New National funding initiative is focused on enabling Canada’s Bio Revolution in Natural Resources Management.
Media Release
Saskatoon, SK: Winnipeg, MB – June 1, 2026: Genome Canada, in partnership with Canada’s genomics enterprise, including Genome Prairie, today unveiled its latest large-scale mission-driven research initiative, the Natural Resources Initiative (NRI).
The NRI is a three-year, $50M investment, with $25M in Government of Canada support, to lay the foundations for a generational transformation of Canada’s resource systems and biodiversity management.
The NRI will be rolled out via three integrated activity streams:
Stream 1: Driver Projects: This mission-driven stream focuses on addressing challenges facing the nation’s natural resource systems. This stream will seek ways to improve biodiversity monitoring, develop sustainable resource management strategies, climate adaptation, and protect ecosystems.
Stream 2: National Genomics Data Hub: this stream is focused on developing a platform to oversee data generated by Stream 1 project activities.
Stream 3: Indigenous Data Governance Frameworks: this stream will develop tools for Indigenous genomic and environmental data to be owned, accessed, utilized, shared, and appropriately stewarded beyond the NRI opportunity.
Each stream will begin taking funding applications in August 2026, except for the Indigenous Data Governance Framework project stream, which will begin accepting applications in December 2026.
The NRI is in response to previous concerns that access to resource-based genomics data is often difficult to obtain or inconsistently governed. Additionally, concerns have been raised about historical inequalities that include a lack of recognition of Indigenous governance over their data. The NRI intends to address these fragmentations and bridge existing oversight gaps to support Indigenous data sovereignty and build stronger relationships based on equality and trust.
Researchers or institutions within the Genome Prairie region (Saskatchewan and Manitoba) are encouraged to contact Genome Prairie directly or visit the regional funding opportunities website, genomeprairie.ca/funding.
QUOTES
“Genome Prairie is excited about the near and long-term impacts from this funding opportunity. In collaboration with Indigenous voices and communities, significant time and effort have been invested in identifying current challenges and gaps in this critical area of genomics. We are confident the NRI will result in discoveries that not only benefit the environment, but will also lead to beneficial partnerships and greater equality for Indigenous peoples.”
– 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
applications@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
