Genome Canada GAPP: $300K to $2M for Genomics Partnerships
Turning genomics research into something your company can sell often takes an academic partner and more R&D funding than one company can carry. Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) funds research and development projects in which a Canadian company, called the receptor, and an academic researcher work together on a genomics-based or genomics-enabled biotechnology innovation.
GAPP is paused: the 2026 national cycle has closed, and the next is expected in 2027. In the national stream, Genome Canada contributes $300,000 to $2 million, at most one-third of the project budget, with the rest coming from co-funders.
What is GAPP?
GAPP is a core delivery instrument of the Canadian Genomics Strategy. Each project pairs a receptor with an academic researcher to invent, develop or commercialize a genomics-based or genomics-enabled biotechnology innovation with a clear market opportunity.
Projects can be in any sector, such as health, agriculture and agri-food, forestry, biomanufacturing, fisheries and aquaculture, environment and mining. Applications go through a regional Genome Centre, and the Centres also run regional GAPP streams of their own.
GAPP at a glance
| Detail | Genome Canada — Genomics R&D |
|---|---|
| Funding amount | $300K – $2M |
| Program type | Grant |
| Level | Federal |
| Where it applies | Canada-wide |
| Status | Paused |
| Deadline | The 2026 national cycle has closed: letters of intent were due in spring 2026 and pitches were held in September 2026. Génome Québec’s preliminary timeline for the 2027 cycle has letters of intent submitted to Genome Canada by April 30, 2027, full applications with a 3–5 minute video by June 21, 2027, pitches in mid-September 2027, decisions in early October 2027 and projects starting January 1, 2028. Regional Genome Centres set earlier internal deadlines, so contact yours well ahead. |
| What it funds | R&D / Proof of Concept, Prototype / Product Development, Commercialization / Market Launch |
| Industries | Life Sciences, Biotech & Agriculture, Medical Devices, Food & Beverages |
| Company stage | Startup, Growth, Expansion, Established |
| Matching funds required | Yes |
| Competition level | High |
How much funding is available?
In the national stream, Genome Canada contributes $300,000 to $2 million, at most one-third of the project budget. The rest comes from co-funders, and private-sector partners must contribute at least as much as Genome Canada.
Projects run up to two years, with no extensions.
- Genome Canada’s share: $300,000 to $2 million, and no more than one-third of the project budget.
- Co-funding: a ratio of at least one to two (Genome Canada to all co-funders), with private-sector contributions equal to or greater than Genome Canada’s. All co-funding must be confirmed before funds are released, though a nascent start-up receptor can confirm its co-funding year by year.
- Funds for the receptor: up to 20% of Genome Canada’s funds can flow to the receptor for research, technology transfer, faster implementation and IP protection.
- IP protection for small businesses: receptors with 1 to 49 employees can use up to 20% of Genome Canada funding or $250,000, whichever is less, to protect IP from the project.
- Equipment and services: equipment items up to $100,000 are eligible, with Genome Canada funds for equipment capped at 10% of its contribution; services from others are capped at 25% of the total budget.
Who is eligible?
The receptor and the researcher
- The receptor is a Canadian for-profit enterprise with an economic interest in developing an idea or research into a commercial application, more than 50% owned and controlled by Canadians. Wholly owned subsidiaries of a foreign public corporation are not eligible.
- A Receptor Project Leader who owns or is employed by the receptor leads the project. A researcher employed by a Canadian post-secondary institution, research institute, hospital or not-for-profit with a research mandate is the Administrative Project Leader.
- The Receptor Project Leader cannot also act as the researcher. If the researcher has a position with the receptor, the receptor must have decision-making processes independent of the researcher.
The project
- The project must address an innovation need defined by the receptor and lead to commercial or IP outcomes that benefit the receptor.
- A legally binding IP agreement between the partners and a data management plan are required.
- Projects must start on or before the next January 1 and finish within two years.
- Not funded: market research, commercial launches of already-developed technology, patent enforcement or litigation, and work the receptor would normally fund alone.
When and how to apply
GAPP is not accepting applications right now. The 2026 national cycle has closed: letters of intent were due in spring 2026 and pitches were held in September 2026.
Génome Québec’s preliminary timeline for the 2027 cycle has letters of intent submitted to Genome Canada by April 30, 2027, full applications with a 3–5 minute video by June 21, 2027, pitches in mid-September 2027, decisions in early October 2027 and projects starting January 1, 2028. Applications go through a regional Genome Centre, and the Centres set earlier internal deadlines, so contact yours well ahead.
The status of Genome Canada — Genomics R&D in EVAMAX Grant AI™ is currently Paused. Open the program there and choose “Remind me” to be told when it changes.
Is GAPP right for you?
GAPP suits Canadian-owned companies with a genomics-based or genomics-enabled innovation and a market need that an academic researcher can help address. Watch the co-funding: Genome Canada pays at most one-third of the project budget, private-sector partners must at least match its contribution, and all co-funding has to be confirmed before funds are released. Check your ownership and control early as well, since the receptor must be more than 50% owned and controlled by Canadians.
Next steps: look up Genome Canada — Genomics R&D in EVAMAX Grant AI™ to see its live status and other programs that fit your company, or talk to EVAMAX about building your application.
Program details are from the EVAMAX Grant AI™ record as of October 19, 2026. Programs change — confirm current terms on the official program page before you apply.