If you’re building a preclinical drug development project and struggling to fund early-stage research, the Developing Medicines through Open Science (DMOS) program could help. DMOS supports Canadian-led projects that address unmet medical needs. It requires full open science data sharing. This is different from programs that focus on patents. The program is currently open and delivered by Conscience in partnership with the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC).
Developing Medicines through Open Science (DMOS) is a national funding program for preclinical drug development projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2–6. It aims to show that open science can create viable drug candidates and boost economic activity in Canada.
Key features of DMOS:
DMOS does not allow proprietary data silos. Research outputs must be shared openly under the program’s Open Science Policy.
According to official DMOS guidelines, the program can fund up to $1.6 million per project. The actual amount depends on the project’s TRL stage and scope. The total program budget is $15 million across several projects.
Funding supports:
Projects must stay within preclinical development. Clinical trials are not eligible for DMOS funding.
Eligible expenses usually include direct research costs, specialized labour, and contracted scientific services tied to milestones. These must meet Canadian grant program guidelines for eligible expenditures.
For more on eligible costs, see:
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans
To apply for DMOS, your project must meet all these criteria:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if DMOS or other life sciences programs fit your business.
The DMOS application process is more hands-on than most national grants:
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Submit a high-level outline of your scientific approach, partners, and open science plan.
Collaborative Review
Conscience works with shortlisted applicants to refine project scope, milestones, and budgets.
Full Proposal Submission
Send a detailed scientific and commercial plan, including matching funds and SME roles.
Milestone-Based Funding
Approved projects receive funding in stages. Continued funding depends on meeting agreed milestones.
This collaborative process helps reduce wasted effort but requires good project management from the start.
In Canada, “stacking” means combining federal, provincial, or other public funding sources for a single project. For DMOS, stacking is sometimes allowed if costs are not claimed twice and all program rules are followed. For example, you may combine DMOS with SR&ED or other grants, as long as you do not double-count any expenses and you follow the requirements of each program. Always check DMOS guidelines and consult a Canadian funding advisor if unsure.
Eligible expenses must follow Canadian grant rules, including:
Ineligible expenses include clinical trial costs or activities outside preclinical development.
Treating DMOS like a standard R&D grant
DMOS requires active collaboration and open data sharing. A closed IP approach is not accepted.
Weak SME involvement
The Canadian SME must have a real role, not just appear as a partner on paper.
Unclear matching funds
If matching contributions are vague or not secured, applications often stall.
TRL mismatch
Projects that are too early or too close to clinical trials are not eligible.
Q: How much funding can a DMOS project receive?
DMOS provides up to $1.6 million per project, depending on TRL stage and milestones. Funding is released as you meet milestones.
Q: What does open science mean for DMOS applicants?
You must share data, methods, and results openly as per the program’s Open Science Policy. Exclusive IP claims on funded research are not allowed.
Q: Are matching funds required for DMOS?
Yes. Applicants must show matching funds from acceptable sources, such as private investment or non-conflicting public funding.
Q: Can DMOS funding be stacked with SR&ED or other grants?
Sometimes, yes. In Canadian programs, stacking is allowed if you do not double-count costs and you follow all program rules. Always check each program’s guidelines or seek professional advice.
Q: Who manages the DMOS program?
DMOS is delivered by Conscience, in partnership with the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC).
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada—including life sciences funding—so you can see what fits alongside DMOS.
Developing Medicines through Open Science (DMOS) is a good fit if your team is ready for transparent, milestone-driven drug development. Before applying, confirm your TRL, SME partner’s role, and matching funds. GrantHub helps Canadian life sciences teams find compatible funding programs and prepare stronger, rule-aligned applications.
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