Premier Scott Moe announced a new innovation challenge at the annual convention of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).

The innovation challenge will be launched to find a solution to connect would-be land users to property owners.

Under a proposed new trespassing law, people will need permission to enter lands for hunting and recreational activities like snowmobiling. Information sessions for the challenge will be held in Regina, Saskatoon and online.

The deadline for applications is April 30 and application forms can be found at www.innovationsask.ca.

The winner will be selected with consultation from stakeholders, will receive funding of up to $10,000 and work directly with SARM for four months to develop a prototype.

“We’re calling on our vibrant tech sector to bring ideas forward on how we can make it easier to ask for permission to access private land, and easier for property owners to respond to those requests,” said Moe in a media release.

The challenge idea was launched in 2017 when it came to technological solutions to address rural crime. The prototype that won eventually became BeeSecure, an app-based tracking system and GPS device that alerts landowners to activity on their property.