ESTEVAN — Rural innovators from across Canada will gather in Estevan this September as ICED Rural 2025, Canada’s only rural innovation conference, returns Sept. 23–24 at Affinity Place. The event, organized by the Southeast Techhub (SETH), together with the Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network (SIEDN), will showcase new ideas in energy, technology and education and spotlight the role of rural communities in shaping the country’s future.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Rural innovation in energy and education.” It will bring together entrepreneurs, academics, Indigenous leaders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss cutting-edge initiatives transforming rural Canada.
Over two days, ICED Rural 2025 will feature 11 presentations, including:
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GE Hitachi and SaskPower: SMR technology in rural communities — exploring small modular reactors as a driver of economic growth.
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Drilling for natural hydrogen — a look at Canada’s next energy frontier.
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Turning coal into graphite — updates on southeast Saskatchewan’s pilot project.
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University of Regina energy systems engineering program — training the next generation of innovators.
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Southeast College computer science training program — students learn through real-world industry projects.
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Indigenous perspectives on energy and innovation — bringing resilience and community knowledge to solutions.
A rural innovation exhibit will run alongside the presentations, showcasing companies and startups from across Canada that are driving change in energy, technology and education.
“ICED Rural isn’t just another conference — it’s the only one of its kind in Canada that puts rural innovation at the centre of the conversation,” said Gordon More, executive director of the Southeast Techhub. “From hydrogen to nuclear, from critical minerals to coding, rural communities are leading Canada’s transition.”
A highlight of this year’s program is the Rural Sask Pitch 2025, a $15,000 competition giving rural entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their ideas to investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
“Innovation is in our DNA,” said Milton Tootoosis, chair of SIEDN. “ICED Rural 2025 is a chance to carry forward that legacy, in partnership with communities and industry.”
Title sponsors GE Vernova Hitachi and SaskPower are backing the event, supporting southeast Saskatchewan as a hub of rural innovation.
Tickets and more information are available here.
