How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 45% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Technology Leadership: Genomics stream?

Technology Leadership: Genomics stream is funded by Protein Industries Canada

What are Technology Leadership: Genomics stream's eligibility criterias?

Must be a consortium of at least two companies, including at least one Canadian-based SME. Each consortium member must contribute meaningfully, typically financially, to the project. At least two partners must be Canadian companies or multinationals with significant Canadian operations.

Technology Leadership: Genomics stream

Last Update: June 3, 2025

Canada

Supports commercialization of genomics-driven crop variety innovation

Technology Leadership: Genomics stream at a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 45% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Grant Providers

Protein Industries Canada

Status

Open

Overview of the Technology Leadership: Genomics stream program

The Technology Leadership: Genomics stream provides up to $3,000,000 over four years to support the commercialization of new and improved broad-acre crop varieties using advanced genomics tools in plant breeding and variety development. Eligible activities include developing genomic markers, integrating multi-omics data, gene editing, field trials, and assessing genetic lines for commercialization across the agrifood supply chain.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum total project budget: $3,000,000 over 4 years.
Protein Industries Canada will reimburse up to 45% of eligible project costs.
All projects are required to pay a 4% project administration fee on total eligible reconciled project costs, up to a maximum of twice the contribution from Protein Industries Canada.

Eligible projects & activities

Development and commercialization of new and improved broad-acre crop varieties using genomic tools.
Application of multi-omics strategies to enhance crop traits for industry priorities.
Use of gene editing tools to improve crop traits or accelerate breeding cycles.
Field trials and large-scale testing to assess performance of new crop varieties.
Assessment of crop lines for suitability in end-user processing and providing targeted feedback to breeders.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 22,000

Launching a digital booking system for arts workshops

$ 17,500

Introducing mobile payment and point-of-sale for food trucks

$ 49,750

Modernizing bakery production with new energy-efficient equipment

$ 47,000

Developing an online tutoring platform for French immersion students

$ 79,900

Upgrading elevator and universal access at a community centre

$ 99,950

Expanding composting services with new trucks and containers

Eligibility criteria of the Technology Leadership: Genomics stream program

The application must be submitted by a consortium of at least two members, ideally three or more, and must include at least one Canadian-based small or medium enterprise (SME) with 499 or fewer employees.
At least two consortium members must contribute financially to the project.
At least two partners must be Canadian companies or multi-national corporations with a significant business operation in Canada and legally entitled to do business in Canada.
The project must align with the objectives of Protein Industries Canada and the Global Innovation Cluster initiative.
Each consortium member must contribute meaningfully to the project, either through financial commitment or expertise (e.g., IP, market knowledge).

Who is eligible?

Crop breeding companies
Seed companies (including seed distributors, certified seed growers)
End-user processors (such as food and ingredient companies)
Crop agronomy companies
Biotechnology and genomics companies

Who is not eligible

Companies that are not legally entitled to do business in Canada or lack a significant Canadian business operation.
Projects that are classified as a “designated project” or a “project” under applicable federal environmental and impact assessment legislation.
Entities that are not compliant with all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced by the Government of Canada.

Eligible expenses

Salaries and benefits for personnel directly involved in the project.
Costs of equipment and materials required for the project.
Contracted services and consultancy fees related to project execution.
Travel expenses necessary for the completion of project activities.
Project administration fee (4% of total eligible reconciled project costs, up to a certain maximum).
Other direct costs essential for implementing the project, as outlined in the program guide and budget documentation.

Eligible geographic areas

Canadian companies or multi-national corporations with significant operations in Canada
Non-Canadian entities may participate with approval from Protein Industries Canada
For joint Canada-UK projects: at least one Canadian SME and one UK company are required as consortium partners

Eligibility criteria of the Technology Leadership: Genomics stream program

Ecosystem development: Contribution to the development and strengthening of the agrifood value chain.
Technical merit: Quality and innovation of the technological approach, including use of genomic tools in plant breeding.
Commercial application: Clear potential for commercialization and adoption by industry within a reasonable timeframe.

How to apply to the Technology Leadership: Genomics stream program

Step 1: Review Project Eligibility RequirementsRead the Technology Leadership Program Guide to understand the structure, eligibility requirements, and program priorities.
Ensure your consortium meets the minimum requirements.
Step 2: Initial Inquiry and Introductory CallEmail projects@proteinsupercluster.ca to request an introductory call to discuss your project idea and determine eligibility.
Step 3: Complete Expression of Interest (EOI)Download and complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form for your consortium.
Ensure each consortium member fills out and signs the "Declaration As To Authorization and Compliance" document.
Submit the completed EOI and Declaration forms via email to projects@proteinsupercluster.ca.
Step 4: EOI EvaluationWait for Protein Industries Canada to review your EOI.
Be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
Receive notification of whether your consortium will proceed to the next stage.
Step 5: Full Project Proposal DevelopmentIf invited, collaborate with Protein Industries Canada staff and consortium members to prepare the Full Project Proposal using provided templates.
Provide detailed information on project scope, budget, work plan, IP rationale, data governance strategy, and commercialization plan.
Complete the initial financial assessment using the provided templates.
Step 6: Submit Full Project ProposalSubmit both the Word and Excel templates for the Full Project Proposal as instructed by Protein Industries Canada.
Participate in a kick-off meeting virtually if requested by Protein Industries Canada.
Step 7: Evaluation and ApprovalWait for Protein Industries Canada’s evaluation of your full proposal.
If approved, participate in negotiations and sign the Master Project Agreement (MPA), including finalizing the work plan, budgets, and key project milestones.
Submit required supporting documentation, such as financial statements and organizational structure.
Step 8: Project InitiationBegin project activities after the Master Project Agreement is signed.
Follow the reporting, reimbursement, and project monitoring procedures as outlined by Protein Industries Canada.

Additional information

All projects are required to pay a 4% project administration fee to Protein Industries Canada, calculated based on total eligible reconciled project costs.
Each consortium member must sign a "Declaration As To Authorization and Compliance" regarding government sanctions and applicable acts.
A data and intellectual property (IP) strategy must be developed and submitted as part of the project proposal.
Consortia members will receive IP training to address challenges and best practices associated with IP generated during the project.