Genome Alberta: 2026 Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (R-GAPP)
Descriptions
Opportunity link:
Opportunity type:
Sponsor:
Award amount and duration:
Currency:
Eligibility
Eligible projects must:
- Be led by an Alberta-based researcher in partnership with a Canadian for-profit enterprise (Receptor), preferably operating or investing in Alberta
- 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
- Have a minimum project value of $300,000 and request $100,000 - $222,500 in funding from Genome Alberta
- Have a minimum 1:3 co-funding (i.e., funding from Genome Alberta must be matched by funding from other sources so Genome Alberta funding does not exceed 1/3 of project value)
- Have a project term up 2 years
Summary
*This posting may be updated following the Genome Alberta information sessions on January 8 and 12, 2026 (see Additional Information section below).
Genomic Applications Partnership Programs (GAPP) support the Canadian Genomics Strategy, promoting development and adoption of promising technologies. 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.
Objectives are 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.
SUBMISSION PROCESS
The application process comprises two stages:
- Eligibility Form
- Concise overview of the project, including the industry challenge, genomics-based solution, deliverables, market opportunity, and anticipated benefits to Alberta
- Full proposal – on invitation only to projects that meet eligibility criteria and demonstrate strong commercial and socio-economic potential
- Expands on the project’s innovation, commercialization strategy, market analysis, and expected benefits, while also highlighting team expertise and alignment with program goals
With program questions, contact Georgia Balsevich at Genome Alberta at gbalsevich@genomealberta.ca (cc Research Services at ipd@ucalgary.ca).
Institutional and agency milestones are listed below; additional instructions follow.
Timeline
- Activity: Genome Alberta R-GAPP information sessions; register via links below to receive Zoom link to session
Dates: January 8, 12
Activity: Submit Eligibility Forms (available in Resources section below) to Genome Alberta and Research Services
- email to gbalsevich@genomealberta.ca, cc ipd@ucalgary.ca
- no RMS is required at the Eligibility stage
Deadline: by 11:59pm February 11, 2026
Activity: Invitation to full application from Genome Alberta
Deadline: Early March 2026
Activity: Submit final application and budget to Research Services for review; approvals should be complete within RMS
- email to ipd@ucalgary.ca
- RMS pre-award/application record with approvals due
Deadline: By 9am April 29, 2026 (TBC)
- Activity: Submit final application to Genome Alberta
- email to gbalsevich@genomealberta.ca, cc ipd@ucalgary.ca
Deadline: by 11:59pm May 6, 2026
Overhead
Not Applicable
Deadlines
Application deadlines
RSO final internal review deadline
Program application deadline
Approvals
NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.
Principal Investigators: No RMS record is required for Eligibility. If invited to full proposal, complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.
Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:
- Principal Investigator
- Department Head
- Faculty ADR/Dean
- Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)
Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.
Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.
Additional Information
Genome Alberta will offer information webinars as below onJune 23, 2025 at 9:00am MT. Registration is required; registration links below:
RESOURCES
Reminder: The sooner the researcher engages with Research Services, the more help we can be!
Contact the following Research Service units for support with:
Projects Involving Indigenous Research:
Support with incorporating wise practices in Indigenous research, community engagement, and Indigenous data management is available through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST).
Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.
Knowledge Mobilization, Research Impact Assessment, DORA:
Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation, community partnerships, research impact, responsible research assessment (DORA), and open science, is available through the Knowledge to Impact team.
Applicants can reach out by email to the KI team at knowledge.impact@ucalgary.ca.
For more information and access to resource archives, please visit the KI team webpage.
Research Data Management:
For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@ucalgary.ca.
EDI in Research:
RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice.
Contact edi.rso@ucalgary.ca for more information.
Research Security:
The Research Security Division is available to ensure researchers adhere to research security guidelines and policies, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) and the policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).
Visit the Research Security website to learn more or contact researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca.
Pre-Award Submissions:
RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application
Contact Details
Keywords
Genomics
Biotechnology
Commercialization