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Industry Challenge 2020 Program (CLOSED)

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This competition is closed. All submitted proposals will be assessed according to the process outlined in the competition timeline, and results will be announced as indicated.

Industry challenge program banner, a man standing with his hands on his hips and looking at a whiteboard that has DNA drawn on it
Healthy Lives, Healthy Economy, Healthy Planet through Genomics

Open Call for Challenges

Purpose

With the Industry Challenge Program, Ontario Genomics will provide teams with funding for novel and innovative projects to solve pressing challenges and address industry opportunities through the application of genomics-based solutions across key sectors of the Ontario economy with the intent to drive economic growth, improve quality of life and Ontario’s global leadership.

Ontario Genomics is issuing an “Open Call for Challenges” for genomics and engineering biology innovators to solve industry and other end-user identified challenges within and across agriculture and agri-food, human health, industrial biotechnology and natural resources and the environment in one or more of the five areas identified below.

  • Sustainable Food and Biomaterials Production
  • Rapid Genomic Diagnostics in Healthcare, Food Safety & Agriculture, and the Environment
  • Biomanufacturing and Scale Up from the Lab to the Factory
  • Roadmaps for Reducing Red Tape, Regulatory Burden or other Barriers
  • New Paradigms for Rare Disease Treatment

The Industry Challenge 2020 Program intends to catalyze and support collaboration in the application of genomics and engineering biology solutions to solve challenges identified by industry. This “industry-pull” approach is designed to enable market-informed outcomes and maximize the impact of these projects. This program is open to creative partnerships and collaborative teams (e.g. teams comprising industry, industry-academia, industry-industry, industry-other) that are in the position to address the identified challenge or opportunity and implement the results from the project.

Project outcomes should enable the applicant to implement the next steps, e.g. follow-on investment, increase technology readiness through next level applied research, validate a new business opportunity, obtain future partners etc. It is expected that the knowledge generated will have a high potential for future implementation by the industry, resulting in a marketable or translatable asset and will ultimately create social and/or economic benefit for Ontario, including the creation of jobs.

Funding

Ontario Genomics will provide up to twelve (12) individual awards of $25,000 each for teams to be used for short duration (up to 12 months) research projects. Each project must be matched with a minimum of $25,000 contribution from the industry (cash and in-kind acceptable), to a total project size of $50,000 or more. Higher funding could be requested in exceptional cases and would have to be matched dollar for dollar by the industry partner. Applicants must ensure that the research funded through the Industry Challenge Program is independent of current funding or is incremental to previously funded projects.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Industry Challenge 2020, a proposal must conform to the following criteria:

  • The proposal must respond to the objectives and intent of the Industry Challenge 2020 program (as described above)
  • The project must address an industry-identified challenge within one or more of the five areas identified above that can be solved with a genomics or engineering biology solution
  • The team must comprise of an Ontario-based industry or other industry partnerships (as described above)
  • If the industry is a company, the company must be incorporated prior to the application date
  • Funded research must be performed in Ontario, and awarded funds will not flow outside of Ontario
  • Ontario Genomics funds must flow to the industry team member. In exceptional cases, it may go to another team member and only if agreed upon by all parties
  • Co-funding is required from the industry, at a minimum of $25,000 (cash and in-kind acceptable)
  • Project duration should not exceed one year in length unless agreed upon by all parties

How to Apply

The Industry Challenge Competition will consist of a three-stage gated application process:

  • Intent to Apply (screening calls with Ontario Genomics, see below)
  • Submission of Written Application and
  • Pitch to Expert Panel.

Potential applicants must contact Elaine Corbett, Director of Strategic Partnerships to discuss their project idea. Ontario Genomics will help determine eligibility, positioning of the project and will provide an invitation to apply for eligible applicants.

2020 Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition: Genomics Solutions for Natural Resources and the Environment (CLOSED)

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This competition is closed. All submitted proposals will be assessed according to the process outlined in the competition timeline, and results will be announced as indicated.

