How much funding can be received?

The Canadian Biotechnology Innovation and Commercialization (CBIC) initiative provides funding of up to $2 million to support public-private research and development projects focused on the commercialization of genomics and biotechnology innovations. Eligible activities include innovation R&D from invention to proof of concept through prototype demonstration, aiming to generate significant social and economic impact for Canadian stakeholders.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides specific financing modalities to support public-private R&D projects aimed at accelerating the commercialization of genomics and biotechnology innovations. The terms ensure strategic financial structuring to maximize the impact of industry investments.

Applicants can request up to 1/3 of the project budget from Genome Canada, ensuring a balanced distribution of funding responsibilities.
Genome Canada offers a contribution ranging from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $2 million per project.
Projects require co-funding from other sources, with a co-funding ratio of at least 1:2, where the Receptor(s) must match or exceed Genome Canada’s financial commitment.
Funding is contingent upon securing all co-funding and signing necessary agreements by the specified deadline.
Project duration is set between two to three years, allowing for significant development periods.
A funding hierarchy prioritizes Canadian-domiciled Receptor entities over foreign-headquartered companies.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Canadian Biotechnology Innovation and Commercialization (CBIC) Initiative supports projects focused on the research, development, and commercialization of genomics and biotechnology innovations. These projects are required to address real-world challenges and opportunities as defined by industry Receptors, fostering public-private partnerships and generating socio-economic benefits for Canadian stakeholders.

Projects focusing on the innovation R&D of new products, processes, or services leveraging genomics and biotechnology.
Initiatives aimed at demonstrating proof of concept and creating prototypes involving genomics applications.
Collaborative projects between Researchers and Receptors to address industry-defined challenges or opportunities.
Research and development efforts that de-risk opportunities and attract follow-on investments in genomic solutions.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant requires that the lead Receptor meet specific criteria related to their organizational status and activities within Canada.

The lead Receptor must be a Canadian for-profit entity domiciled in Canada, whether public or privately held.
Alternatively, the lead Receptor can be a foreign for-profit entity with business operations in Canada, such as producing goods or services or conducting R&D within Canada.
An industry consortia or a non-profit organization that will provide the innovation to Canadian for-profit entities can also qualify as a lead Receptor.
Preference is given to Canadian-domiciled for-profit entities over those headquartered outside of Canada.
The project must be co-led by an eligible Researcher and a senior representative from the Receptor organization.
The project partners must have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, integrating their expertise and resources.
The Receptor organization must not be solely funded or primarily funded by public sources.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Canadian Biotechnology Innovation and Commercialization (CBIC) Initiative is a funding opportunity for certain types of organizations engaged in genomics and biotechnology research and commercialization. This program specifically targets public-private research partnerships with a focus on innovation and commercialization in genomics.

Canadian public and private institutions involved in genomics-related innovation R&D.
Projects co-led by a Researcher & Receptor that addresses a Receptor-defined opportunity or challenge.
Canadian-domiciled for-profit entities acting as lead Receptors, with foreign companies potentially eligible if they have operations in Canada.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses that are directly related to the project's success, including limited equipment purchases and services essential to achieving project goals.

Individual equipment items with costs less than or equal to $100,000 per item; more expensive items assessed case-by-case.
Collective use of Genome Canada funds for equipment not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the approved Genome Canada funding.
Services from others with a total cost less than or equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total budget; higher amounts assessed case-by-case.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies with specific requirements based on their geographical location and operational presence. Eligible areas ensure that the entities can effectively contribute to the commercialization and implementation of genomics and biotechnology in Canada.

Canadian for-profit entities that are domiciled in Canada regardless of size or stage of development.
Foreign for-profit entities with business operations in Canada, involved in producing goods or services or conducting R&D.
Companies or consortia within Canada actively contributing to industrial R&D projects.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the CBIC initiative are based on the potential socio-economic benefits, the project's alignment with the initiative's objectives, and its feasibility and risk management strategies.

Potential socio-economic impact and benefits for Canadian stakeholders.
Feasibility of the proposed product, process, or service solution.
Clear analysis of the market opportunity being addressed.
Comprehensive risk-mitigation plan addressing potential project barriers, including technical, social, market, regulatory, and competition.
Extent of technological innovation and contribution to advancing Canadian genomics and biotechnology sectors.
Alignment with the inclusivity and diversity principles, specifically encouraging participation from underrepresented communities.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Submission of Letter of Intent (LOI)
Draft a summary of the proposed project and its value proposition.
Include a description of the technical opportunity or solution, market opportunity, commercialization plan, and potential socio-economic impact.
Submit the LOI to Genome Canada through your regional Genome Centre.
Await notification from Genome Canada regarding the eligibility of your project, which will be communicated within 10 business days of submission.
Step 2: Preparation of Full Application
Develop a detailed explanation of the project's research, development, and commercialization plan.
Prepare a comprehensive budget outline for the project.
Ensure adherence to the intellectual property, co-funding, and inclusion criteria as per Genome Canada guidelines.
Step 3: Submission of Full Application
Submit the detailed full application to Genome Canada through your regional Genome Centre.
Ensure completeness and accuracy of all submitted documents to meet Genome Canada’s requirements.
Step 4: Review and Recommendations
Your application will be initially reviewed by a panel of external experts.
The Genome Canada Oversight and Review Committee (ORC) will assess the proposal package along with expert reviews.
The ORC will provide funding recommendations to Genome Canada’s Board of Directors.
Step 5: Final Decision
The Board of Directors of Genome Canada will make the final funding decision.
Confirm receipt of decision and, if approved, prepare to comply with all requirements for funding management and project reporting.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

