Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) - Ontario Genomics - 2025

Sponsor

Ontario Genomics (via funding from Genome Canada)

Program

Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)

For More Information

Please see the program webpage. 

Description

Ontario Genomics is launching the Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) to accelerate the commercialization of academic discoveries into made-in-Ontario biotech solutions.

Ontario is home to world-class researchers and institutions producing groundbreaking discoveries, yet many of them fail to progress beyond the lab. That’s because spinout companies (formed to commercialize academic intellectual property) that bring these innovations to market are often stifled by insufficient access to capital, long commercialization timelines and limited business expertise.

Ontario Genomics’ Regional GAPP is addressing these challenges by supporting spinouts at this critical lab-to-company technology transfer stage, facilitating R&D capacity, independence from academia and positioning them for seed financing. The end results will fuel job creation, company retention, IP generation and attract foreign investment, while reinforcing Ontario’s economic resilience and global reputation in genomics innovation.

In support of the Canadian Genomics Strategy, and as part of their broader GAPP initiative, Genome Canada has provided $4 million over four years to the Ontario Genomics Regional GAPP. The Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES) has committed to match the Genome Canada contribution through the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) for the 2025 round, pending the Ministry’s approval of projects.

Eligibility

• The genomics-based/enabled project supports the invention, development or commercialization of a biotech innovation with a clearly articulated market opportunity.
• The project is driven by a spinout company in partnership with an Ontario-based researcher and will facilitate translation of IP from academia into the commercialization pathway.
• The spinout company is incorporated, Canadian-owned and based in Ontario.
• The spinout company stage is pre-seed or earlier.
• The spinout company has at least two employees (including executives). If the lead project researcher is also the CEO, the company’s governance board must have at least one additional member.
• The project has the potential to generate social and economic benefits for the company and Ontario.

Projects must include one researcher who acts as the administrative project leader and receives Genome Canada and ORF funding. Researchers must be employed by eligible institutions: 

• Canadian post-secondary institutions,
• Research institutes or hospitals,
• Not-for-profit organizations with explicit research mandates.

Note: A receptor project leader cannot also act as a researcher.

Funding Availability

• The project term is 1-2 years (no extensions).
• Four projects will be funded per year.
• Project budget will be a minimum of $667,734:
  • $222,578 from Genome Canada
  • $222,578 from MCURES/ORF (conditions apply – see Program Guide for details)
  • ≥$222,578 from the private sector (cash or in-kind)

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are not permitted on funds from Ontario Genomics. Partner cash incurs 40% per the Full Cost of Research Policy. 

Project Duration

Project term is 1-2 years (note: project extensions are no longer permitted). 

Special Notes

It is strongly recommended that potential researchers follow up with the noted Ontario Genomics contacts listed herein to determine if project and spinout company is eligible. 

How to Apply

If you meet the criteria identified (and have spoken with an Ontario Genomics representative), the link to the intake form can be found in the Program Guide.