How much funding can be received?

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) by Genome Canada provides funding up to $6 million for downstream R&D projects that apply genomics-derived or enabling technologies to real-world challenges identified by Receptor organizations, with a focus on late-stage R&D for near-term commercialization or implementation. Eligible activities must involve active collaboration between an academic researcher and a Receptor organization to generate significant socio-economic benefits in Canada.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) provides financial support through specific funding modalities to facilitate the development and application of genomics-derived innovations.

Genome Canada contributes up to 1/3 of the total project budget, with a minimum contribution of $100,000 and a maximum of $2 million.
Total project size ranges from $300,000 to $6 million, requiring Receptor co-funding that is equal to or greater than Genome Canada’s contribution.
Any remaining co-funding must come from other eligible sources, complying with a 1:2 co-funding ratio (Genome Canada: all co-funding sources).
Project co-funding (cash and/or in-kind) must be confirmed upfront, with some flexibility granted to small start-up companies for annual confirmation.
The duration of projects typically ranges from 2 to 3 years, but shorter or longer terms can be considered with strong justification.

grant_single_labels|projects

Eligible projects for the Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) involve the development and application of genomics-derived or genomics-enabling tools, products, or processes. These projects must be aligned with late-stage research and development focused on positioning innovations for near-term commercialization or implementation.

Advancing genomics technologies emerging from academic research for practical application.
Applying genomic solutions derived from academic expertise to add value to industry-specific products, tools, or processes.
Collaborative projects focused on the co-creation of genomics innovations between academic and receptor organizations.
Initiatives that demonstrate the potential for significant social and economic benefits within Canada.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for participation as a Receptor organization in the Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) involves specific criteria related to the organization's readiness and capacity to implement and commercialize the outcomes of the project.

The organization must intend to implement the resulting innovation internally, commercially, or make it available for use by the end-users.
Eligible organizations include companies (private/public, Canadian/foreign-owned), industry consortia, government departments and agencies, healthcare organizations, and not-for-profit organizations.
Small or start-up companies may be eligible if they have a clear business model and credible industry traction.
Companies owned by or employing the Academic Project Leader must demonstrate independent governance and facilities from the Academic's laboratory.
All involved Receptor organizations must have decision-making processes independent of the Academic Project Leader.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not explicitly exclude specific types or statuses of companies from applying. Therefore, restrictions related to industry or company type are not specified within the available information.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant allows for specific expenses crucial to the project, including certain equipment, provided they are justified for the project’s success.

Individual equipment items with costs up to $50,000 per item.
Equipment expenses collectively using Genome Canada funds not exceeding 10% of the approved funding.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant primarily targets Canadian companies and collaborations with the involvement of Canadian academic researchers. Receptor organizations, which can include companies, may be located internationally but must partner with Canadian entities.

Canadian-based companies (private or public).
International companies partnering with Canadian academic institutions.
Federal, provincial, and municipal government departments and agencies in Canada.
Canadian non-profit organizations.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) is based on the project's ability to meet the scientific, commercial, and socio-economic criteria set forth by Genome Canada for effective collaboration and innovation.

The project objectives must be clear, quantifiable, and achievable within the proposed timeline.
There should be a clear scientific rationale for the proposed approach, targeted performance of the innovation, and desired outcomes based on previous work and credible references.
The pathway to implementation and/or commercialization of the innovation must be clear and realistic, accounting for likely hurdles to adoption in legal, regulatory, social, economic, and logistical terms.
The social and/or economic benefits to Canada must be quantifiable, significant, and likely to be realized within 3 to 5 years after project completion.
The management team, including both the Academic Leader and Receptor, should possess the appropriate qualifications, capacity, and experience to contribute significantly to the project's success.
The financing strategy, including Genome Canada’s contribution and co-funding plans, should be well-documented, eligible, and feasible, ensuring all financial aspects are meticulously planned and justified.
Overall integration and alignment with Genome Canada’s strategic objectives for long-term socio-economic benefits leveraging genomics research.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Register Intent
Register your intent to apply to Ontario Genomics and obtain the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
Step 2: Complete Draft EOI
Complete a draft EOI and submit it to Ontario Genomics.
Step 3: Present Business Pitch
Present a face-to-face business pitch to Ontario Genomics’ GAPP Review Panel.
Step 4: Finalize and Submit EOI
Develop the final EOI through active collaboration with Ontario Genomics.
Submit the final EOI to Genome Canada via Ontario Genomics.
Step 5: Prepare Project Pitch (If Invited)
Present practice pitch to Ontario Genomics before the official pitch to Genome Canada.
Step 6: Submit Supplementary Proposal (If Invited)
Submit draft applications to Ontario Genomics for panel review before submission to Genome Canada.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

