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BioCreate Program

Business support for Ontario biotech start-ups

Offered by

Ontario Genomics

Official source: ontariogenomics.ca

Source change captured September 23, 2026

Funding available: $ 150,000
Deadline: Unspecified
Location: Ontario, Canada
Who can apply: Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); See full eligibility

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding: $150,000

Financing goals

Develop strategic partnerships
Develop a new product or service
Conduct research and development activities
Optimize production processes
Strengthen organizational capacity
Access new markets
Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location: Ontario
Eligible Industries: All industries
Annual revenue: $ 50,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size: 499 employees maximum
Audience: Startups
Legal structures: For-profit business

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Availability timeline

2026

Periods: 1

Latest changes

September 23, 2026

BioCreate C8 criteria and dates published

New BioCreate C8 information now shows the eligibility criteria, funding structure, and intake form closing date.

The BioCreate C8 program page now shows eligibility for incorporated, Canadian-owned companies based in Ontario that are at the pre-seed or seed stage, and for genomics or engineering-biology projects tied to biotech commercialization. It also states that eight projects will be funded. The page adds that projects start in 2027 for a 24-month term, and the intake form closes on October 5, 2026.

Official source: ontariogenomics.ca

September 23, 2026

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

Activities funded

Commercialize new products and technologies
Advance the participating SME’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) towards commercialization

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.

Documents Needed

BioCreate intake form
Written application form
Project and company/team description
Proof of matching funding and financial ability

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

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

BioCreate@ontariogenomics.ca

Official sources

Bio Create Program

Program guide

Advancing commercialization of biotech solutions in Ontario Bio Create (2023)Ontario’s Biotech Sector is Booming

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Frequently Asked Questions about the BioCreate Program Program

What is the BioCreate Program?

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