Overview
As a key delivery partner in the Government of Canada’s Canadian Genomics Strategy, Genome Canada is investing in commercialization and adoption of genomics and biotechnology through the GAPP, which will be offered annually from 2025 to 2028. GAPP aims to support Canadian for-profit enterprises in transforming genomics-based research into commercial applications. It also aims to increase private-sector investment in the commercialization of innovation derived from public R&D, drive technological implementation through collaboration between research, and de-risk development to attract additional funding. In addition, it seeks to promote inclusive innovation by encouraging the participation of individuals from equity-deserving communities. Each project must be a well-defined collaboration between an academic researcher and an industry receptor, ensuring that all partners bring essential expertise and clearly outlined responsibilities.
Genome Alberta administers two streams under GAPP:
- National Stream – Funding for large-scale projects led by a receptor with national significance.
- Regional Stream (GENESIS Alberta) –Funding for Alberta-based SMEs and receptor organizations engaged in earlier-stage genomics innovation and commercialization projects.
Funding Highlights
National Stream:
Genome Canada contribution range: $300,000 – $2,000,000
Project Envelope Range: $900,000 – $6,000,000
Co-funding: Applicants can request up to 1/3 of the project budget from Genome Canada
Total Genome Canada Funding Available Nationally for 2025 intake: $14,000,000
Project start date: Before March 31, 2026
Project Term: Maximum of 2 years
Regional Stream:
Genome Alberta contribution range: $100,000 – $250,000
Project Envelope Range: $300,000 – $750,000
Co-funding: Applicants can request up to 1/3 of the project budget from Genome Alberta
Total Funding Available for 2025 intake: $1,000,000
Project start date: Before March 31, 2026
Project Term: Maximum of 2 years
Target Timelines
National Stream:
Genome Alberta DRAFT Letter of Intent due: July 15, 2025
Full Application Submission to Genome Alberta: September 08, 2025
Funding Decisions: December 2025
Release of Funds: On/before March 31, 2026
Regional Stream:
Genome Alberta DRAFT Eligibility Forms due: Closed, next round opening January 2026
Objectives
The objectives of the National Stream of GAPP are to:
- Increase Canadian private-sector investment in the commercialization of innovation derived from public R&D funding in genomics and biotechnology.
- Stimulate technological innovation and implementation through co-operative R&D between research and receptors.
- Enable research investments that de-risk opportunities and secure follow-on funding from finance and industry.
- Foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by individuals from equity-deserving communities.
The objectives of the Regional Stream of GAPP are to:
- Support early-stage commercialization of genomics innovations (TRL 3–8).
- Increase private-sector investment in Alberta for the commercialization of innovation rooted in public genomics and biotechnology R&D.
- Stimulate technology development and adoption through collaborative research between Alberta’s Researchers and Receptor organizations.
- Foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by individuals from equity-deserving communities.
- Enable research investment that foster and encourage follow-on funding from industry and Genome Canada’s National GAPP program.
Funding Available and Term
National Stream:
Applicants can request up to 1/3 of the project budget from Genome Canada, from a minimum contribution of $300,000 to a maximum of $2 million.
The maximum duration of a GAPP Project is two years.
Regional Stream:
Applicants can request up to 1/3 of the project budget from Genome Alberta, from a minimum contribution of $100,000 to a maximum of $250,000.
The maximum duration of a Regional GAPP Project is two years.
Application Process
National Stream:
Applications for the National Stream 2025 intake are now under review.
Applicants applying for National GAPP through Genome Alberta are first required to fill out an Eligibility Form.
Following this, the National GAPP application involves three stages: a Letter of Intent (LOI), a full proposal, and a pitch. The LOI outlines the project’s innovation, market potential, and commercialization path, and must address key business questions and eligibility criteria. The full proposal provides a detailed plan covering technical feasibility, commercialization strategy, market validation, and team qualifications. Selected teams then pitch their project to Genome Canada, addressing reviewer feedback and answering questions to advance in the process.
Regional Stream:
Applications for the Regional Stream 2025 intake are currently closed. Applications for the next intake will open January 2026.
Genome Alberta’s application process consists of two stages: an Eligibility Form and a Full Proposal. The Eligibility Form consists of a concise overview of the project, including the industry challenge, genomics-based solution, deliverables, market opportunity, and anticipated benefits to Alberta. Only projects that meet eligibility criteria and demonstrate strong commercial and socio-economic potential are invited to submit a Full Proposal. The Full Proposal expands on the project’s innovation, commercialization strategy, market analysis, and expected benefits, while also highlighting team expertise and alignment with program goals.
Documents & Resources
- Link to National Stream Funding Guidelines
- Link to Regional Stream Funding Guidelines
- Link to Eligibility Form for both National and Regional Streams
- Link to Letter of Intent for National Stream
- Link to previously funded projects
Funding Contact
Georgia Balsevich, SeniorSector Innovation Manager
gbalsevich@genomealberta.ca