Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)

Please note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Genome Prairie to determine project eligibility and to obtain the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.

For inquiries on GAPP, please contact Dr. Lester Young, Genome Prairie’s Chief Scientific Officer, at lyoung@genomeprairie.ca

What is a GAPP project?

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) funds downstream research and development (R&D) projects that address real-world challenges. GAPP projects are led by receptor organizations that can originate from industry, non-profit or government entities. Receptor organizations must possesses expertise and resources needed to commercialize and/or implement the project’s major outcomes.

GAPP projects are often co-funded by the receptor and other stakeholders. Projects must have potential to generate significant social and/or economic benefits for Canada. GAPP projects also aims to:

•   accelerate the application of Canadian genomics-derived solutions from academia to real-world opportunities and challenges defined by the receptor.
•   focus on enhancing Canada’s genomics capacity that produce sustainable innovations which benefit Canadians.
•   enhance the value of Canadian genomics technologies by providing downstream investment opportunities for industry and other partners.

Beside the receptor organization (Canadian or international), a GAPP project must also have a Canadian-based academic lead/participant. Both the receptor and academic lead play crucial roles in a GAPP project. Ultimately, GAPP projects should also foster mutually beneficial collaboration and knowledge exchange between Canadian academia and technology receptors.

GAPP is open to projects across all sectors. Agriculture and agri-food, health, the environment, and climate change to name only a few broad categories. The possibilities are endless.

I’ve Got a Great Idea for a GAPP Project. What Kind of Funding is Available?

GAPP projects are open across all sectors. They require a collaborating funding approach. There are significant matching dollars available from a variety of sources, including from the Canadian federal government, administered by Genome Canada. GAPP projects can up to 1/3 investment from Genome Canada. These dollars must be matched by the receptor (either in cash and/or in-kind) equal to, or greater than a Genome Canada contribution. All remaining co-funding requirements can come from other eligible sources. For more information about GAPP funding requirements, please see Section 4 and Appendix 2 of the GAPP Investment Strategy and Guidelines:

Is There Anything Else I Should Know about GAPP Project Funding?

There are a few other important frameworks to be aware of when considering making a GAPP project application:

•   GAPP total project size: Minimum size projects are $300,000, maximum up to $6 million.
•   Project term: GAPP projects can be carried out between 2 – 3 years. Anything shorter or longer than this term will only be considered if strong rationale is provided.
•   Project stage: Small-scale proof-of-concept / pilot projects through to large-scale projects will be accepted. Projects should not be in discovery phase.

Wait, What is a Receptor, Anyway?

A receptor is defined as an organization that seeking to take a tool, product or process, and put it into practice. This means the innovation would be used in internal operations, by commercialization, or otherwise making it available to its ultimate users.

Eligible Receptors include:

•   Companies (private / public). The can be Canadian, or foreign-owned;
•   Industry consortia (a group of companies, private or public, Canadian and/or foreign-owned);
•   Government departments and agencies (federal, provincial and municipal);
•   Healthcare organizations; and
•   Not-for-profit organizations.

Small or start-up companies may also be considered, as per the Investment Strategy Guidelines (see document link above):

What is the Application Process?

There is a mandatory three-stage, gated application process for GAPP project funding:

•   Expression of Interest (EOI)
•   Project Pitch
•   Supplementary Proposal

The EOI and Project Pitch stages articulate a business case for the proposed project. Genome Prairie has a review process for each stage. If an applicant makes it past the first stage (EOI), the applicant must make a project pitch to a panel of industry experts and entrepreneurs. If the applicant makes it past the pitch stage, it must then a supplementary proposal based on feedback provided by the panel.

Okay, I Want to Apply. Where do I Start?

To make an official GAPP project application, you’ll need to first prepare an expression of interest (EOI). After that point, you’ll enter a panel review phase, and if successful, a final proposal phase. So expect the process to go like this:

•    Register your intent to apply for GAPP funding with Genome Prairie, and obtain an EOI form.
•    Complete a draft EOI and submit to Genome Prairie.
•    Present a face-to-face business pitch to a Genome Prairie’s GAPP Review Panel;
•    Collaborate with Genome Prairie in developing the final EOI document.
•    Submit the finalized EOI to Genome Canada. Cross your fingers and toes that you’ll get an invitation for a project pitch.
•    If selected for project pitch, congratulations! You will work with Genome Prairie to develop a pitch, and then hold at least one practice “pitch session”. Then, you’ll make the official pitch to Genome Canada and the review panel.
•    If you pass the project pitch, more congratulations! This means Genome Canada and the panel really like your idea, and they want to supplementary proposal submitted. This proposal will provide a very in-depth proposal containing a variety of details, including technical specifics. This supplemental proposals will be submitted to a Genome Prairie for a panel review before final submission to Genome Canada.

Next Steps:

If you are considering applying for GAPP funding, please contact Dr. Lester Young, Director of Scientific Affairs for Genome Prairie at: lyoung@genomeprairie.ca