Overview

The Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (R-GAPP) aims to accelerate innovation with industry through public-private R&D collaborations, in alignment with areas of strategic priority in Alberta.

Funding is available for applied genomics research that drives the development, de-risking, and commercialization of biotech innovations across Alberta’s strategic sectors, including health, agriculture and agri-food, environment and energy, forestry, and technology platforms. To support the commercialization objectives and enhance development of IP, projects will be co-led by a Canadian for-profit enterprise and an Alberta-based academic researcher with the intention of generating commercial outcomes, intellectual property, and tangible socioeconomic benefits for Alberta.

Both the Regional (led by Genome Alberta) and the National (led by Genome Canada) Genomic Applications Partnership Programs support the Canadian Genomics Strategy. With a greater focus on commercialization, adoption, and scale up the GAPP programs will promote development and adoption of promising technologies. Genome Canada has provided $4 million over 4 years to Genome Alberta’s Regional GAPP.

Information Sessions (virtual via zoom)

January 8, 2026
10:00 AM MDT
Click here to register

January 12, 2026
2:30 PM MDT
Click here to register

Funding Highlights

Genome Alberta Contribution Range: $100,000 – $222,500
Project Envelope Range: $300,000 – $667,500
Co-funding: Applicants can request up to 1/3 of the project budget from Genome Alberta
Total Funding Available for 2026 Intake: $890,000
Project Start Date: Before October 1, 2026
Project Term: Maximum of 2 years

Target Timelines

Eligibility Form due: February 11, 2026
Full Proposals due: May 2026 (exact date TBD)
Flow of Funds to Projects: Before October 1, 2026

Objectives

This initiative aims to:

• Provide incentives for industry-driven collaboration between biotech companies and Alberta’s researchers.
• Advance commercialization and adoption of genomics applications by Alberta-based companies.
• Encourage private-sector investment in biotech R&D to address operational needs identified by industry.
• Support spin-offs and early start-ups to translate biotech innovation into market-ready commercial products to enhance competitive edge.
• Improve knowledge transfer from public institutions to Canadian companies to commercialize cutting-edge research.

Project Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, a project must:

• Be a partnership between a Canadian for-profit enterprise (Receptor) and a Researcher (and optionally, additional partners) with active and necessary roles for all partners.
• The Receptor acts as Project Leader and is a Canadian for-profit enterprise, preferably operating or investing in Alberta.
• The Researcher acts as Administrative Project Leader and is employed by an Alberta-based eligible institution.
• Focus on an innovation need defined by a Receptor.
• Support the invention, development or commercialization of a genomics-based or -enabled, biotechnological innovation with a clearly articulated market opportunity as it moves through successive stages of development.
• At the time of application, be within Technical Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 -7,  positioning of the innovation between proof of concept and prototyping.
• Result in commercial and/or intellectual property (IP) outcomes that benefit the Receptor.
• Have the potential to generate measurable social and economic impacts and benefits.

For full information, please refer to the Funding Guidelines.

Application Process

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.

Please connect with Georgia Balsevich to discuss your idea, find an academic partner or for proposal development support.

Documents & Resources

• See Funding Guidelines
• See Eligibility Form
• See Previously Funded Projects
• See National GAPP Information

Funding Contact

Georgia Balsevich, Senior Sector Innovation Manager
gbalsevich@genomealberta.ca