An IP term sheet or broader agreement must be legally binding and signed before the release of funds.
The Data Release and Resource Sharing Plan is mandatory and aligns with Genome Canada's policies balancing commercial confidentiality and openness.
All reviewers and Oversight and Review Committee members are bound by confidentiality and conflict of interest agreements.
Genome Canada encourages projects to include individuals from under-represented communities in leadership positions.
Projects with Indigenous involvement should adhere to principles of Indigenous data governance and respect cultural sensitivities as specified in the Tri-Council Policy Statement.
Progress reports are generally required semi-annually, but some projects might need more frequent reporting as deemed necessary.
The Oversight and Review Committee will assess progress reports to determine if funding should continue, be modified, or terminated.

Apply to this program

Exploring the Canadian Biotechnology Innovation and Commercialization Initiative

The Canadian Biotechnology Innovation and Commercialization (CBIC) initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of genomics and biotechnology innovations through strategic public-private R&D partnerships. This grant supports projects fostering innovation, industry investment, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on delivering socio-economic benefits across Canada.

In-Depth Understanding of the CBIC Initiative: Objectives, Partnerships, and Impact

The Canadian Biotechnology Innovation and Commercialization (CBIC) initiative stands as a vital instrument in promoting technological advancement and industry engagement within Canada's biotechnology and genomics sectors. Administered by Genome Canada, the CBIC initiative is carefully structured to stimulate significant private-sector investment in genomics innovations that derive from public research and development investments. This program leverages public-private partnerships to further the commercialization of biotechnology advancements, thus addressing pressing societal needs identified by industry sectors. The initiative's focus is not only to de-risk innovations but also to create a streamlined pathway for the development and market introduction of cutting-edge biotechnological solutions that could elevate Canada's standing in the global marketplace.

Projects eligible for CBIC funding are those primarily engaged in innovative R&D activities, spanning from the invention stage to the demonstration of prototypes. The breadth of these projects underscores the initiative's commitment to advancing solutions that incorporate genomics and biotechnology, specifically targeting opportunities that are identified and defined by a commercial entity, known as the Receptor. Each undertaking must be co-led by a researcher affiliated with a Canadian academic or not-for-profit research institution, alongside a Receptor from the industrial sector, ensuring that both academic insight and industry experience are harnessed to maximize success.

A core objective of the CBIC initiative is not only to enhance Canadian economic growth through innovation but also to propagate socio-economic benefits by engaging stakeholders from diverse economic sectors. The initiative requires that funded projects generate substantial benefits, including but not limited to increased industry investment in research and development, development of new and innovative products and technologies, business growth, and enhanced international competitiveness. By prioritizing Canadian-domiciled companies as lead Receptors, the initiative emphasizes enhancing local economic conditions and openings for regional development.

Additionally, the CBIC initiative prioritizes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility and makes substantial efforts towards Indigenous truth and reconciliation. It drives the importance of creating an equitable research culture, promoting the active participation of underrepresented communities in innovation and leadership roles. This not only enhances the research dynamo but aligns with national goals to encompass a broader talent pool in the field of biotechnology and genomics.

The application process under the CBIC is bifurcated into two main components: the Letter of Intent (LOI) and the Full Application. The LOI serves as a preliminary evaluation step where applicants outline their proposed project and its market potential. Upon successful clearance from this stage, applicants are invited to submit a comprehensive application, providing a detailed project roadmap including the commercialization strategy and expected socio-economic impacts.

Intellectual Property (IP) management is a pivotal component of the CBIC initiative. Participants must agree upon binding agreements concerning the sharing and management of IP to safeguard commercial interests while ensuring rights for new developments are clearly assigned. This strategic management of IP fosters a healthy innovation ecosystem capable of producing cutting-edge solutions and enduring industrial partnerships.

In conclusion, the CBIC grant is an essential opportunity for companies and research entities striving to bring genomic inventions to the forefront, while also making significant contributions to Canada's socio-economic landscape. Through fostering collaboration between disparate sectors and maintaining a robust emphasis on equity and inclusivity, the initiative promotes a comprehensive framework for future-proofing Canada's leadership in biotechnology across diverse industries.