There is a requirement for a legally binding agreement regarding intellectual property rights between project partners.
Genome Canada does not take ownership of any Intellectual Property generated from funded projects.
The grant aims to form collaborations that integrate expertise from academia with receptor organizations.
Applicants must provide a Data Release and Resource Sharing Plan, with a possibility of exemption requests.
Projects under the GAPP must take steps to maximize national benefits of the resulting innovations post-project.
Regular reporting requirements are stipulated, with semi-annual reports normally required.
A clear description of technical, financial, and management roles must be outlined in proposals.

Apply to this program

Driving Genomic Innovation for Real-World Challenges

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) empowers collaborations between academia and receptor organizations to translate genomic research into tangible innovations, addressing challenges in diverse sectors. Funded by Genome Canada, this program supports projects capable of delivering significant socio-economic benefits to Canada.

Exploring the Genomic Applications Partnership Program's Impact and Process

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), launched by Genome Canada, is a transformative funding initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. This program targets downstream research and development, ensuring innovations derived from genomics are applied in addressing real-world challenges faced by sectors such as industry, government, and not-for-profit organizations. By funding projects across multiple sectors including human health, agriculture, and the environment, GAPP fosters the commercialization of genomic technologies, contributing to Canada’s socio-economic growth.

A distinct characteristic of GAPP is its collaborative model, which requires active involvement from both Canadian academic researchers and receptor organizations. This collaboration ensures mutualistic knowledge exchange, with academics providing scientific expertise and receptor organizations contributing resources and practical insights necessary for implementation. Such partnerships are fundamental in steering projects from proof-of-concept to pilot stages, effectively positioning them for commercial success.

Projects under the GAPP funding must not only be development-focused but should have a strategic plan to deliver significant benefits to Canadians, aligning with Genome Canada’s vision of using genomics for impactful solutions. The program emphasizes investments in projects that can demonstrate a clear path to implementation or commercialization, thereby accelerating the pace at which Canadian innovations enter domestic and international markets.

Eligible projects must be co-led by academic and receptor representatives, fostering an environment where scientific endeavors meet operational execution. The strategic involvement of receptor organizations—be they companies, healthcare institutions, or government bodies—ensures that innovations are grounded in real-world applicability, enhancing the project’s potential impact.

GAPP’s rigorous funding model requires comprehensive co-funding, ensuring receptor organizations contribute equivalent or greater resources than Genome Canada, thus encouraging shared responsibility and investment in the project's success. This co-funding strategy not only de-risks Genome Canada’s investment but also incentivizes follow-on investments from industry and other stakeholders.

Moreover, GAPP addresses societal barriers by mandating that projects consider and engage with societal impacts, ensuring the innovations are not only scientifically sound but also socially acceptable and beneficial. As projects progress from expression of interest to full proposal, they undergo extensive review processes to validate technical feasibility and projected socio-economic benefits.

The program’s comprehensive application process, from the initial expression of interest to the project pitch and supplementary proposal, integrates mentorship and feedback mechanisms. Ontario Genomics, for instance, offers review panels that help refine proposals, enhancing their competitiveness and ensuring they meet genome Canada's strategic goals.

Ultimately, the GAPP represents a strategic approach to leveraging Canada’s genomic capabilities, driving forward innovations that not only tackle current challenges but also pave the way for future scientific and economic advancements. With continued investment and focus on translating genomic research into actionable solutions, GAPP plays a pivotal role in fostering a robust, innovative, and resilient Canadian genomics landscape.