Developing Medicines through Open Science (DMOS)

• DMOS funds between 10% and 50% of eligible project costs per Canadian participant, based on project specifics.
• Maximum funding per project varies by Technology Readiness Level (TRL): up to $200,000 (TRL 2-3), $550,000 (TRL 3-4), or $1,600,000 (TRL 4-6).
• Funding is milestone-driven and reimbursement-based; payments are made after milestones are achieved and claims are approved.
• SME applicants must source at least 25% of their matching funds from non-government sources.
• A 5% administration fee is retained by Conscience, with up to 10% of each claim amount held back from every reimbursement.

• The project must address a pharmaceutical market failure (such as rare, neglected, or orphan diseases, pandemic preparedness, or antimicrobial resistance).
• The proposed research must be at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 2-6.
• The application must include at least one Canadian small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) as a participant.
• The applicant must provide proof of matching funds for project costs beyond what the grant covers.
• The applicant and project must commit to the Open Science Policy.

Who is eligible?

• Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in preclinical drug development
• Academic research teams partnering with Canadian SMEs
• Organizations focused on drug development for orphan diseases
• Organizations working on solutions for rare or neglected diseases, pandemic preparedness, or antimicrobial resistance

Eligible expenses

• Project-related expenses that align with the approved research activities.
• Travel expenses for attending project-progress events requested by the program.
• Salaries and staff hours as tracked in submitted timesheets.
• Other costs incurred with prior formal approval for changes to the research project.

Eligible geographic areas

• Canadian companies

• Alignment with program scope, including addressing an unmet medical need or neglected disease.
• Scientific merit and rationale, including the adequacy of preliminary data and feasibility of the planned approach.
• Quality and expertise of the research team and environment.
• Strength and feasibility of the drug development plan, including regulatory endpoints and innovation potential.
• Commitment to the open science policy, including data sharing plans and transparency.

• The funding process is interactive and applicants may be asked to revise their application during review.
• Conscience charges a 5% administration fee and may retain up to 10% of the claim amount from each reimbursement.
• Grantees are subject to potential audit requirements and must provide additional documentation if requested.
• Selected applicants may be invited to participate in events and networking opportunities organized by Conscience.