Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)

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.

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

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.

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.

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.