Opportunities

While Genome BC currently funds research at academic institutions, many of our co-funders are industry-based. A major focus of our current strategic plan is “translating the benefits” of genomics research. We are developing two new translational funding programs aimed at pre-competitive research and local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

• Genome BC Science Opportunities Fund for industry (SOFi). This is Genome BC’s first program designed to fund genomics projects for incorporated companies (small to medium size). The goal is to increase the uptake of genomics into novel new products or services at local companies.  For complete details and program documents visit the funding opportunities page here.
• The Proof of Concept (PoC) program is a new Genome BC funding program to help fund the demonstration of applications founded in genome sciences. The program will support early-stage intellectual property with demonstrated scientific utility, to help prove its commercial utility and move it further towards translation. GBC will work primarily with tech transfer offices (TTOs) and industry-liaison offices (ILOs) to source and develop promising IP projects. Funding will be provided directly, or in partnership with other interested groups, such as government and institutional investors, angel investors and venture capital groups. For complete details and program documents visit the funding opportunities page here.

Partnerships with Centres of Excellence

We have fostered productive partnerships with several groups in BC interested in commercializing research in specific areas:

• Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD): The Genome BC–CDRD Development Fund was created to accelerate the development of commercially promising projects related to advances and discoveries stemming from genome sciences and genetics. Genome BC has earmarked $1 million toward the fund on a project-by-project basis. CDRD will contribute up to $1 million in expertise, facilities, and equipment time. www.cdrd.ca
• Prevention of Organ Failure Centre of Excellence (PROOF): The PROOF Centre of Excellence is focused on heart, lung and kidney failure, growing epidemics in Canada and around the world. The PROOF Centre discovers, develops, commercializes and implements non-invasive tests for prevention, diagnosis, prediction, management, and treatment of diseases associated with organ failure. Genome BC is working with PROOF through the Biomarkers in Transplantation research project. www.proof.icapture.ubc.ca
• Prostate Centre's Translational Research Initiative for Accelerated Discovery and Development (PC-TRIADD): Housed at the Vancouver Prostate Centre, PC-TRIADD’s world-class research aims to understand mechanisms of treatment resistance in advanced prostate cancer and translate that into new services and products to improve cancer outcomes. www.pctriadd.com
• Pan-Provincial Vaccine Enterprise (PREVENT): PREVENT fast-tracks vaccine development for diseases of major public health concern and bridges the gap between lab bench and market. One of the three PREVENT R&D centres, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), has partnered with Genome BC on research projects that include work on Chlamydia, tuberculosis, and H1N1 influenza.  www.prevent-cecr.ca/index.php

Please contact Rachael Ritchie, Director of Business Development at 604.637.4379 for more information.