Funding Opportunities
Enabling advanced bioscience research on the Prairies.
Genome Prairie works with regional, national and international partners to promote the participation of local researchers in new bioscience-based research initiatives. Specific initiatives and project funding comes from a range of sources including government and industry, as well as Genome Canada.
Current Opportunities
Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP)
Funding applications for the 2026 round have now closed. The next GAPP funding opportunity is expected to be launched in March, 2027.
National Competition:
- Total Project Size: $900K-6M over two years
- Genome Canada Contribution: Up to 1/3 of project costs ($300K-$2M)
- Matching Funds: Remaining 2/3 (minimum 1/3 from industry partner).
Two Time-Dependent Submission Pathways
1. Genome Prairie Supported Application Process
Genome Prairie (GP) provides hands-on guidance throughout the application, working with teams within defined timelines at each stage. Support includes refining project ideas, assessing eligibility and budget, and coordinating the enhancement review.
- Letter of Interest (LOI) deadline: April 22, 2026
- Full Proposal (FP) draft to GP (selected LOIs): May 14, 2026
- FP enhancement review submission deadline: May 25, 2026
- FP enhancement review session: June 9, 2026
- Final FP due to GP: June 18, 2026
- Project pitch to Genome Canada (selected FPs): Mid-September
2. Self-Directed Application Process
This pathway allows teams more flexibility in preparing their applications, with more limited support from GP. GP remains available to provide guidance on eligibility, budgeting, and the application process as needed.
- Rolling LOI intake: Until May 22, 2026
- Notice of Eligibility: Approximately 17 days following LOI submission
- Final FP due to GP: June 18, 2026
- Project pitch to Genome Canada (selected FPs): Mid-September
Interested in making an application or getting more information about this funding opportunity? Contact Genome Prairie via applications@genomeprairie.ca
Natural Resource Initiative (NRI)
Genome Canada and Genome Prairie’s latest mission-driven research initiative will be called the “natural resources initiative.” It will lay the foundations for a generational transformation in
Canadian natural resources systems and biodiversity management.
The new natural resources initiative is expected to include an investment of $50 million over
three years from Genome Canada and its partners—with $25 million in Government of Canada
investment through Genome Canada.
Program funding integrated activity streams:
Stream 1: Driver projects. Stand-alone, mission-driven, impact-focused research investments designed to address challenges faced in Canada’s natural resources systems, such as improving biodiversity monitoring, enhancing regulatory efficiency, developing sustainable resource management strategies, strengthening climate
adaptation, and protecting critical ecosystems.
Application process begins in August 2026.
Stream 2: National genomics data hub. A coordinating platform to support and steward data generated by the Stream 1 driver projects, enabling the development and use of a common, findable and usable national genomic data resource focused on
genetic diversity across Canada’s natural resources systems.
Application process begins in August 2026. For more information, email Genome Prairie.
Stream 3: Indigenous data governance frameworks. Frameworks will develop concrete tools and resources by which Indigenous genomic and environmental data, knowledge and assets are owned, accessed, utilized, shared and ultimately stewarded within, and where appropriate, beyond the initiative.
Application process begins in December 2026. For more information, email Genome Prairie.
Full funding guidelines can be found at the Genome Canada website.
GenTrac: Genomics Translation and Commercialization Initiative Round 2
Overview
Genome Prairie supports genomics research and commercialization within Saskatchewan and Manitoba and beyond. Genome Prairie is launching the Genomics Translation and Commercialization (GenTrac) Program to support public-private innovation in our Region. Each project involves collaboration between academic researchers and industry receptors to address market opportunities or operational needs identified by the private sector.
GenTrac is now taking Applications for its 2027 funding cycle (project starting in January, 2027).
To find out more about this funding opportunity, download the GenTrac Guidelines document by clicking on the “Find Out More” button directly below:
Key Dates/Deadlines (2027 Cycle):
GenTrac Round 2 Launch: 1 June 2026
2007 LOI Submissions: 30 June, 2026
2027 Full Proposal Submission: 19 August, 2026
Notice of Award: 2 October, 2026.
For more information about this funding opportunity, download the Applications Guidelines below, or contact Genome Prairie:
applications@genomeprairie.ca