2020 Applied Research Project Competition Genomics Solutions for Natural Resources and the Environment. Ontario genomics banner using DNA visuals and Health, agriculture and environment icons

Genome Canada, together with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2020 Large Scale Applied Research Project Competition “Genomics Solutions for Natural Resources and the Environment”. The Competition aims to support applied research projects that use genomic approaches to address challenges and opportunities in Canada’s natural resources and environment sectors, including interactions between natural resources and the environment, thereby contributing to the Canadian bioeconomy, a healthy environment and the well-being of Canadians.

The scope of this funding opportunity will include areas such as genomics research related to energy, mining, forestry, water stewardship, healthy oceans, wildlife management/conservation and bioproducts that help conserve natural resources, protect the environment and support sustainable resource management. It also includes the use of genomics to understand the adaptive genetic potential of species, populations and ecosystems to climate and other environmental changes and stressors, and identify those key elements that impact ecosystem structure, function and diversity.

The natural resource and environment sectors have a history of using research to assess challenges and develop various solutions. Knowledge and innovation emerging from genomics have the potential to help address the challenges in these sectors and thereby drive sustainability, growth, productivity, commercialization and global competitiveness. Previous investments from Genome Canada in these sectors have led to the development of genomic tools, resources and policies for biomonitoring and ecotoxicological risk assessment, bioremediation, increased efficiency of hydrocarbon extraction, and increased forest sustainability. See previous LSARP projects

Research into the implications of genomics in society (GE3LS research)

Because genomics and its applications in the natural resource and environment sectors can have significant social and economic impact, all projects must undertake research into the application and implications of genomics in society (GE3LS research). GE3LS research can either be the major focus of the project or an integrated component that is shaped by, and helps shape, the overall project.

Funding Available and Term

This funding opportunity makes it possible to collaboratively carry out joint projects with NRCan researchers, where Genome Canada funds will support the Genome Canada eligible researchers and NRCan funds will support the NRCan researchers.

  • There is approximately $25 million available for the term of this competition through Genome Canada, and approximately $1.5 million from NRCan.
  • The contribution from Genome Canada must be between $1 million and $3 million, and the amount of co-funding from eligible sources must be at least equal to the Genome Canada contribution.
  • NRCan will only invest in projects it determines to be relevant; projects are encouraged but not required to include a component that would be funded by NRCan.
  • The NRCan funding for this competition cannot be included as co-funding.
  • Successful individual projects will be awarded funding for a term of up to four years.

Eligibility

Genome Canada funds can only be awarded to individuals affiliated with one or more of the following types of organizations:

  • Canadian universities and affiliated institutions including research hospitals and research institutes
  • Not-for-profit organizations (including community or charitable organizations) with an explicit research mandate
  • Canadian non-federal government departments or agencies

Individuals eligible to receive and administer Genome Canada funds must be:

  • Autonomous regarding their research activities; and,
  • Have an academic or research appointment such that the individual is:
  • allowed to pursue the proposed research project independently for the duration of the funding, to supervise trainees, and to publish the research results; and
  • obliged to conform to institutional/organizational regulations and guidelines concerning the conduct of research, the supervision of trainees, and the employment conditions of staff.

Research teams may include as co-applicants international, private sector, or federal laboratory scientists. However, Genome Canada funding is restricted to activities performed within Genome Canada eligible institutions and NRCan funding (from this funding opportunity) is restricted to activities performed within NRCan.

Genomics in Society Interdisciplinary Research Teams Program (GiSIRT) (CLOSED)

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This competition is closed. All submitted proposals will be assessed according to the process outlined in the competition timeline, and results will be announced as indicated.

Genomics in Society Interdisciplinary Research Teams Program

A webinar about the GiSIRT program was hosted by Genome Canada on March 22 & 25. Download the presentation to learn more.

Genome Canada has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Genomics in Society Interdisciplinary Research Teams Program. This program aims to facilitate collaborations and dialogue among researchers and other key stakeholders to ensure effective and responsible translation of innovative genomics applications into sectors capable of transformation by genomics advances.

