Search
Close this search box.

2022–2023 Annual Report

Made in Ontario:Unlocked for the World

Welcome

Ontario Genomics 2022-2023 Annual Report

Discover the key to Ontario’s innovation economy in our 2022-2023 Annual Report, where we explore our theme “Made in Ontario, Unlocked for the World.”

Land Acknowledgement

Introduction

Government

Message

“I would like to commend Ontario Genomics for its strong leadership, strategic vision and commitment to public-private partnerships, which is helping us drive the commercialization of “made-in-Ontario” genomics technologies and products. The province is proud to support leading genomics research projects. From helping to identify disease-causing viruses, to increasing crop yields and protecting our water supply, the potential of genomics to address some of our biggest challenges is truly limitless.”

Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities.
The Honourable Jill Dunlop,
Minister of Colleges and Universities.

A Message from our

Board Chair, Dr. Deborah Stark and President & CEO, Dr. Bettina Hamelin

Discover the key to Ontario’s innovation economy in our 2022-2023 Annual Report, where we explore our theme “Made in Ontario: Unlocked for the World.” This year, we showcase the transformative power of Ontario’s ingenuity, unveiling breakthroughs that resonate worldwide. Our commitment to excellence continues to unlock new avenues of growth, fostering a thriving and sustainable economy that transcends borders.

Made in Ontario: UNLOCKED FOR THE WORLD

A Year in Review 2022–2023

Leading the application of genomics-based solutions across key sectors to drive economic growth, improve quality of life and foster global leadership in Ontario.

Connecting scientists, ideas and partner organizations for collaborative investment opportunities in genomics technologies. Learn more about how we bring the right researchers together with the right partners at the right time to achieve our goals.

Ontario Genomics’ Global Impact

The verdict is in – we’re spilling genes all over the world! This video focuses on our provincial, national, and global reach, encapsulating the far-reaching impacts of the science and innovation unlocked by Ontario Genomics.

Impact During this Year
(2022-2023)

$ 0 M+

Funds Raised

Follow-On Funding

0

Jobs Created or Maintained

$ 0 M+
Active Portfolio
(Including co-funding)

Impact Since 2000

0 +

Patents Awarded

$ 0 B+

GDP Growth Supported (2013-2018)

Follow-On Investments (Companies & Research)

0 +

Projects

0 +

Partners

Impact Across Digital Platforms (2021-2022)

Followers: 12,755 (56%↑)
0
Profile Visits: 174,430 (53%↑)
0
Engagement: 31,707 (25%↑)
0
Impressions: 1.37M+ (29%↑)
0 M+
Posts: 1,592 (8%↓)
0

* Baselines readjusted to account for digital media policy changes

The key to GENOMICS TALENT

Unlocking the full potential of genomics in our rapidly evolving world requires a unique blend of scientific prowess and business acumen. At Ontario Genomics, we’re not just shaping the future; we’re shaping the future’s leaders.

Our programs foster trans-disciplinary talent, bridging diverse expertise and market-focused vision, driving our strategic mission to elevate Ontario’s research and innovation landscape. Join us in the pursuit of genomics excellence, where the key to success lies in nurturing the genomics talent of tomorrow.

In advancing our vision to cultivate engineering biology across Ontario and Canada, Ontario Genomics is at the forefront of enabling small and medium-sized enterprises.

In the realm of groundbreaking discoveries and technologies, genomics is a key to unlocking the potential of our future. Ontario Genomics recognizes the urgent need to nurture a workforce to use over the next decade and beyond.

When the pace of global change is hard to keep up with, how do we effectively merge the knowledge from labs with the pressing needs of our rapidly evolving environment? 

Public engagement in genomics is key to unlocking the potential of this innovative field and bridging the gap between science and society.

The key to GENOMICS BREAKTHROUGHS

At Ontario Genomics, we embark on a relentless pursuit of answers to humanity’s most pressing dilemmas: combating climate change, eradicating food shortages, and conquering acute and chronic diseases. Our unwavering dedication stems from our distinctive position, empowering Ontario to harness the boundless potential of genomics and synthetic biology.

We firmly believe that nurturing genomics talent is the key to unlocking a future brimming with health, prosperity, and environmental harmony. Join us as we propel Ontario into a future filled with health, economic success, and environmental sustainability. 

MADE IN ONTARIO: UNLOCKED FOR THE WORLD
HUMAN HEALTH

Unlocking the Mysteries of Rare Genetic Diseases: A Journey Towards Equitable Healthcare

In Canada, an unseen battle unfolds every day. More than 7,000 rare genetic diseases silently affect up to 3% of Canadians.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

First-of-its-Kind Partnership Unlocking Sustainable Food Innovation in Canada

In October 2023, Ontario Genomics teamed up with The Cultivated B (TCB), a European biotechnology company, to bring cellular agriculture infrastructure, jobs, talent, and innovation development opportunities to Ontario.

