Open
Source verified August 11, 2026
BioCreate Program
Business support for Ontario biotech start-ups
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened July 9, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
BioCreate is a five-year, $11.6-million program for SMEs in southern Ontario, funded by Ontario Genomics and the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario. It supports biotech companies commercializing genomics and engineering biology solutions in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Advance technology from TRL 4+ to TRL 7+
- Test a prototype in a real-world environment
- Pilot production of food ingredients or materials for testing
- Process development and optimization of biomanufacturing processes, and manufacturing of a prototype device
- Non-clinical and pre-clinical work leading towards an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for therapeutics
Documents Needed
- BioCreate intake form
- Written application form
- Project and company/team description
- Proof of matching funding and financial ability
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Canadian or provincially incorporated businesses
- SMEs located in southern Ontario
- SMEs seeking to commercialize genomics and/or engineering biology enabled products and/or technologies in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors
- SMEs that have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4+
Eligible expenses
- Labour
- Subcontractors and consultants
- Direct materials
- Essential equipment
- Other direct costs, including travel and outreach
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Losses on investments, bad debts and any other debts; interest on invested capital, bonds, debentures, or mortgages
- Costs of land, building or vehicle purchase or rental; refinancing; intangible assets such as goodwill
- Depreciation or amortization expenses; bond discount; fines or penalties; costs related to litigation
- Non-incremental wages; fees for administrators, including payments to any member or officer of the Recipient’s Board of Directors; opportunity costs
- Hospitality and entertainment costs; costs of individual membership in a professional body; lobbyist fees
Eligible geographic areas
- Southern Ontario
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Understanding of target customers, global market, competition, and competitive advantage
- TRL progression from TRL 4+ to TRL 7+
- Project team expertise and resources
- Innovative aspects, preliminary data, and background information necessary to demonstrate feasibility
- Demonstrated benefits to southern Ontario and the company, a detailed project work plan, a clear commercialization pathway, reasonable budgeted costs, and IDEA plans
How to apply
- Complete intake form on the BioCreate website.
- Intake call with the BioCreate team.
- Eligible applicants are invited to submit an application.
- Submit the written application using the provided BioCreate program application form.
- Application review and invitation to pitch.
- Pitch to the BioCreate Expert Panel.
Processing and Agreement
- Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NOA) and the BioCreate Project Agreement with final conditions for disbursement of funding
- Enter into a Project Agreement with Ontario Genomics within 10 business days from the receipt of the Agreement
- Participate in the BioCreate mentorship program (CEO or Executive level)
- Present at the investor showcase (Phase III)
- Complete reporting requirements during the 18-month project period and impact metrics collection for up to 5 years following completion of the project
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed in cohorts, with funding decisions made twice per year.
- Successful applicants receive a Notice of Award and a Project Agreement.
- Companies must maintain project records for at least 6 years after completion.
- IDEA considerations are part of the review and post-award process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the BioCreate Program Program
What is the BioCreate Program?
BioCreate is a five-year, $11.6-million program for SMEs in southern Ontario, funded by Ontario Genomics and the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario. It supports biotech companies commercializing genomics and engineering biology solutions in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors.
How much funding can be received?
BioCreate Program Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the BioCreate Program program?
To be eligible for the BioCreate Program program, you must:
Canadian or provincially incorporated businesses
SMEs located in southern Ontario
SMEs working on genomics or engineering biology-enabled products or technologies in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors with TRL 4+ minimum
What expenses are eligible under BioCreate Program?
Advance technology from TRL 4+ to TRL 7+
Test a prototype in a real-world environment
Pilot production of food ingredients or materials for testing
Process development and optimization of biomanufacturing processes, and manufacturing of a prototype device
Non-clinical and pre-clinical work leading towards an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for therapeutics
Who can I contact for more information about the BioCreate Program?
You can contact Ontario Genomics by email at BioCreate@ontariogenomics.ca.
Where is the BioCreate Program available?
The BioCreate Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the BioCreate Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
BioCreate Program is a Grant and Funding