This program will support teams of researchers from diverse disciplines to address issues at the intersection of genomics and society. Research teams of at least three researchers from different disciplines investigating the advancement, adoption, evaluation, and governance of genomics research are encouraged to apply.

Proposal Focus Areas

  • Stream 1: proposals mainly impacting the human health sector
  • Stream 2: proposals mainly impacting the agriculture/agri-food and/or aquaculture/fisheries sectors
  • Stream 3: proposals mainly impacting the natural resources (forestry, energy, mining) and/or environment sectors

Proposals that address multiple sectors across two or three streams are also eligible to apply.

Project Eligibility

To be eligible, proposals must:

  • Respond to the objectives of the competition;
  • Take an interdisciplinary approach to address topics that will have a national impact;
  • Include at least three researchers from different disciplines at the Leader or Co-Investigator level;
  • Demonstrate an active collaboration with relevant genomics scientific and user communities in the planning and conduct of the research with findings having the potential to enhance practices or policies within these communities.

Funds Available

  • There is approximately $3 million available from Genome Canada.
  • Approximately one-third of the available Genome Canada funding will be invested in each of the three streams as defined above with the goal of funding at least one team in each of the three streams.
  • Genome Canada will contribute between $500,000 and $1 million with the amount of co-funding from eligible sources at least equal to the Genome Canada contribution.
  • Successful teams will be awarded funding for a term of up to four years.

Ontario Regional Priorities Partnership Program (ON-RP3) (CLOSED)

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This competition is closed. All submitted proposals will be assessed according to the process outlined in the competition timeline, and results will be announced as indicated.

Ontario regional priorities partnership program (ON-RP3)

Rapid advances in genomics research and their application within Ontario’s diverse agriculture and agri-food sector have the potential to dramatically impact and improve both Ontario’s economy and the well-being of its people. Genomics, which to date has been applied primarily in major field crops and select livestock species, offers tremendous untapped potential to enhance the productivity, sustainability and profitability of many more segments of this sector. Ontario is well-known for its extensive research community and robust private sector, which have led to highly successful industry-academic partnerships. Through partnerships like these, Ontario is uniquely positioned to lead the application of genomics/genomics-derived technologies, tools and processes to advance the agriculture and agri-food sector.

To this end, Ontario Genomics (OG) has partnered with Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) and Genome Canada (GC) to deliver the new Ontario Regional Priorities Partnership Program (ON-RP3). Funding through this program will support co-led industry-academic, proof-of-concept stage projects within Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector. These projects will deliver genomics-derived technologies, tools and processes for industry-identified challenges and opportunities. The outcomes of these projects will position teams for successful implementation within two years or less of project completion.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the ON-RP3 are to:

  • Develop industry-academic partnerships that will drive the adoption of genomics-derived technologies, tools and processes to advance the Ontario agriculture and agri-food sector
  • Address industry-identified challenges and/or opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sector and demonstrate the readiness of genomics solutions for implementation
  • Achieve the benefits of genomic discoveries by bridging the gap between applied research and implementation

Key Parameters of the Program

The ON-RP3 program is open to Ontario-based, co-led industry-academic projects. Industry includes for-profit companies and not-for-profit organizations actively operating in the Ontario agriculture and agri-food sector. Proposed projects must address real-world challenges and/or opportunities in Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector by using genomics/genomics-derived solutions.

  • Eligible Projects: Proof-of-concept stage projects with a clear plan for implementation within two years or less of project completion.
  • Eligible Applicants: Projects must be co-led by an Industry Lead and an Academic Lead, both based in Ontario.
  • Funding Available: Up to $2 million.
  • Project Size: $375,000 – $500,000 total project budget; smaller projects of at least $150,000 will be considered if they are well-justified and still meet the review criteria.
  • Co-funding: 1/3 of the total project budget must be obtained from eligible sources including the Industry Lead. A minimum of 1/6 of the total project budget must be in the form of cash obtained from the Industry Lead.
  • Funding Duration: One to three years, beginning no earlier than July 1, 2019 and ending no later than June 30, 2022.
  • Communications Plan: Projects must present a strong plan to communicate the project outcomes to a broad audience.

