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).
Saskatoon, SK, Winnipeg, MB – March 18, 2026 — Today, the Government of Canada, along with Genome Canada and the six regional genomics centres, announced up to $20 million in federal investment to launch 33 new genomics-based research and development projects nationwide.
The projects announced today are based across Canada, reinforcing national capacity to translate scientific excellence and each region’s unique industrial strengths into economic value. The investment will also generate more than $45 million in additional co-investment—providing incentives for broader business growth, job creation and the deployment of genomics-enabled technologies at scale.
Of the 33 new projects announced, 3 will be based in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and will be administered via Genome Prairie’s GenTrac Funding Initiative. These projects will be formally announced in both provinces on Tuesday, March 24, at 11:00 a.m. CST.
Today’s announcement advances the Canadian Genomics Strategy (CGS), launched in 2025 to translate Canada’s genomics research into economic growth and more competitive industries. The $20 million in investments is delivered through the national Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), supporting projects that are 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
Quotes:
“This investment is about moving innovation out of the lab and into the economy. By supporting the commercialization and adoption of genomics technologies, we are helping Canadian companies scale, compete globally and build resilient industries that create quality jobs across the country.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, Government of Canada
“For many years, the Genomic Applications Partnership Program has played an integral role in achieving our mission of driving genomics research. As we move into the next era of genomics innovation in Canada, supporting public-private collaborations will be paramount to reaching even greater heights of discovery and prosperity. Genome Prairie, along with Genome Canada and the entire Canadian genomics enterprise, is proud to continue providing its support and expertise in translating research into market-ready technologies.”
Mike Cey, President and CEO, Genome Prairie
“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.”
Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada.
About Genome Prairie:
Genome Prairie is the leading not-for-profit organization for support and management of large-scale genomics and related bioscience research projects in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Industry sectors such as agriculture, health, mining and energy are benefiting from the organization’s outreach and commercialization initiatives. With its partners, Genome Prairie has invested approximately $450 million in research activities in plant, animal, and human genomics, bioinformatics, instrumentation development, and bioethics since its establishment in 2000.
Fast Facts:
- The national funding announcement and regional genomics projects will be administered in the prairie region via Genome Prairie’s GenTrac initiative. Over the span of the initiative, GenTrac will increase Canadian private sector investment in the commercialization of innovation in genomics and biotechnology.
- GenTrac will help commercial enterprises to better secure follow-on funding from financial institutions, agencies or private investors.
- GenTrac’s lead delivery partner is Genome Canada, an independent, not-for-profit Federally-funded organization established in 2000. Since its inception, Genome Canada has invested hundreds of millions of dollars nationwide, as well as to coordinate genomics research, innovation, data and talent to generate solutions to today’s biggest challenges.
- Genome Prairie is a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, Manitoba-based non-profit. Established in 2000, Genome Prairie has supported approximately $450 million in genomics-based research activities related to agriculture, the environment, and human and animal health.
- Genome Prairie represents one of six independent regional Genome Centres in Canada. This federated model optimizes investments in genomics research and innovation by aligning regional strengths and needs with national priorities—and by mobilizing industry-academic partnerships.
- Genome Prairie has a strong record of success in bringing investment dollars to its region. In recent years, Genome Prairie was awarded lead and co-lead for five of nine large-scale genomics projects totaling over $27 million via the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (CSAFS) initiative.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RELEASE PLEASE CONTACT
Tony Bassett
Director of Communications
Genome Prairie
text/voice: 306.881.0255
email: tbassett@genomeprairie.ca
