Overview
Genomics is a big data science that allows us to study the genetic material in all living things. Leveraging machine learning and AI tools allows us to understand how things function at a molecular level including how microbes contribute to environmental processes like remediation and reclamation or consume methane and convert it into less harmful emissions.
While genomics science continues to advance at a rapid pace, the broadscale adoption of these technology solutions in the energy sector is growing but still limited. We are looking to accelerate the benefits of technology adoption and support a greener energy future.
Genome Alberta, with support from the Government of Alberta, is investing in new research collaborations to close the gap in scaling genomic innovations in support of broader application in Alberta’s energy sector for improved environmental outcomes. The Genomic Innovations: Energy and Environmental Solutions initiative will fund genomics-based research projects that aim to accelerate the development of adoptable outputs—products, processes, or applications derived from genomics technologies with clear potential for implementation within the energy sector. Applications will be accepted for projects that will help in reducing or assessing the environmental impact of energy operations and will promote environmental stewardship, including the areas of:
- Bioremediation and reclamation of contaminated sites
- GHG emission reduction via microbial processes or bio-based carbon capture
- Biodiversity assessment and ecological monitoring using eDNA tools
- Clean technology development (e.g. hydrogen production, carbon storage)
- Optimization of processes that limit environmental risk (e.g. corrosion prevention, water treatment)
Information session
June 23, 2025, 9:00 AM MDT
Session recording and Q&A summary can be found here.
Funding Highlights
Expression of Interest Deadline: July 7, 2025
Full Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
Project Envelope Range: $300,000-$750,000
Total Funding Available: $1,500,000
Target Timelines
Launch of Funding Opportunity: June 16, 2025
Information Session (Virtual): June 23, 2025
Expression of Interest (EOI) Due: July 7, 2025
Invitation of Selected EOIs to Full Application Stage: July 18, 2025
Full Application Due: August 29, 2025
Notice of Awards (NOAs) to Applicants: October 2025
Flow of Funds: January 2026
Key Objectives
- Assess and reduce the environmental footprint of energy operations with bio-based (-omics) technologies.
- Bridge the gap in scaling genomics solutions for broader adoption and benefits to the energy sector through field validation of technologies and tools.
- Generate near-to-mid-term outputs with measurable environmental benefits that are ready for deployment.
- Promote an open science approach for improved data sharing and interoperability to stimulate further innovation from large genomics data sets.
Parameters
- Total of +$1.5M in funding available from Genome Alberta.
- Up to $250,000 from Genome Alberta will be available per project.
- Minimum project budget size is $300,000.
- A minimum 1:1 co-funding ratio (Genome Alberta: all co-funding sources).
- Maximum project term is 24 months.
Application Process
There is a two-stage application process. Applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest form for review. Selected projects from the EOI stage will be invited to submit a Full Application.
In the Expression of Interest form, applicants will be required to briefly describe:
- The current limitation(s) in the energy sector that the project aims to solve;
- The proposed (genomics-based) adoptable output(s) to help support the energy sector’s challenge(s);
- The multidisciplinary consortia approach that will involve appropriate energy sector stakeholders; and
- The value proposition through impact metrics.
Documents and Resources
- Initiative Overview – Click here
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Form – Click here
- Funding Guidelines – Click here
- Information Session Recording & Q&A – Click here
- Previously Funded Projects – Click here
Funding Contact
Gabrielle Scheffer, Sector Innovation Manager – Natural Resources
gscheffer@genomealberta.ca