ON-RP3 Public Education and Engagement Initiative: Successful project teams that are selected for funding will be required to work collaboratively with OG, AAC and GC on a common, group-identified public education/engagement-themed initiative. The aim will be to identify and implement an initiative that benefits all projects. This initiative is expected to begin in the summer of 2020 and will be financially supported by OG, AAC and GC.

Eligibility

To be considered eligible, projects must:

  1. Respond to the objectives and intent of the ON-RP3 program
  2. Have an eligible Industry Lead and Academic Lead located in Ontario and demonstrate that the project being funded will be performed in, and benefit Ontario
  3. Put forward a genomics or genomics-derived solution (technologies, tools and processes) for an agriculture and agri-food sector-driven challenge or opportunity
  4. Align within one or more of the outlined strategic priorities listed below
  5. Build on existing research/preliminary data to demonstrate proof-of-concept by the end of the funding period
  6. Provide a plan that demonstrates how implementation will be achieved within two years or less of project completion
  7. Provide a communications plan

Proof-of-concept stage projects are defined as projects that build on existing discovery research and/or preliminary data towards Research & Development (R&D) that demonstrates the feasibility of implementing the genomics/genomics-derived solution. With the proof-of-concept data generated by end of the project, teams should be well-positioned to execute their defined implementation plan.

Discovery research with a seed sprouting icon, proof of concept with a growing sapling icon, implementation with a tree icon

Strategic Priorities

Projects must align with one or more of the strategic priorities outlined below, that are  based on the recommendations from the sector strategy report, Genomics for Agriculture & Agri-Food: Ontario’s Strategic Opportunity.  This report was prepared by Ontario Genomics following extensive sector review and consultations with academic, government, industry and other sector stakeholders:

  • Multidisciplinary Research – Augment multidisciplinary R&D using a systems biology approach, with a focus on increased understanding of microbiomes and their interconnectivity to human health
  • Sustainable Agriculture & Food – Prioritize programs for sustainable agriculture and food that consider the economy, the environment, and society, for crop production and livestock
  • Advanced Processing Systems – Enhance advanced manufacturing and processing systems for both food and industrial bioproducts, including fermentation and traceability
  • Rapid Diagnostics & Biologics – Develop rapid diagnostic methods to support regulation and trade, rapid disease detection and traceability in crops and livestock, and biologics to reduce the use of antimicrobials
  • Address Barriers to Adoption – Address barriers to the adoption of genomics innovations including issues related to data sharing, intellectual property, regulation and public acceptance
  • Leverage Computational Biology & Artificial Intelligence – Leverage Ontario’s strengths in computational biology and artificial intelligence to accelerate the development and application of agricultural genomics-based innovations

Application Review Process

The ON-RP3 application process includes three stages, as follows:

  1. Registration (Eligibility Assessment)
  2. Application Submission
  3. Application Review

2017 Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (B/CB) Competition (CLOSED)

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This competition is closed. All submitted proposals will be assessed according to the process outlined in the competition timeline, and results will be announced as indicated.

Ontario Genomics banner with coding imagery

Genome Canada has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2017 Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Competition.

This funding opportunity will support projects that build the tools and methodologies needed to analyze and integrate the vast amounts of data being gathered in the ‘omics research community. Of particular interest will be proposals that address challenges associated with data handling and analysis associated with new technologies.

For examples of previously funded projects, see Funded B/CB Projects

RFA Objectives:

  • To support the development of next generation B/CB tools and methodologies needed to manage, analyze and integrate complex data sets produced by modern genomics technologies to better understand the associated biology; and,
  • To provide broad and timely access of these B/CB tools to the research community.

