Ontario Genomics’ BioCreate program is open to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in southern Ontario seeking to commercialize genomics and engineering biology enabled products and/or technologies in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors who have achieved a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4+. BioCreate will provide funding, access to mentorship and business support to enable companies to raise additional financing to achieve commercial outcomes.
The multi-phase BioCreate program will include direct, non-repayable funding of $150,000 that will be matched by an additional $100,000 (minimum – cash and/or in-kind) from participating companies to a total project size of $250,000 or more. Funded companies will have access to 18-months of intensive business mentorship and access to critical infrastructure provided by Ontario Genomics’ (OG’s) strategic sectoral and regional partnerships. Each cohort will conclude with an investor showcase, giving the companies an opportunity to pitch to investors and potential partners. BioCreate will support up to 32 high-potential companies over five years with seven total cohorts (rolling intake with funding decisions twice per year).
The BioCreate program consists of three phases:
The BioCreate expert panel will evaluate market potential and technical feasibility of eligible applications, based on the evaluation criteria defined in the Program Guide. Successful applicants will receive up to $150,000 in non-repayable funding and must contribute $100,000 minimum (cash and/or in-kind) to leverage the funding for their 18-month project. The application process consists of three stages:
- Expression of interest
- Invitation to submit application/submission of written application
- Pitch to BioCreate Expert Panel
During the course of the funded project, the BioCreate program will support technology and business development to successful applicants through business mentors, patent expertise, regulatory support, and other support as defined by the needs of the company. Access to infrastructure can be facilitated through our program partners depending on company needs and location. OG’s strategic sectoral and regional partnerships include Velocity (Waterloo), Synapse Life Sciences Consortium (Hamilton), Toronto Metropolitan University SDZ (Toronto), Cleantech Commons (Peterborough) and UofT SpinUp (Mississauga). SMEs will also work with one or more BioCreate partners and Ontario Genomics BioCreate team to develop a pitch deck to present at the Investor Showcase in Phase III.
After the successful completion of the 18-month program, teams will participate in an investor showcase where they will pitch to an audience of regional enablers and investors in efforts to receive follow-on investment.
Application Steps and Dates
Interested SMEs should register and submit a BioCreate intake form. A representative from the BioCreate team will reach out to you to discuss your project idea. Competitive applicants will be invited to submit an application.
For more information on the BioCreate program including eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria see the Program Guide. If you have questions, please contact BioCreate.
As a signatory to the 50-30 Challenge, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) is a core component of Ontario Genomics’ ethos, including within this program. Furthermore, Ontario’s population is highly diverse, and effective and authentic diversity and inclusion strategies are essential for southern Ontario organizations to thrive and achieve their goals. We encourage applications from diverse teams and all equity-deserving groups.
BioCreate is a 5-year, 11.6 million dollar program supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and by Ontario Genomics.
