About OSAS
The Open Science Advisory Services (OSAS) program provides funding to organizations and companies seeking third party advisory services related to advancing open science drug discovery. The funding is specifically intended to cover the cost of hiring third-party experts, such as consultants, legal advisors, or business strategists, to help address challenges related to innovation, intellectual property, commercialization, and business planning.
With a total of $4.9M available, OSAS supports projects that focus on areas where open sharing and collaboration are key to advancement and where market solutions are limited, such as rare or neglected diseases, pandemic preparedness, and antimicrobial resistance.
Eligible services include:
- Establishing open science partnerships and collaborations
- Market, customer and competitive analysis
- Value proposition analysis
- Regulatory and IP planning
- Establishing a financing or pricing plan
- Identifying opportunities to apply open science in novel areas
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for OSAS funding, applicants must:
- Propose a preclinical research plan in a Focus Area
- Conduct research at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 2-5
- Include at least one Canadian SME or Canadian non-profit or public institution
- Provide proof of matching funds to cover the remaining cost, as Conscience will fund a maximum of 33%
- Commit to our Open Science Policy
Funding Structure
The OSAS funding period is 2 years, with the possibility of an extension. Funding is milestone-driven and reimbursement-based. We will cover up to 33% of eligible costs per Canadian participant. Successful applicants must obtain the remainder of the total project cost via matching funds*.
*Distribution of funds between eligible participants is to be confirmed with Conscience at the time the funds are awarded.
Selection criteria
Projects will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Scope Fit: Development of a therapeutic in the Focus Area
- Scientific Merit/Rationale: Human biology validation (genetic or pharmacologic), evidence of reversibility
- Expertise and training of the selected Consultant
- Rationale for the work to be undertaken by the Consultant in relation to the advancement of a therapeutic
- Plan to develop therapeutic and associated data in accordance with our Open Science Policy.
How to Apply
We are now accepting proposals until December 31, 2025. Firms or organizations interested in the program should complete the Initial application form at the link below. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
For any program-related inquiries, please contact [email protected].
