In a world where global challenges are constantly evolving, Ontario Genomics continues to push boundaries and make strides by positioning Ontario as a leader in the burgeoning field of genomics and biotechnology. Our theme this year, “Up for the Challenge,” embodies our relentless drive to turn challenge into opportunity and innovation into transformation.

Next year, Ontario Genomics will be celebrating its 25th year as the leader in developing our Genomics opportunity. During that time, we have invested over $1.5 Billion in Genomic innovation and applications of the science. The first 15 years of our work was largely in Health as the Human Genome was catalogued, but in the last decade, the opportunity for applications in a variety of industries have multiplied and accelerated. We have been at the vanguard of that pivotal development and indeed lead the development of several segments of the BioRevolution in the province and nationally.

Unlocking Ontario’s Economic Potential

Ontario stands on the brink of a genomics revolution, one that promises to fuel economic growth, create jobs, and solidify our place on the global stage. This is a $2-4 trillion opportunity globally according to McKinsey Global, and we estimate that Ontario’s share of that is $50 Billion by 2040. Yet, seizing this opportunity requires bold action, investment, and advocacy. Over the past year, Ontario Genomics has engaged with policymakers across the spectrum, championing the economic and societal benefits of genomics-based solutions in health, agriculture, food, and cleantech. Our efforts culminated in the landmark “Genomics in the Park” event in February 2024, which showcased Ontario’s homegrown innovations and their potential to address global challenges while bolstering our economy to our political leaders.

Examples of some of the initiatives that we are leading and collaborating on include:

Pioneering Sustainable Agriculture

With a global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, sustainable farming practices have never been more crucial. We are proud to lead a $16-million international project to advance the Canadian dairy industry’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050. By developing a diagnostic toolkit that enhances feed efficiency and reduces methane emissions, we are empowering farmers to meet the climate challenge head-on and cementing Ontario’s reputation for innovation in sustainable agriculture.

Driving a Sustainable Future

Our commitment to sustainability extends across multiple sectors. From pioneering initiatives like the “wasteCANcreate” program to supporting the largest cellular agriculture project in Canada, Ontario Genomics is dedicated to fostering a circular economy and solving critical global challenges. Through the BioCreate program, we continue to support biotechnology startups, to cultivate a vibrant innovation ecosystem that propels Ontario to the forefront of the BioRevolution.

Advancing Health Innovation

In the health sector, we remain steadfast in our mission to harness genomics for better patient outcomes. This year, the expansion of the EpiSign™ diagnostic test to cover 126 rare genetic disorders marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide life-changing answers to patients and their families. It is yet another testament to the transformative power of genomics to improve lives.

Looking Forward

As we look ahead, Ontario Genomics remains committed to the ambitious path we’ve set: fostering inclusivity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies and building strategic partnerships. The upcoming Canada SynBio conference and our ongoing initiatives are just the beginning of what we envision for the future. We invite you to join us as we drive forward with passion and purpose, building a resilient bioeconomy for Ontario and beyond.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated team, partners, stakeholders, and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Together, we are “Up for the Challenge” ready to unlock the next chapter of growth, innovation, and global leadership for Ontario.