The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) represents a key element in Genome Canada’s strategic plan towards funding downstream research and development (R&D) projects that are driven by challenges and opportunities facing users of genomics based technologies. For the purpose of this program, “Users” include the various stakeholders that have an interest in “pulling” technologies and other results of genomics research from academia to market and application, including industry, government, not-for-profits, and other organizations.
The GAPP aims to:
- Promote the application of genomics-derived solutions to address key sector challenges or opportunities facing Users – User “pull”;
- Promote commercialization of genomics technologies by enabling the transfer of genomics-derived solutions from Academia to Users as well as de-risking and incentivizing follow-on investment from public and private partners;
- Increase the socio-economic impact of genomics research by accelerating its translation to application or market; and,
- Create and foster a more productive interface between Academia and Users.
For examples of previously funded projects, see here: Funded GAPP Projects
Key Parameters of the Program:
- Total project size: $300,000 to $6 million. The structure of the funding plan is as follows: 1/3 investment from Genome Canada, 1/3 provided by the User partner (cash or in-kind) and 1/3 of other co-funding. For more information see Section 9 and Appendix 2 of the GAPP Investment Strategy and Guidelines.
- Project term: 6 months minimum to 3 year maximum. A shorter or longer term will be considered, but only if a strong rationale is provided.
- Project stage: small-scale proof-of-concept or pilot projects through to large-scale projects. Projects should not be in the discovery phase.
- Project eligibility: To be eligible for the GAPP, a project must:
- respond to the objectives of the GAPP
- represent an active partnership between Academic(s) and User(s)
- propose to develop, enhance or validate a genomics-derived solution (i.e., a product, tool or process whose origin is based in genomics or related disciplines such as bioinformatics, epigenomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics, proteomics and transcriptomics);
- address key challenges or opportunities defined by the User that require a partnership with Academia (i.e., User “pull”); and
- focus on downstream R&D activities.
Application Process
There is a three-stage gated application process for this program:
- Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Project Pitch
- Supplementary Proposal
There is a rolling intake by Genome Canada but Ontario Genomics has put in place its own process to help teams navigate the various stages and increase competitiveness. At each of the above stages, applicants will be part of a due diligence process where a panel of industry experts and entrepreneurs provide feedback. These reviews are mandatory for all Ontario projects.
Applicants should expect the following steps and gates throughout the process:
- Submission of draft EOI to Ontario Genomics.
- Face-to-Face business pitch to due diligence review panel (see members here).
- Work with Ontario Genomics lead to develop EOI.
- Submission of EOI to Genome Canada.
- Teams invited to the Project Pitch stage will have a practice pitch with Ontario Genomics before the real pitch to Genome Canada.
- Teams invited to the Supplementary Proposal stage will submit draft applications to Ontario Genomics for panel review before submission to Genome Canada.
Application Forms and Submission:
For copies of the current forms, please contact sramsubir@OntarioGenomics.ca
Please submit forms directly to your assigned Ontario Genomics lead according to the timeline for the current round below.
Important Documents:
Competition Timelines
Round 7:
| Stage | Date |
| Registration | Closed |
| EOI due to Ontario Genomics | May 10, 2016 |
| Face-to-Face pitch to Ontario Genomics review panel | May 26, 2016 |
| Submission of EOI to Genome Canada | June 28, 2016* |
| Practice Pitch | July/mid-Aug 2016 |
| Pitch to Genome Canada | July/mid-Aug 2016 |
| Supplementary Proposal due to Ontario Genomics | Sept 26, 2016 |
| Supplementary Proposal due to Genome Canada | Sept 30, 2016 |
*Applicants that miss this deadline may be moved to a later round of the GAPP.
For questions on the GAPP program, please contact Shobha Ramsubir, Senior Manager, Business Development & Research at sramsubir@OntarioGenomics.ca