Federal investment through Genome Canada and the regional Genome Centres helps Canadian companies use genomics and biotech innovation to grow while unlocking private sector co-investment in research and development (R&D).
March 18, 2026 — Today, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced $20 million in federal investment through Genome Canada and regional Genome Centres to launch 33 new genomics R&D projects across the country.
Spanning applications from AI-powered precision cancer care to helping farmers target drought-tolerant canola crops, these industry-academic partnerships are designed to accelerate adoption of genomics in sectors critical to Canadian health and economic competitiveness.
The investment will generate more than $45 million in additional private and other public sector co-investment—demonstrating how targeted federal funding can catalyze broader business growth, job creation and the deployment of genomics-enabled technologies at scale.
The announcement was made at the University of Calgary, which is partnering on three of the projects launched.
Delivered through Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), this investment will support projects aimed at delivering:
- Faster, more precise diagnoses and personalized care for cancer, rare and chronic diseases
- Accelerated, cost-effective drug development
- New therapies for currently incurable diseases
- Healthier, higher-yield crops for stronger food security
- Improved food safety and reduced agri-food waste
- Lower emissions and greater resilience in agriculture and livestock
- Smarter, faster ecosystem monitoring
- More efficient pollution cleanup
Delivered through Genome Alberta’s Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), this investment will support projects aimed at delivering:
- Genomic testing to help doctors make better treatment decisions for patients with thyroid cancer
- Earlier detection and better public health information about how environmental chemical exposures affect human health and disease risk
- Climate-resilient canola varieties protecting yields during extreme heat
See our Project Portfolio to learn more about these projects.
“By supporting biotech commercialization through programs like GAPP, we are bringing Alberta companies and researchers together to advance promising technologies toward market adoption and strengthen our growing life sciences sector. This investment reflects Alberta’s broader commitment to creating the conditions that help innovators develop, scale, and commercialize technologies to drive economic growth and address our challenges.”
David Bailey, President and CEO, Genome Alberta
The announcement advances the Canadian Genomics Strategy (CGS), launched in 2025 to translate Canada’s genomics research into economic growth and more competitive industries.
A national engine for genomics and biotech scale up
The GAPP brings together companies, researchers and end users to accelerate development and adoption of genomics-based technologies across health, agrifood, natural resources, clean technology and advanced manufacturing. The program is designed to reduce commercialization risk, attract private investment and shorten the path from innovation to market.
By supporting development, validation and deployment, GAPP helps Canadian firms integrate genomics into their products, services and production systems—strengthening productivity, supply chains and export potential.
“We know that building Canada into the world’s leading hub for science and innovation will help create the strongest economy in the G7. The projects announced today are a great example of how Canadian ingenuity is tackling some of the world’s toughest problems, finding solutions, and driving real change.”
Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
“Canada is in a race to turn scientific strength into economic leadership, and genomics is a field where we’re out in front. Combined with AI, it’s unlocking opportunities in agriculture, natural resources and health that simply didn’t exist five years ago. Through these projects and a growing focus on commercialization and adoption, Genome Canada is helping ensure Canada leads in the industries that will define the next decade.”
Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada
Delivering on the Canadian Genomics Strategy
Through the Canadian Genomics Strategy, Canada is investing $175.1 million over seven years in genomics commercialization, data coordination and talent—cementing genomics as a cornerstone of Canada’s bioeconomy. The CGS committed a total of $96 million in investment support for commercialization and adoption through Genome Canada’s Genomics Application Partnership Program (GAPP).
The projects announced today are based across Canada, reinforcing national capacity to translate scientific excellence and the unique industrial strengths of each region into economic value.
About Genome Canada
Genome Canada is a national not-for-profit leading large-scale research missions that translate excellent science into economic, health and environmental solutions. We align Canada’s genomics ecosystem for impact.
About Genome Alberta
Genome Alberta is working towards a better future through genomics innovation. Our mission is to promote and support genomics solutions to create value and investment opportunities through excellent science, technology and application development, collaborations, and partnerships. We work on priority areas in health, agriculture, environment & energy, and forestry, driving growth across sectors while helping to develop Alberta’s next generation of talented innovators.
Media inquiries:
Erin Tessier
etessier@genomealberta.ca
587-643-9973