INDUSTRIAL BIOTECH & ENVIRONMENT

Unlocking the Power of Nature: How Science is Transforming Waste into Wealth

In our everyday lives, we often see a linear pattern: make, use, and then toss away. Yet, a better solution is emerging that taps into biology and engineering to change the game – a circular bioeconomy.

The key to COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Canada SynBio 2022: Creating Pathways in Genomics and Bioinnovation

Discover the dynamic world of synthetic biology at the 2022 Canada SynBio conference. Join entrepreneurs, academics, and experts exploring bioengineering solutions to global challenges. With vibrant discussions, this event embodied Canada’s bioeconomy leadership. Brought to you by Ontario Genomics and supported by esteemed partners. (LEARN MORE)

Clean DNA: How Genomics Can Reduce Emissions and Drive Economic Growth for Canada

Amid the pressing climate crisis, innovative strategies emerge from an unexpected source: biology. Natural microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and microalgae are harnessed to create materials with enhanced efficiency and fewer emissions. The potential spans from protein-producing bacteria to lab-cultivated meat cells, offering promising solutions to many challenges. Recent findings indicate that a biological approach could replace petroleum-based processes, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future, leveraging Canada’s prowess in genomics and biotechnology. (LEARN MORE)

Eating for a Sustainable Future

Explore the fascinating world of cellular agriculture, a cutting-edge field revolutionizing food production. With population growth, climate change, and shifting preferences, traditional methods are strained. Enter cellular agriculture: using advanced cell cultures and precision fermentation to craft sustainable alternatives. Learn how Canada’s poised to seize a $12.5B opportunity as experts advocate for strategy, regulations, and support. Witness startups like Ardra, redefining meat flavours, and CELL AG TECH’s sustainable seafood quest. Join the movement that’s reshaping the culinary landscape. (LEARN MORE)

Turning Crisis into Opportunity: A Canadian-Made Bio-Revolution

Discover how, two decades after the Human Genome Project, genomics is reshaping healthcare and expanding to agriculture, biomanufacturing, and climate solutions. Explore Canada’s response to COVID-19, challenges in biotech growth, and the path to a flourishing industry that addresses health, climate, and prosperity. Join the journey towards innovation-driven transformation. (LEARN MORE)

Genomics Can Both Grow and Green Canada’s Economy

Unveiling a new perspective, this Op-ed highlights the power of genomics and engineering biology in reshaping industries like agriculture, resource extraction, and manufacturing. Embracing genomics could revolutionize economic sectors, spurring a shift towards sustainable practices. By leveraging Canada’s potential in cellular agriculture, fostering innovation, and strategic investment, we can thrive economically while addressing climate change and global challenges. The era of genomics promises a brighter, more harmonious future. (LEARN MORE)

The key to SUCCESS

OUR PROJECTS IN THE HEADLINES

Known for our leadership in groundbreaking ‘omics innovations, Ontario Genomics has its finger on the pulse of what is making headlines. Learn about projects, organizations, and researchers that Ontario Genomics has worked with and/or funded that are making headlines locally and around the world.

Unlatching Ontario’s Hidden Potential: Microbes Transform Oil Sites for a Greener Future

When pondering oil production, most Canadians turn to Alberta. However, Ontario boasts more than 2,300 active oil and gas wells. Meet the University of Toronto’s Professor Elizabeth Edwards, whose research seeks out and utilizes microorganisms to unlock nature’s solution for cleansing oil sites. The infamous BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes), integral to petroleum production but hazardous to both the environment and humans, find their key to elimination through this novel anaerobic microbe-driven technology. Successfully reaching commercial scales, it opens a pathway to purify soil and water at oil sites, nurturing a healthier planet. This research was enabled through a long-standing partnership with SiREM and open science.

Investigating Nature’s Secrets: Opening Biodiversity’s Door at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics

Spanning from Guelph, Canada, to the vibrant landscapes of Australia, the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics embarks on a captivating journey. A shining illustration is the Insect Investigators program, which beckons school children from various corners of Australia to actively partake in bug sample collection. Through this engaging experience, young minds unravel the genetic enigma of these creatures, unveiling Australia’s exceptional biodiversity. In the process, students relish adventure and foster a profound appreciation for science and the environment. Closer to home, each year, the Bees@Schools project collaborates with 200 Canadian classrooms to unveil the dynamic shifts in plant-pollinator interactions across Canada through innovative DNA barcoding and climate data analysis, providing hands-on experience to students while gathering data valuable to research.