Proposal Focus Areas:

  • Stream 1: proposals mainly impacting the human health sector
  • Stream 2: proposals mainly impacting one or more of the other sectors, i.e., agriculture, aquaculture/fisheries, forestry, energy, mining and/or environment

Project Eligibility

To be eligible, proposals must:

  • respond to the objectives of the competition,
  • be applicable to at least one of the two streams described above; and
  • ensure that the essential components and deliverables of the project will be realized by the end of the project and will apply directly to the genomics research community.

Funding Parameters:

  • Total Funding Available: $12M (approximately $6M per stream)
  • Project Size: $500k-$1M per project (total)
  • Co-funding: 50% from Genome Canada + 50% from other eligible sources (1:1)
  • Award Duration: Up to 3 years

Key Definitions

The term bioinformatics is defined here as the development and application of computational tools and approaches for maximizing the use of genomics data.

The term computational biology is defined here as the development and application of theoretical data-analytical methods, mathematical modeling and computational simulation techniques in the context of the study of biological systems.

The term genomics is defined here as the comprehensive study, using high throughput technologies, of the genetic information of a cell or organism and its functions. The definition also includes related disciplines such as bioinformatics, epigenomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics, proteomics and transcriptomics.

Disruptive Innovations in Genomics (DIG) Phase 2 Funding Competition (CLOSED)

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This competition is closed. All submitted proposals will be assessed according to the process outlined in the competition timeline, and results will be announced as indicated.

Ontario Genomics, the future is in our genes banner with dna imagery

On July 26, 2017 Genome Canada launched a Request for Applications (RFA) seeking proposals for research projects which focus on Disruptive Innovations in Genomics.

For the purposes of this competition, a Disruptive Innovation must be either a new genomics technology or the application of an existing technology from another field, applied to the field of genomics. The Innovation must be truly transformative in that it has the potential to either displace an existing technology, disrupt an existing market or create a new market. A Disruptive Innovation offers the capability to do things not previously possible and is not an incremental improvement of an existing technology.

This is a cloased competition open only to eligible projects funded through the previous DIG Phase 1 competition. The Phase 2 competition aims to support projects focused on prototype development. The timeline below for Phase 2 funding will allow eligible projects to continue to Phase 2 without a gap in funding, and for projects not approved for Phase 2 funding to wind down.

All applicants must demonstrate, with supporting evidence, the potential for the innovation to be disruptive, have impact within the technology space, and eventually benefits to Canada. In addition, Phase 2 projects must have clear deliverables that will be realized by the end of the project and a plan which explains the next steps of how the deliverables from the research will be transferred, disseminated, used, and/or applied to realize the benefits.

In order to better prepare Ontario-led projects for this competition, OGI will do an initial eligibility assessment of registrations and will coordinate an external review of eligible applications prior to submission to Genome Canada. Please note that to accommodate this process the deadlines for submission to OGI differ from those in the official RFA from Genome Canada. Eligible applicants will receive feedback on their applications including gaps and areas for improvement.

Researchers in Ontario intending to submit an application are strongly encouraged to contact OGI to discuss details of the competition such as the scope, the application process, and co-funding requirements.

Funding Available

There is approximately $5.5 million available for this competition from Genome Canada. Please see the table below for the funding breakdown and co-funding requirements:

Phase 2
Genome Canada Funding Available Approx. $5.5M
Co-funding At least two thirds of project budget
Genome Canada Investment per Project (Maximum) $1M
Term of Project (Maximum) Three years

2016 Genomics Technology Platforms Competition: Operations Support and Technology Development Funds (CLOSED)

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This competition is closed. All submitted proposals will be assessed according to the process outlined in the competition timeline, and results will be announced as indicated.

Ontario Genomics banner with dna imagery

Genome Canada’s mission includes a commitment to provide researchers across Canada access to leading edge genomic1 technologies. Genome Canada fulfills this part of its mandate by supporting a number of genomics technology platforms across Canada.

Each technology platform provides researchers access to high throughput genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing, RNA expression, protein identification and quantitation, and metabolomics, as well as new method and protocol development, data analysis and bioinformatics. Each platform also assists researchers in the development of research proposals by providing advice on appropriate technologies, study design, data analysis and bioinformatics that improves the quality of the research. The platforms also develop new and improved genomic technologies ensuring that the services they provide are able to support cutting edge genomics research.

