Genomics funding will accelerate innovation in Atlantic Canada

From Genome Canada and the Springboard Content Lab

The Canadian government has announced $20 million in funding to launch new genomics research across the country. These projects will be lead by Genome Canada and regional genome centres such as Genome Atlantic to launch 33 new genomics R&D projects across the country.

Key takeaways

• Federal genomics investments are opening doors for Atlantic Canadian innovation
• Genomics programs like Genomic Applications Partnership Program GAPP support partnerships between researchers and industry
• Genome Atlantic plays a key role in connecting regional projects to national funding
• Opportunities are growing in ocean tech, agriculture, and health innovation

“The projects Genome Atlantic is proud to support under this competition – spanning energy, agriculture, synthetic biology, and health – reflect the distinct strengths and opportunities of Atlantic Canada. Thanks to the support of Genome Canada and the Government of Canada, we will harness those strengths through private sector leadership to generate economic impact for our region and the country.”
– Steve Armstrong, President and CEO, Genome Atlantic

Funding boosts Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem

The funding is designed to accelerate the adoption of genomics in sectors such healthcare and agriculture to improve Canadian economic competitiveness. It will support genomic projects such as AI-powered precision cancer care drought-tolerant agricultural crops.

The investment will generate more than $45 million in additional private and other public sector projects to generate business growth, job creation and the deployment of genomics-enabled technologies at scale.

Investment supports projects that deliver:

• 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

Atlantic Canadian projects:

Simplifying and improving genomic test ordering

This project will develop and deploy an AI-powered platform that automates the capture of structured patient phenotype data at the point of ordering. This research aims to reduce a critical bottleneck in genomic medicine to enable faster, more accurate diagnoses across Canadian health centres. Institution: IWK Health Centre Receptor: PhenoTips Genome Atlantic (primary), Ontario Genomics (secondary)

Reducing biological risks in underground energy storage

De-Risking Underground Energy Storage in Atlantic Canada Through Deep Biosphere Genomics

This project will help make underground energy storage safer and more reliable by understanding how tiny underground microbes could affect storing clean energy like compressed air and hydrogen in salt caverns. By reducing these risks early, it will support investment and help Atlantic Canada store renewable energy and move toward net-zero emissions.

Institution: University of Calgary

Receptor: Triple Point Resources Genome Atlantic.

Producing a natural sugar alternative through fermentation

Precision fermentation of Brazzein: Enhancing biosynthesis efficiency and optimizing scale-up parameters for commercialization

This project will scale the production of brazzein—a natural protein more than 2,000 times sweeter than sugar—through precision fermentation. This will advance Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity and creating a sustainable, commercially viable alternative to conventional sweeteners.

Institution: The Verschuren Centre

Receptor: Biofect Innovations Inc. Genome Atlantic

Protecting wild blueberries from drought and disease

Microbiome-based design of microbial consortia to reduce stem blight and improve drought resilience in wild blueberry agroecosystems.

This project will use genomic tools to understand how drought reshapes the blueberry root microbiome and develop a locally adapted, natural microbial product that restores plant resilience and reduces the need for chemical fungicides for Atlantic Canadian growers.

Institution: Dalhousie University

Receptor: Bragg Lumber Inc. Genome Atlantic

Growing genomics and biotech sector

The announcement advances the Canadian Genomics Strategy (CGS), launched in 2025 to translate Canada’s genomics research into economic growth and more competitive industries.  Over seven years, it is investing $175.1 million in genomics commercialization, data coordination and talent—cementing genomics as a cornerstone of Canada’s bioeconomy. 

Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), brings together companies, researchers and end users to accelerate development and adoption of genomics-based technologies. This research is taking place in sectors such as health, agrifood, natural resources, clean technology and advanced manufacturing.

The program is designed to reduce commercialization risk, attract private investment and shorten the path from innovation to market. By supporting development, validation and deployment, GAPP helps Canadian firms integrate genomics into their products, services and production systems—strengthening productivity, supply chains and export potential.

A central goal of this investment is to accelerate the movement of discoveries from the lab into the marketplace.

Collaboration as a Competitive Advantage

Atlantic Canada’s collaborative approach to innovation is a natural fit for genomics initiatives.

Through Springboard Atlantic, researchers already work closely with industry to:

• Protect intellectual property
• Provide research commercialization support
• Build industry partnerships

FAQs

What is genomics?
Genomics is the study of DNA and how genes function, interact, and influence traits across organisms.

How can Atlantic Canadian researchers access funding?
Through programs delivered by Genome Atlantic in partnership with Genome Canada.

What is GAPP?
The Genomic Applications Partnership Program funds collaborations that help move genomics research into commercial products.

Which sectors in Atlantic Canada benefit most?
Ocean tech, agriculture, and health/life sciences are key areas of opportunity.

How does this connect to Springboard Atlantic?
Springboard supports commercialization, making it easier for researchers to partner with industry and access programs like GAPP.

About Genome Canada

Genome Canada is a national not-for-profit leading large-scale research missions that translate excellent science into economic, health and environmental solutions. We align Canada’s genomics ecosystem for impact. Genome Atlantic helps Atlantic Canada companies, industries and government use genomic insights and innovations to solve real-world problems

About Springboard Atlantic

Springboard Atlantic is a network of 19 post-secondary institutions across Atlantic Canada that supports research commercialization. By connecting researchers with industry and funding opportunities, Springboard helps transform ideas into innovations that benefit the economy and society.