Unlocking Nature’s Key: The Eco-Friendly Biofertilizer Revolution

In a groundbreaking collaboration, NutriAg Ltd. and Professor Neil Emery from Trent University have unveiled a novel biofertilizer concoction that’s both efficient and eco-friendly. By harnessing the power of beneficial bacteria, this ingenious formula is key to unlocking plants’ true potential. Through the nurturing touch of the specialized Methylobacterium organophilum, not only do crops thrive and flourish, but they also gain resilience against nature’s trials, such as drought. Initially tailored for soybeans, this botanical elixir boasts universal growth-enhancing attributes, a boon for a myriad of plants.

Unveiling the Hidden World of Trees: Using Drones to Unlock Nature’s Secrets

Drones, often associated with capturing stunning landscapes, have taken on a new role through the FastPheno initiative. At the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Ensminger lab, a remarkable blend of hyperspectral (HSL) and LiDAR data collected by drones. This high-throughput drone-based phenotyping technology captures information of thousands of trees and unlocks the well-being of each individual trees Combined with the genetic information of each tree, this endeavour aims to create the first genotype-phenotype spruce database, empowering scientists to unravel ways to bolster Canada’s forest industry against challenges posed by pests and the changing climate. These innovative methods unveil a previously hidden world of tree vitality for a greener future.

Unlocking Excellence: Quality Antibodies for Scientific Progress

In the realm of bioresearch, antibodies stand as crucial tools. But how do you know when they’re top quality and the right one for a particular experiment? Open-science company YCharOS, which spun out of the Montreal Neurological Institute – a Structural Genomics Consortium site, has characterized more than 760 antibodies and remains committed to keeping their results transparent and patent-free, so their groundbreaking research can be used to move science and healthcare forward. Industry partners warmly embrace YCharOS’ innovative, cooperative strategy, recognizing its key role in fostering progress.

Opening Doors to Discovery: Ontario Genomics and SGC’s Two-Decade Journey

For the past two decades, Ontario Genomics has supported SGC’s relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the human genome. This Toronto-headquartered, global collaboration, blending public and private efforts, is dedicated to deciphering the intricacies of structural and chemical biology, all while expediting the revelation of novel medicinal breakthroughs. SGC’s growth has transcended borders, embracing research partners from London and Germany to Sweden and North Carolina, uniting 250 brilliant minds. Their open-science approach has been instrumental in helping thousands of other scientists around the world advance their own discoveries while accelerating global drug discovery programs.

Governance

Board of Directors (2022-2023)

Deborah Stark

Vice Chair, University of Guelph and Former Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)

Nancy Carter

Nancy Carter

Vice President, Legal and Corporate Governance of CANARIE Inc.

Tom Corr

DBA, MBA, ICD

Former President and CEO, Ontario Centres of Excellence

Stephen Cummings

B. Sc. (Econ.), CPA, CA, FCA (UK)

CEO and General Managing Partner, Rizolve Partners

Charmaine Dean

PhD

Vice-President, Research & International, University of Waterloo

Colin Kelleher

CEO, Kelleher Group

Mark Lundie

PhD

Vice President & Global Medical Lead, Rare Endocrinology and Neurology, Pfizer Inc

Alex MacKenzie

M.D., PhD

Senior Scientist, CHEO Research Institute Professor

Benjamin Rovinski

PhD

Managing Director, Lumira Ventures

Alison Sunstrum

Alison Sunstrum

Founder/CEO of CNSRV-X Inc.

Ann Marie Vaughan

Ed. D.

President and CEO, Loyalist College

Alan E. Winter

PhD, Hon DSc

Former BC Innovation Commissioner

Observers

Rob Annan

President and CEO, Genome Canada

Sandy He-Easton

Senior Policy Advisor at Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Colleen Hogan

Division Director, Data, Research & Innovation at Government of Ontario

Tanzeel Merchant

Regional Director General (Ontario), Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada

Dalia Morcos Fraser

Vice-President, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, Genome Canada

Jehoshua Sharma

Co-founder and Director of Operations, cGEM

Financials

Ontario Genomics makes public its annual financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. The consolidated financial statements present the consolidated financial position of Ontario Genomics as of March 31, 2023, its consolidated results of operations and its consolidated cash flows for the year then ended.

In This Report

  • Independent Auditors’ Report
  • Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
  • Consolidated Statement of Operations
  • Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  • Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
  • Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Download the 2022-2023 Annual Report PDF

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Thank You to Our Funders

Contact Us

Ontario Genomics
Lorem Ipsum Dolor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.