New Commercialization funding initiative is a first-of-a-kind in Canada’s prairie region, and was originally launched in September, 2025.
Media Release
Saskatoon, SK: Winnipeg, MB – June 1, 2026: Genome Prairie announced today the launch of the 2nd round of GenTrac, a four-year, $4 million regional genomics funding initiative designed to support public-private innovation related to genomics. The new round of GenTrac funding will provide supports for projects that involve collaborations between academic researchers and for-profit enterprises operating in the provinces of Manitoba or Saskatchewan that have an economic interest in developing an idea or research into a commercial application.
For the 2026-27 funding year, the GenTrac initiative provides a funding ratio of 1:2 (33%), with a minimum contribution by Genome Prairie of $100,000 up to a maximum of $225,000.
In addition to its public-private partnership mandates, GenTrac projects will deliver outcomes that advance commercialization, protect intellectual property, and demonstrate potential societal and economic benefits.
Genome Prairie will be accepting applications for GenTrac’s first round of funding immediately, with the letter of intent due by June 30, 2026, and full funding proposals from invited teams due by August 19, 2026.
Full details about the GenTrac initiative, including application documents and project timelines, can be found via the Genome Prairie website genomeprairie.ca/funding.
QUOTES
“Genome Prairie is delighted to announce another significant round of investment in support of the biotech sector in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. When GenTrac was launched in 2025, it marked a milestone initiative for Genome Prairie. The response from the for-profit sectors in both provinces was very strong, and I look forward to supporting bringing genomics-based innovations to market and the great prosperity it will bring to our region in the near future.”
– Mike Cey, Genome Prairie President and CEO
“We were very pleased with the response from the launch of GenTrac in September of last year, and look forward to our continued support of research in the prairie region that benefits biotechnology companies. Initiatives like GenTrac will produce future technologies supporting critical sectors including human health, agriculture, natural resources and the environment.”
– Dr. Lester Young, Genome Prairie Chief Scientific Officer
QUICK FACTS
- Over the course of the initiative, GenTrac will increase Canadian private-sector investment in the commercialization of genomics and biotechnology innovations.
- 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, supporting genomics research, innovation, data and talent to generate solutions to today’s biggest challenges.
- The 2nd round of the GenTrac funding initiative will be accepting funding applications immediately. Successfully funded projects will begin on January 1, 2027.
- Genome Prairie is a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, Manitoba-based non-profit. Established in 2000, Genome Prairie has supported over $400 million in genomics-based research in 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 track record of attracting investment dollars to its region. In recent years, Genome Prairie was awarded the lead and co-lead roles on five large-scale genomics projects totalling over $27 million through the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (CSAFS) initiative. Genome Prairie currently administers 15 active genomics projects valued at more than $55 million.
- More details about GenTrac and its application deadlines can be found at the Genome Prairie Funding Opportunities page: genomeprairie.ca/funding
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GenTrac PLEASE CONTACT
Dr. Lester Young
Chief Scientific Officer
Genome Prairie
email: lyoung@genomeprairie.ca
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MEDIA RELEASE PLEASE CONTACT
Tony Bassett
Director of Communications
Genome Prairie
text/voice: 306.881.0255
email: tbassett@genomeprairie.ca
