BioCreate Program
ON, Canada
Support for commercialization in genomics and engineering biology in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 15, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 30, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Genomics
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Access funding, mentorship, infrastructure, investor showcase, and business support to enable your SME to commercialize genomics and engineering biology enabled products and/or technologies in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The BioCreate Program offers specific financing modalities to support SMEs in commercializing genomics and engineering biology technologies. These modalities ensure the effective utilization of resources throughout the project's lifecycle.
- Direct, non-repayable funding of up to $150,000 per project.
- Matched funding requirement with a minimum of $100,000 from participating companies.
- Total project size must reach at least $250,000.
- Funding includes a requirement to allocate at least $5,000 towards intellectual property and regulatory expertise.
- Funding is contingent on achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL) progression from 4+ to 7+.
grant_single_labels|projects
The BioCreate Program focuses on advancing genomics and engineering biology technologies towards commercialization. Eligible projects aim to demonstrate technologies in real-world environments and include advancements in health, agriculture, food, and cleantech.
- Pilot production of food ingredients or materials for testing.
- Process development and optimization of biomanufacturing processes.
- Manufacturing of a prototype device such as molecular diagnostics instruments.
- Non-clinical and pre-clinical work leading towards an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for therapeutics.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 150,000
Enhancing clean energy production using bioengineering approaches
$ 150,000
Using genomics to improve livestock health and productivity
$ 150,000
Developing AI-based diagnostic tools for early cancer detection
$ 150,000
Developing biodegradable packaging using bioengineering techniques
$ 150,000
Developing plant-based proteins for sustainable food production
$ 150,000
Creating a sustainable agriculture framework using genomics
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's location, project focus, and financial contributions.
- Applicants must be a Canadian or provincially incorporated business.
- Project must be led by a SME located in southern Ontario.
- Include use of genomics or engineering biology technology, or be genomics or engineering biology-enabled or enabling.
- Conduct research and development starting after the achievement of TRL 4+ and advancing to TRL 7+ during the project.
- Each project must be matched with $100,000 minimum in funding from the company.
- The project must be performed in Ontario and awarded funds cannot flow outside of Ontario unless first approved by Ontario Genomics.
- Funded projects must clearly articulate their plan to attract investment, create jobs and improve lives in southern Ontario in the near to long-term.
- Project should be 18-months in duration.
- Applicants must follow the application process outlined.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The BioCreate program is specifically designed for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in southern Ontario, working on genomics and/or engineering biology enabled products and/or technologies in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors.
- SMEs must be Canadian or provincially incorporated businesses.
- The SME must be located in southern Ontario.
- Projects must involve genomics or engineering biology technology.
- The project should demonstrate progression from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4+ to TRL 7+.
- Applicants should match the funding with a minimum of $100,000 from company resources.
- The project activities must be conducted in Ontario and must involve post-TRL 4+ advancements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant program does not specify explicit exclusions based on industry or status beyond the general eligibility criteria. Companies not meeting these criteria may not qualify for funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The BioCreate grant supports projects that advance genomic and engineering biology technologies from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4+ towards commercialization. The eligible activities involve moving innovations into real-world applications and developing prototypes for the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors.
- Pilot production of food ingredients or materials for testing in the industry.
- Process development and optimization of biomanufacturing methods.
- Manufacturing of prototype devices such as molecular diagnostics or instruments.
- Conducting non-clinical and pre-clinical work towards an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for therapeutics.
- Protection and commercialization of new technology is also a critical aspect, ensuring intellectual property remains in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is specifically available to small and medium-sized enterprises located in Southern Ontario. These areas are eligible to ensure that local businesses receive the support needed for commercializing genomics and engineering biology innovations.
- Hamilton
- Waterloo
- Toronto
- Peterborough
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the BioCreate grant are based on specific criteria that ensure alignment with the program's objectives.
- Understanding of target customers, global market, competition, and competitive advantage.
- TRL progression/advancement within the project from TRL 4+ to TRL 7+, creating an inflection in value as defined by customer feedback and market analysis.
- Project team's expertise and resources necessary for the proposed project.
- Background and rationale for the project, including industry pull and market need.
- Innovative aspects of the project, including genomics and/or engineering biology, preliminary data, and any background information necessary to demonstrate feasibility.
- Demonstrated benefits to southern Ontario and to the company, such as job creation and investment attraction.
- Detailed project work plan, including objectives, activities, milestones, timelines, risk mitigation considerations, and specific roles and responsibilities of the applicants and team.
- Clearly articulated next steps and pathway to commercialization.
- Reasonableness and alignment of budgeted costs with the proposed project plan and activities.
- Principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA): the applicant must describe plans to facilitate the recruitment and full participation of underrepresented groups.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Expression of Interest
- Complete the BioCreate intake form available on the BioCreate website.
- A representative from the BioCreate team will contact you to discuss your project idea.
- Eligibility is evaluated by the Ontario Genomics’ BioCreate team.
- Eligible applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
- Ineligible applicants will receive advice and encouragement to reapply in the future as appropriate.
- Step 2: Submit Full Application
- Use the provided BioCreate program application form to detail your project and team.
- Refer to the BioCreate webpage for application submission deadlines, occurring twice annually.
- Late applications will automatically roll over to the next cohort for consideration.
- The BioCreate team reviews submitted applications, and selects the strongest candidates.
- Step 3: Pitch to Expert Panel
- Invited applicants present their company and project to the BioCreate expert panel.
- The expert panel consists of industry professionals, technology experts, VCs, and end users.
- Projects are ranked, and the most competitive are chosen for funding based on the panel's evaluation and predefined criteria.
- Step 4: Notification of Awards
- Receive notification if your application has been successful.
- Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NOA) and BioCreate Project Agreement with funding conditions.
- Ensure timely execution of the Project Agreement within 10 business days of receipt.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Ontario Genomics expects recipients of funds to develop patents, licenses, and material sharing policies to promote product development and commercialization with an economic impact for Canada.
- Projects must implement proper mechanisms for the protection of intellectual property in accordance with provincial and federal legislation.
- Funded Companies need to participate in the BioCreate mentorship program and present at the investor showcase.
- A Notice of Award (NOA) will be provided to successful applicants, and a Project Agreement must be entered within 10 business days from receipt.
grant_single_labels|contact
biocreate@ontariogenomics.ca
