Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) funds downstream research and development (R&D) projects that address real world opportunities and challenges defined by “Receptor” organizations such as industry, government, or not-for-profit entities. These organizations should be committed to commercializing or implementing the outcomes of the project.

Projects are led by the Receptor organization (Canadian or international) but are active collaborations with a Canadian academic researcher. These projects are co-funded by Receptors and other stakeholders and must have the potential to generate significant social and/or economic benefits for Canada.

The GAPP aims to:

• Accelerate the application of Canadian genomics-derived solutions from academia to real-world opportunities and challenges defined by industry, not-for-profit and public-sector Receptors.
• Channel Canada’s genomics capacity into sustainable innovations that benefit Canadians.
• Enhance the value of Canadian genomics technologies by de-risking and incentivizing follow-on investment from industry and other partners.
• Foster mutually beneficial collaboration and knowledge exchange between Canadian academia and technology receptors.

For examples of previously funded projects, see Funded GAPP Projects

Key Parameters of the Program:

• Total project size: $300,000 to $6 million.
• Co-Funding: 1/3 investment from Genome Canada, 1/3 provided by the Receptor partner (cash and/or in-kind) and 1/3 of other co-funding (non-Genome Canada). For more information see Section 9 and Appendix 2 of the GAPP Investment Strategy and Guidelines.
• Project term: 1 – 3 years. Shorter or longer terms will be considered only if strong rationale is provided.
• Project stage: Small-scale proof-of-concept / pilot projects through to large-scale projects will be accepted. Projects should not be in discovery phase.

Project Eligibility:

To be eligible for the GAPP, a project must:

• Develop and apply a genomics-derived or genomics-enabling tool, product or process to an opportunity or challenge defined by the Receptor(s);
• Focus on late stage R&D that will position the innovation for near-term implementation / commercialization;
• Be co-led by an academic and a Receptor organization in partnership, with active and necessary roles for both; and
• Demonstrate the potential to generate significant social and/or economic benefits for Canada.

Receptor Definition:

A Receptor is defined as an organization that intends to put the resulting innovation into practice (in internal operations, by commercialization, or otherwise making it available to its ultimate users). Eligible Receptors include:

• Companies (private / public, Canadian / foreign-owned);
• Industry consortia;
• Government departments and agencies (federal, provincial and municipal);
• Healthcare organizations; and
• Not-for-profit organizations

Small or start-up companies may be considered, as per the guidelines.

Application Process:

There is a three-stage, gated application process for this program:

• Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Project Pitch
• Supplementary Proposal

Note that the EOI and Project Pitch content resembles a business case for the proposed project.

At each of the above stages, Ontario Genomics has developed a review process, where a panel of industry experts and entrepreneurs provide feedback to help teams navigate the application and increase their competitiveness. These reviews are mandatory for all Ontario projects.

Applicants should anticipate the following phases in the application process:

• Register your intent to apply to Ontario Genomics and obtain EOI form.
• Complete a draft EOI and submit to Ontario Genomics.
• Present a face-to-face business pitch to Ontario Genomics’ GAPP Review Panel (see panel members).
• Develop the final EOI through active collaboration with Ontario Genomics.
• Submit EOI to Genome Canada via Ontario Genomics.
• For teams invited to Project Pitch stage:
  • Present practice pitch to Ontario Genomics before official pitch to Genome Canada.
• For teams invited to Supplementary Proposal stage:
  • Submit draft applications to Ontario Genomics for panel review before submission to Genome Canada.

Application Forms and Submission:

If you are considering applying, or to obtain copies of the relevant EOI or other forms, please contact Helen Petropoulos, Director, Commercialization & Programs.

Important Documents:

• Investment Strategy and Guidelines
• Ontario Genomics Quick Financial Guide (GAPP)

Competition Timelines:

*Applicants that miss this deadline may be moved to a later round of the GAPP.
For questions on the GAPP program, please contact Helen Petropoulos, Director, Commercialization & Programs.