This funding opportunity has two main objectives:

  1. To select the technology platforms best able to provide Canadian researchers access to leading edge genomic technologies and methods.
  2. To enable the selected platforms to develop new technologies and/or improve existing technologies that will improve services provided by the platform and will ensure that they remain at the forefront in providing access to leading edge genomics technologies and methods.

Funds Available

  • This is an open competition for a five-year funding period with a maximum total envelope of $15 million per year available from Genome Canada. The last two years of funding are subject to the successful outcome of an interim review for each platform and Genome Canada securing additional funding.
  • The maximum available funds from Genome Canada for each successful platform will be $2 million per year over five years.
  • 1:1 co-funding will be required. In cases where co-funding is associated with technology development, the co-funding must be allocated specifically for the proposed technology development project.

Each potential technology platform must provide access to leading edge genomic technologies on a fee-for-service basis and show demand for services based on past, current and potential future projects.

1.The term genomics is defined here as the comprehensive study, using high throughput technologies, of the genetic information of a cell or organism, including the function of specific genes, their interactions with each other and the activation and suppression of genes. For purposes of describing Genome Canada’s mandate it also includes related disciplines such as bioinformatics, epigenomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, proteomics and transcriptomics.

Pre-commercial Business Development Fund (PBDF) (CLOSED)

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This competition is closed. All submitted proposals will be assessed according to the process outlined in the competition timeline, and results will be announced as indicated.

PBDF Pre-commercial business development fund, ontario genomics banner. there is a blue lightbulb that is lit up in the left-hand corner

Ontario Genomics, through its Pre-commercial Business Development Fund (PBDF), is a committed investment partner supporting late-stage academic research and early-stage companies developing promising “’omics [1]” and ’omics-enabled technologies.

The PBDF is an investment fund uniquely focused on enabling the advancement of Ontario ’omics research projects and technology development toward commercialization and economic impact. Specifically, it aims to provide early-stage financial support as companies (with or without academic collaborators) move towards commercial applications, to speed up the transfer of products from R&D to market.

The Partnership

The fund invests up to C$100,000 per project. Our partnership with recipients includes not only financing, but also mentorship and guidance during the programs’ execution phase and thereafter based on our strong understanding of ’omics technologies and their potential commercial applications. Previous recipients of PBDF funding have included Ontario universities, research institutes and start-up companies.

Our Objectives

  • Create downstream economic benefits from ’omics research;
  • Support scientific entrepreneurs and start-ups; and
  • Generate returns for future PBDF investments.

Areas of Interest

Broad areas of interest for the PBDF include (but are not restricted to):

  • Biofuels, bioproducts
  • Human or animal diagnostics
  • Human or animal therapeutics
  • Crop or livestock trait improvements
  • Environmental management (related to water, mining, energy, other)
  • Forestry, natural resources
  • Laboratory and medical devices
  • Food, nutrition
  • Informatics including databases, software, other tools

Funding Criteria

We look for promising projects or opportunities that:

  • Leverage ’omics and associated technologies, and
  • Fall in the proof-of-principle (validation) phase of research.

We look for a balance of best-in-class, innovative science and high commercial potential.

The PBDF ranks opportunities in terms of the extent to which they meet the following criteria:

  • The investment would increase the likelihood of a near-term (i.e. within 24 months), ‘next-step’ event by offering concrete, definitive milestone(s) and uniquely enables rapid progress towards the marketplace for the outcome(s) of ’omics and related technologies.
  • The company should be capable of, and committed to, commercialization of the outcome of the project.
  • The proposal demonstrates that the PBDF represents a unique funding opportunity for the project at this stage.  Although matching funds (cash or in-kind) are required, a 1:1 match is not necessary.
  1. where “’omics” includes genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, bioinformatics and other related disciplines that involve systematic, comprehensive and high-throughput procedures to study cellular constituents and function

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