News release
As a lead delivery partner in the Government of Canada’s Canadian Genomics Strategy (CGS), Genome Canada is investing in commercialization and adoption of genomics-driven biotechnology solutions. The five projects announced today are supported by over $6 million through Genome Canada (funded through the CGS) and approximately $12 million in co-investment through the regional Genome Centres.
Ottawa, June 26, 2025 — From saving Atlantic oysters and the industry that depends on them to transforming cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine, a new wave of research and development (R&D) projects is launching across Canada to help solve major national challenges.
Five new projects will accelerate public-private innovation in genomics and genomics-driven biotechnology—bringing industry and academic researchers together to develop and adopt the tools needed to meet pressing market and societal needs.
“These projects are turning Canadian science into the solutions our industries and health-care systems need today. Genome Canada is on a mission to transform Canadian industries through cutting-edge technologies that place our home-grown companies among the world’s most innovative and competitive—and deliver the tools to build a healthier more sustainable country,” says Rob Annan, President and CEO of Genome Canada.
“I am continually amazed by the power genomics has to transform our lives, and these projects are prime examples of how Canadian companies are leading the way. With the Canadian Genomics Strategy, we’re turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions that benefit Canadians,” says the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
Innovation that hits home
- Saving the Atlantic oyster industry from an imminent threat: A deadly disease-causing parasite threatens Atlantic oysters. A genomics-based breeding program will develop MSX-resistant oysters—protecting coastal jobs, food security and a multimillion-dollar industry.
- Supercharging medical research: A new proteomics platform will make high-precision protein analysis faster and more affordable—accelerating drug discovery and disease research across Canada.
- Smarter cancer diagnostics: Two new prostate cancer tests aim to reduce unnecessary biopsies, improve patient outcomes and cut health-care costs—bringing precision medicine to more Canadians. (Project 1 | Project 2)
- Precision heart health: Using genomics-informed bio-inks, researchers will 3D-print heart tissue to better model disease and test drugs—paving the way for safer, more personalized treatments.
Turning Canadian research into economic power
Genome Canada’s investments in commercialization and adoption are economic engines, connecting world-class Canadian research with real market and societal needs. The projects announced today, and new funding through Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), also announced today, will:
Attract private-sector capital to scale Canadian genomics and biotechnology innovations.
De-risk commercialization to help startups and researchers bring products to market.
- Foster inclusive innovation by supporting individuals and partners from a wide range of backgrounds and expertise.
Genomics: the field of molecular biology focused on studying the entirety of an organism’s DNA, its genome.
Biotechnology leverages biological organisms, processes and systems to develop products and solutions for various applications. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, including medicine, agriculture and environmental science. And it has the potential to enhance human quality of life and transform how we tackle major global challenges.
Biotechnology has been significantly revolutionized by genomics research, which provides a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of life. This knowledge has enabled researchers to manipulate and understand biological systems at a molecular level, driving research, invention and innovation across multiple sectors.