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Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)

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Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)

Ontario Genomics’ Regional GAPP:
Fuelling Ontario’s Next Generation of Biotech Spinouts

Ontario Genomics is launching our Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) to accelerate the commercialization of academic discoveries into made-in-Ontario biotech solutions.

Ontario is home to world-class researchers and institutions producing groundbreaking discoveries, yet many of them fail to progress beyond the lab. That’s because spinout companies (formed to commercialize academic intellectual property) that bring these innovations to market are often stifled by insufficient access to capital, long commercialization timelines and limited business expertise.

Ontario Genomics’ Regional GAPP is addressing these challenges by supporting spinouts at this critical lab-to-company technology transfer stage, facilitating R&D capacity, independence from academia and positioning them for seed financing. The end results will fuel job creation, company retention, IP generation and attract foreign investment, while reinforcing Ontario’s 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. The Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES) has committed to match the Genome Canada contribution through the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) for the 2025 round, pending Ministry’s approval of projects.

Program Objectives:

  • Accelerate/facilitate translation of products, platforms or IP from an academic lab into a company in support of commercialization, company benefits, Ontario’s economy and made-in-Ontario IP.
  • Position early-stage Ontario companies to raise follow-on funding at project end.
  • Develop business acumen in post-graduate trainees to build a pool of highly qualified personnel (HQP) to lead the next wave of biotech companies in Ontario.
  • Position Ontario as a hub for the creation, growth and scaling of biotech innovation.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The genomics-based/enabled project supports the invention, development or commercialization of a biotech innovation with a clearly articulated market opportunity.
  • The project is driven by a spinout company in partnership with an Ontario-based researcher and will facilitate translation of IP from academia into the commercialization pathway.
  • The spinout company is incorporated, Canadian-owned, and based in Ontario.
  • The spinout company stage is pre-seed or earlier.
  • The spinout company has at least two employees (including executives). If the lead project researcher is also the CEO, the company’s governance board must have at least one additional member.
  • The project has the potential to generate social and economic benefits for the company and Ontario.

If you meet the above criteria, please fill out this intake form.

INTAKE FORM

Funding and Term:

  • The project term is 1-2 years (no extensions).
  • Four projects will be funded per year.
  • Project budget will be a minimum of $667,734:
    • $222,578 from Genome Canada
    • $222,578 from MCURES/ORF (conditions apply – see Program Guide for details)
    • ≥$222,578 from the private sector (cash or in-kind)

Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) – 2025

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Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)

As part of the Canadian Genomics Strategy (CGS), the Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) supports Canadian for-profit enterprises looking to commercialize their idea or research by:

  • Increasing Canadian private-sector investment in the commercialization of innovation derived from public R&D funding in genomics and biotechnology.
  • Stimulating technological innovation and implementation through co-operative R&D between research and receptors.
  • Enabling research investments that de-risk opportunities and secure follow-on funding from finance and industry.
  • Fostering and encouraging participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by individuals from equity-deserving communities.

Each GAPP project must be led by an industry receptor that is a Canadian for-profit enterprise and carried out in partnership with a researcher. Deadline to apply is Thursday, July 24.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The program is designed to support Canadian for-profit enterprises (FPEs) – a Receptor – that have an economic interest in developing an idea or research into a commercial application. A subsidiary of a foreign public corporation that is incorporated in Canada with control exercised in Canada is also an eligible receptor.
  • Each project must be a partnership between a receptor and researcher, with optional support from one or more co-investigators and/or collaborators.
  • If the researcher has a position with the receptor, the receptor must have clear decision-making processes that are independent of the researcher.

Funding and Term:

  • Applicants can request up to one-third of the project budget from Genome Canada.
  • Genome Canada’s total contribution to an approved project must be at least $300,000. Its maximum contribution is $2 million.
  • Private sector contributions towards the project must match or exceed the Genome Canada contribution.
  • Projects must be completed within two years of the start date. No extensions will be granted.

Key Letter of Intent (LOI) Dates:

  • All stages of application are administered through Ontario Genomics (OG)
  • Draft LOIs to OG: Rolling, until July 16
  • Final LOIs to OG: July 24

Learn more of previous rounds of funded Ontario GAPP Projects.

Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity program

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Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity Program

The road to reconciliation is a long path that hasn’t traditionally included the field of science. But a new funding opportunity is looking to create  space for Indigenous people and perspectives in genomics.

Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity program is designed to strengthen First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuit technical, social scientific and community capacities1 to engage with and conduct genomics research in ways that uphold and advance Indigenous rights to self-determination.

The program will provide Indigenous-led training opportunities for Indigenous students and community practitioners, equipping them with genomic skills and capabilities that integrate Indigenous knowledge systems, values and perspectives with modern science, technology and social scientific critique. It will foster the exploration of the intersections between Indigenous ways of knowing and practices, and disciplines such as genomics, environmental science and other scientific and technological fields.

Primary objectives of this funding program:

  • Building Indigenous capacity in genomics
  • Promoting career development
  • Integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives
  • Advancing Indigenous self-determination
  • Fostering interdisciplinary exploration

Key requirements of the projects supported through this program:

  • Designed for and by Indigenous Peoples: Projects guided by Indigenous leadership, ensuring they reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of Indigenous communities while fostering empowerment and self-determination
  • Indigenous-led research and collaboration: Prioritizing research and partnerships led by Indigenous scientists, integrating traditional knowledge systems with cutting-edge scientific practices to address community-driven challenges
  • Indigenous technoscience curriculum: A dynamic curriculum developed and taught by Indigenous educators, merging cultural teachings with technical, social scientific and ethical considerations in genomics and related fields
  • Place-based learning: Training tailored to the unique cultural, environmental and social contexts of communities, emphasizing the connection between knowledge, land and place in the learning process
  • Community of practice framework: Participants supported within a collaborative network of peers, mentors and experts, creating an environment for shared learning, knowledge exchange and sustained professional growth
  • Practical skills development in genomics: Hands-on training equipping participants with advanced technical and analytical skills in genomics, ensuring they are prepared to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and opportunities
  • Data sovereignty and innovation: Emphasizing ethical data management and analysis, focusing on Indigenous data sovereignty while fostering innovation in genomics to benefit Indigenous communities

Eligibility criteria

  • The project must be Indigenous-led and actively engaged with Indigenous communities.
  • Project leaders and team members must be affiliated with an eligible institution.

Available funding and term

  • A maximum of $400,000 is available from Genome Canada.
  • Funding will be allocated to up to TWO (2) projects.
  • Funded projects will have a maximum term of THREE (3) years.
  • Co-funding is not required but is encouraged.

Application submissions

The Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity program will include a one stage application process. Applicants are required to apply through Genome Canada’s Proposal Central Portal through a regional Genome Centre.

1 – Community capacities refers to the applied skills, knowledge systems and learning approaches that Indigenous communities identify as essential for engaging with and advancing genomics research and knowledge creation. These capacities may be rooted in Indigenous knowledge and practices, or integrated with scientific methods and methodologies.

BioCreate Program

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BioCreate program banner showing the Canada and Ontario Genomics logo

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.

 

Biocreate header with three phases

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.

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