Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) provides funding for downstream research & development projects that focus on applying genomics-derived solutions to challenges or opportunities defined by end-users. For the purposes of this program, end-users include stakeholders that are interested in using the results of the genomics research from academia and implementing innovations into the market for commercialization or public-good purposes. This could include industry companies, industry consortia, government departments, or other not-for-profit organizations. For examples of previously funded GAPP projects and partnerships, see Genome Canada's database of previously funded projects.

Objectives:

• Promote the application of genomics-derived solutions to address key sector challenges or opportunities facing users.
• Promote commercialization of genomics technologies by enabling the transfer of genomics-derived solutions from academia to users as well as de-risking and incentivizing follow-on investment from public and private partners to increase the socioeconomic impact of genomics research by accelerating its translation to application or market.
• Create and foster a more productive relationship between academia and users.

Parameters:

• Genome Canada will provide support for projects, ranging in size from $300,000 to $6 million in total project budget, with the Genome Canada investment not to exceed more than 1/3 of the total investment in the project by all parties. The remaining 2/3 must be secured through co-funding with at least 1/3 provided by the User(s) (see Section 9 and Appendix 2 of the Gapp Investment Strategy and Guidelines for more details on co-funding).
• Generally, the project term should be a minimum of six months to a maximum of three years. A shorter or longer term will be considered, but only if a strong rationale is provided.
• For further information on the GAPP please refer to the Gapp Investment Strategy and Guidelines.

Project eligibility:

To be eligible for the GAPP, a project must meet the following requirements:

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

Application Process:

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

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

Deadlines:

Expressions of Interest are reviewed on a rolling basis by Genome Canada.  However, guideline dates for submission are outlined below.  The complete application process generally takes approximately six months from EOI submission to funding decision.

	Round 21	Round 22	Round 23
EOI Submission	Oct 2021	Jan 2022	April 2022
Pitch Window	Oct-Dec 2021	Jan-Mar 2022	Apr-Jun 2022
Supplemental Proposal Deadline	Jan 17, 2022	Apr 14, 2022	July 14, 2022
Project Start	July 1, 2022	Oct 1, 2022	Jan 1, 2023

Submission:

Like all Genome Canada competitions, Genome Alberta will be the conduit for submitting documents to the competition. In addition, Genome Alberta will help applicants navigate the various stages of proposal development and increase the competitiveness of their projects. We strongly encourage potential applicants to get in touch with Genome Alberta early on for guidance and advice on navigating GAPP proposals.

For all questions on the GAPP program, including copies of current competition forms, please contact Niall Kerrigan, Program Coordinator.