Ontario Genomics: Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) - Round 26 -2023

Sponsor

Genome Canada (through Ontario Genomics)

Program

Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)

Description

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) funds downstream research and development (R&D) projects that address real-world opportunities and challenges defined by “Receptor” organizations such as industry, government or not-for-profit entities. These organizations should have the expertise, resources and commitment to commercialize or implement the project’s outcomes. Projects must be active collaborations between the Receptor organization (Canadian or international) and a Canadian academic researcher. Both must play an integral role in the project. These projects are co-funded by Receptors and other stakeholders and must have the potential to generate significant social and/or economic benefits for Canada. The GAPP aims to:

• Accelerate the application of Canadian genomics-derived solutions from academia to real-world opportunities and challenges defined by industry, not-for-profit and public-sector receptors;
• Channel Canada’s genomics capacity into sustainable innovations that benefit Canadians;
• Enhance the value of Canadian genomics technologies by de-risking and incentivizing follow-on investment from industry and other partners;
• Foster mutually beneficial collaboration and knowledge exchange between Canadian academia and technology receptors.

GAPP is open to projects across all sectors. For examples of previously funded projects, see Funded GAPP Projects.

Eligibility

To be eligible for GAPP, a project must:

• Develop and apply a genomics-derived product, tool or process for an opportunity or challenge defined by the Receptor(s);
• Focus on late-stage R&D that will position the innovation for near-term implementation / commercialization;
• Be co-led by an academic and a Receptor organization in partnership, with active and necessary roles for both; and,
• Demonstrate the potential to generate significant social and / or benefits for Canada.

Small-scale proof-of-concept / pilot projects through to large-scale projects will be accepted.  Projects should not be in the discovery phase.

Receptor Eligibility:

A Receptor is defined as an organization that intends to put the resulting innovation into practice (in internal operations, by commercialization, or otherwise making it available to its ultimate users). Eligible Receptors include:

• Companies (private / public, Canadian / foreign-owned);
• Industry consortia;
• Government departments and agencies (federal, provincial and municipal);
• Healthcare organizations; and
• Not-for-profit organizations.

Small or start-up companies may be considered. Please see GAPP Guidelines for full information regarding the eligibility criteria.

Funding Availability

Total project size: $300,000 to $6 million. The structure of the funding plan is as follows:

• 1/3 investment from Genome Canada;
• 1/3 provided by the Receptor partner (cash or in-kind); and
• 1/3 of other co-funding.

For more information see Appendix 2 of the GAPP Investment Strategy and Guidelines and the document Ontario Genomics Quick Financial Guide (GAPP).

Indirect Costs

0% for funding requested from Genome Canada; indirect costs may apply to Receptor (i.e. industry) collaborator(s). Please contact the Office of Research Services at research.services@uoguelph.ca.

Project Duration

Typically two to three years. Shorter or longer terms will be considered only if strong rationale is provided.

How to Apply

There is a three-stage, gated application process for this program:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI)
2. Project Pitch
3. Supplementary Proposal

Note that the EOI and Project Pitch content resembles a business case for the proposed project.  At each of the above stages, Ontario Genomics has developed a due diligence review process, where a panel of industry experts and entrepreneurs provide feedback to help teams navigate the application and increase their competitiveness. These reviews are mandatory for all Ontario projects.

Applicants should anticipate the following phases in the application process:

1. Registering your intent to apply to Ontario Genomics and obtain EOI form.
2. Submission of draft EOI to Ontario Genomics.
3. Face-to-face (or Zoom meeting) business pitch to due diligence review panel. (See panel members).
4. Development of final EOI through active collaboration with Ontario Genomics.
5. Submission of EOI to University of Guelph Office of Research (two weeks prior to deadline set by Ontario Genomics).
6. Submission of EOI to Genome Canada via Ontario Genomics.
7. For teams invited to Project Pitch stage: Perform practice pitch with Ontario Genomics before official pitch to Genome Canada.
8. For teams invited to Supplementary Proposal stage:
   1. Submit draft Supplementary Proposals to Ontario Genomics.
   2. Development of final Supplementary Proposals through active collaboration with Ontario Genomics.
   3. Submission of final Supplementary Proposals to University of Guelph Office of Research (two weeks prior to deadline set by Ontario Genomics)
   4. Submit final Supplementary Proposals to Ontario Genomics for panel review before submission to Genome Canada.

Application Forms and Submission:

Please contact Yoo Jin Park, Manager, Sector Innovation & Programs, to discuss fit of potential projects with the program and key criteria for GAPP. Potential applicants are encouraged to do this well ahead of the draft intake date. Project teams that are a potential fit will be provided the Expression of Interest (EOI) form. 

Information For Co-applicants

If you need to meet a deadline set by the lead institution for this opportunity, please ensure that you provide the Office of Research with at least five days in advance of the lead institution’s deadline to review the application, or your proposed component of the project. Please be in touch with the Office of Research (contact information below) ahead of the deadline if it looks like it will be difficult for you to submit all the required documentation on time (i.e. budget, proposal, OR-5 Form).