskatchewan, has invested almost  $40 million in the CLS, demonstrating its commitment to building a strong innovation ecosystem and supporting long-term growth and competitiveness.  

For information on the ISF program, visit: innovationsask.ca/programs/isf.

-30-