New Commercialization funding initiative is a first-of-a-kind in Canada’s prairie region
Saskatoon, SK: Winnipeg, MB – September 16, 2025: Genome Prairie announced today the launch of GenTrac, a four-year, $4 million regional genomics funding initiative designed to support public-private innovation related to genomics. The GenTrac initiative will provide funding supports for projects that involve collaborations between academic researchers and for-profit organizations located in the provinces of Manitoba or Saskatchewan.
GenTrac is designed to support Canadian for-profit enterprises (FPEs) that have an established place of business in either Saskatchewan or Manitoba and that have an economic interest in developing an idea or research into a commercial application. The initiative provides a funding ratio of one to two (or 33%), with a minimum contribution level of $100,000, up to a maximum of $300,000. The remaining project funding (66%) must come from the for-profit partner or other eligible sources.
In addition to its public-private partnership mandates, GenTrac projects will produce outcomes that advance commercialization goals and intellectual property, while also demonstrating potential benefits to society and the economy as a whole.
Genome Prairie will be accepting applications for GenTrac’s first round of funding immediately, with the letter of intent due by October 17, 2025, and full funding proposals from invited teams due by November 24, 2025.
Full details about the GenTrac initiative, including applications documents and project timelines, can be found via the Genome Prairie website genomeprairie.ca/funding
QUOTES
“GenTrac is a milestone funding initiative for Genome Prairie. For nearly three decades, significant investments have been made in genomics research in our region, resulting in amazing genomics-based discoveries and innovations. With GenTrac, Genome Prairie will now be more engaged in providing support to help bring our discoveries to market, resulting in significant economic opportunities, job growth and skills and knowledge advancements for people in our region.”
– Mike Cey, Genome Prairie President and CEO
“Since Genome Prairie’s foundation 25 years ago, researchers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba have made tremendous genomics-based discoveries benefiting many sectors like agriculture, human and animal health and the environment. GenTrac marks an exciting milestone for genomics-based research in our region as it will accelerate future growth and innovation, while benefiting our local economies.
– Dr. Lester Young, Genome Prairie Chief Scientific Officer
QUICK FACTS
- 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.
- The GenTrac funding initiative will be accepting funding applications immediately, with the first round of funded projects to begin on March 31, 2026.
- 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 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.
- More details about GenTrac and its application deadlines can be found at the Genome Prairie Funding Opportunities page.
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
