BioCreate C8
Advancing commercialization of biotech solutions in Ontario
Ontario Genomics is launching BioCreate C8 powered by Genome Canada’s Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program, to advance the commercialization of made-in-Ontario biotech solutions.
Pre-seed and seed-stage Ontario companies often hold strong technology and a clear market opportunity but need capital to transition between discovery grants and growth financing. BioCreate C8 funds biotech enabled projects that advance a product, platform or IP along the commercialization pathway, building R&D capacity within the company and positioning it to raise follow-on financing at project end and/ or drive revenue. Projects will also lead to job creation, made-in-Ontario IP, and increased investment in Ontario’s biotech sector to build economic resilience and global reputation in genomics innovation.
In support of the Canadian Genomics Strategy, and as part of their broader GAPP initiative, Genome Canada has provided $4 million over four years to the Ontario Genomics Regional GAPP, to advance provincial priorities.
Download and read the Program Guide
Program Objectives
- Accelerate and facilitate the commercialization of new products, platforms, or IP
- Create benefit to companies and to Ontario, and support made-in-Ontario IP
- Position early-stage Ontario companies to raise follow-on funding, generate revenue and/or develop further strategic partnerships
- Position Ontario as a hub for the creation, growth and scaling of biotech innovation
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant is a for-profit start up or spinout company that is incorporated, Canadian-owned (>50%) and based in Ontario.
- The company is at the pre-seed or seed stage.
- The project has the potential to generate commercial, social and economic benefits for both the company and Ontario.
- The project is genomics or engineering biology-based or-enabled and supports the invention, development or commercialization of a biotech innovation with a clearly articulated market opportunity.
- Academic partners are not mandatory. Where an academic partner strengthens your application, we encourage you to include one. Additional funding is available to support academic partners on funded projects — see the Program Guide for details.
Funding and Term
- The project term is 2 years (24 months), starting in 2027
- 8 companies will be funded
- The project budget will be a minimum of $333,867
- $111,289 from Genome Canada (non-dilutive)
- $50,000 from Ontario Genomics (convertible debenture)
- Minimum of $172,578 from the company or private sector
- For projects with academic partners, additional funding is available
- Proposed project activities cannot already be part of any currently Ontario Genomics or other funded program. Projects that build on, or complement, work completed under other programs are welcome.
If you meet the above criteria, please fill out this intake form: