ontarioadmin, Author at Ontario Genomics

$11-Million Program Supporting Ontario’s BioTech Start-ups

June 12, 2023 by ontarioadmin

The new BioCreate program is getting Ontario-made innovations ready for real-world use

Eight Ontario start-ups in the health, food and agriculture and clean-tech sectors are the first round of recipients for Ontario Genomics’ BioCreate program, an $11.6-million initiative providing financial and business support to help move the province’s biotechnology scene forward.

BioCreate is funded by Ontario Genomics and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) with the goal of connecting each highly-vetted company with $150,000 in non-repayable funding, 18 months of business mentorship and access to critical infrastructure. They’ll also get the opportunity to pitch to investors for further funding. The first round of recipients are:

AIMA Laboratories (Hamilton) is speeding up the diagnosis of endometriosis by creating a home test.
Index Biosystems (Burlington) is working on BioTag technology to make food products safer and cut down on food recalls by verifying sustainability, product quality and source-of-origin.
Kraken Sense (Oakville) is developing new technologies to speed up detection of new and existing variants of different viruses and bacteria to maintain public health and safety.
Ceragen (Kitchener) is helping farmers increase crop yields through microbiome engineering.
BioFect Innovations (Toronto) designed a microorganism to mass produce brazzein, a sugar substitute.
Genecis (Toronto) has engineered a bacteria that breaks down food waste to make cheaper bioplastics.
Liven Proteins (Toronto) is producing animal-free protein ingredients for the food industry.
Performance Plants (Kingston) is using genetic engineering to produce climate change-resistant crops.

Ontario Genomics President and CEO Dr. Bettina Hamelin, says, “Genomics gives us scientifically proven solutions to some of humanity’s biggest challenges. BioCreate is supporting cutting-edge companies to grow these game-changing technologies and to create jobs for the very near future.”

“Canada’s entrepreneurs are leaders in their field. Their innovative and creative solutions to our complex problems will drive our economy forward and make southern Ontario a destination for growing industries. The companies that were selected to participate in the BioCreate program are some of these incredible leaders.” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “By fostering the development and growth of these promising start-ups, our Government is helping them reach their potential and change the world.”

Ontario Genomics (OG) is a non-profit organization funded by the Government of Ontario and Genome Canada. Since 2000, OG has been nurturing innovation across the province by supporting genomic technologies in the health, agriculture and environment sectors. Find out more at ontariogenomics.ca.

For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Media Contacts

Maggie Blood
Innovation Communications and Public Affairs Manager
mblood@ontariogenomics.ca

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

New Ontario Upcycling Project is Turning Food Waste into Plastic

May 23, 2023 by ontarioadmin

Ontario Genomics’ wasteCANcreate program is putting garbage eating microbes to good use

The world is awash in garbage from many different industries – food waste alone is responsible for 50% of agriculture-related greenhouse gas emissions. Even with current recycling programs, our trash problem is threatening the climate, wildlife habitats and critical natural resources like fresh water.

While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, help is on the way! Ontario Genomics’ new wasteCANcreate program is bringing together Canadian researchers and industry partners from the energy, agriculture & food, plastic films and performance textiles sectors to bring real-world solutions to Ontario, and the rest of the world.

How do you turn potato peels into plastic sheets and nylon fibers? Precision fermentation uses naturally occurring or engineered microbes to convert food waste into usable products like biodegradable plastics. This new method of upcycling also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, replaces the need for petroleum-based plastics and is an economic boost to the province through job creation.

Ontario Genomics President and CEO, Dr. Bettina Hamelin, says, “This is a win-win situation. Taking food waste and turning it into things like biodegradable plastic cuts down on garbage going into landfills both now and for generations to come.”

wasteCANcreate got a jump-start with $2.3 million in funding through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Clean Technology program, Ontario Genomics and other industry partners.

Ontario Genomics is a non-profit organization funded by the Government of Ontario and Genome Canada. Since 2000, OG has been nurturing innovation across the province by supporting genomic technologies in the health, agriculture and food, and environment sectors. Find out more at ontariogenomics.ca.

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Maggie Blood
Innovation Communications and Public Affairs Manager
mblood@ontariogenomics.ca

Funding Opportunity: Genomic Monitoring of Pathogens in Water – C3 Hub Webinar Registration

April 27, 2023 by ontarioadmin

Community Coordination and Collaboration Hub (C3 Hub) Funding Opportunity

Ontario Genomics and Genome Canada invite you to an introductory information session about a new funding opportunity, the Community Coordination and Collaboration Hub (C3 Hub), within our recently launched targeted genomic initiative known as .

The Community Coordination and Collaboration Hub (C3 Hub) will be a single Pan-Canadian team responsible for connecting regional surveillance projects and ensuring that data from monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emerging pathogens (EPs) are used to inform public policy decisions. We encourage you to attend our info session to learn more about the GeMPaW strategic initiative, and more specifically, the C3 Hub.

Date: June 1, 2023
Time: 12:30-1:30 pm ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom) – Link will follow registration

Register today! Participants interested in attending the info session must first register using the C3 Hub Individual Participation Registration form to receive the Zoom link via email. The deadline for individual registration is May 30, 2023. Registration is now open—please don’t delay.

If you have any questions about this info session or the GeMPaW initiative, please contact Laura Riley, Director, Sector Innovation & Programs, Ontario Genomics at lriley@ontariogenomics.ca.

Ontario Genomics investments drive cutting-edge R&D in health, environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience

April 18, 2023 by ontarioadmin

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced federal support through Genome Canada for three late-stage Ontario Genomics research and development projects tackling major challenges in health, environment and agriculture through genomics.

The Government of Canada, in collaboration with the provincial government, industry and healthcare organizations, as well as other partners, is investing a total of over $16.3 million into Ontario projects out of the $56.7 million funding announced for projects across Canada.

Genomics research is driving innovations and delivering solutions to global challenges like climate change, public health and food security. Ontario\’s robust research ecosystem has developed world-class strength in genomics with major investments over more than 23 years to solidify our position as a world leader in the field.

“Genomics is a key technology that is instrumental in responding to national and global challenges. Projects like the ones announced under the Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program are central to make sure the Canadian research system grow and remain at the forefront globally, leading to more cutting-edge genomics science that delivers real impacts for the health and economic growth of Canadians.”

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne,
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

The projects announced today will harness cutting-edge genomics science to deliver real-world impacts for healthier, more sustainable and prosperous communities across Ontario. The GAPP program leverages world-leading expertise to accelerate the translation of scientific knowledge into broad economic and societal benefits for Ontario, such as job creation and revenue generation.

“Enabling impact-focused research partnerships between academia, industry, public sector institutions and other partners is a powerful vehicle for generating long-term growth, low-carbon productivity and a healthier future for Canadians. Genome Canada is proud to mark the 10th anniversary of the Genomics Application Partnership Program (GAPP) and invest in our 100th GAPP with the vital support of the Government of Canada.”

– Dr. Rob Annan,
President and CEO, Genome Canada

Ontario Genomics plays a vital role in advancing these projects by supporting the development of their proposals, helping them access diverse funding sources, and finding the right industry partners to take this research out of the lab to apply it to the world’s most pressing challenges. Since its inception in 2000, Ontario Genomics has raised more than $1.27 billion for genomics applied research in Ontario and directly supported more than 9,100 trainees and jobs. We have 110+ active projects, 500+ impactful partnerships and have secured $1.34 billion in follow-on investments.

“Partnerships between the researchers and industry are the cornerstone of Ontario’s thriving innovation community. By supporting the development and uptake of new technologies that provide game-changing solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, Ontario Genomics is helping to nurture healthy people, a healthy economy, and a healthy planet for generations to come.”

– Dr. Bettina Hamelin,
President and CEO, Ontario Genomics.

This investment will support researchers at the Western University, University of Toronto, and Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. In collaboration with industry partners, including Greenlight Biosciences, Inc., Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, Metso-Outotec, and Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health, these genomics-based projects will have real, positive impacts on our healthcare system, as well as the environment.

Marking a decade of impact-focused research investment
The projects announced today are funded through GAPP. Marking its 10th anniversary this year, and its 100th funded project, GAPP leverages world-leading expertise and diversified partnerships to accelerate translation of scientific knowledge into broad economic and societal benefits for Ontario and Canada.

Biopesticide with new modes of action for control of highly polyphagous mite agricultural pests
Receptors: Greenlight Biosciences, Inc. and Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
This project will develop, register and commercialize RNAi biomiticide (biopesticides specific for mites) against the two-spotted spider mite to effectively manage its outbreaks. This novel biopesticide will not only provide the sector with potential economic benefits of ~$600 million per year, but it will also provide growers with an alternative to synthetic chemical insecticides, thus reducing their environmental footprint.
Developing novel bioleaching process for Ni recovery from pyrrhotite streams
Receptor: Metso-Outotec
This project will use genomics and bioleaching technologies to characterize and engineer microbial populations to treat pyrrhotite tailings, waste streams of current mining practices, for nickel extraction. The extraction of nickel from pyrrhotite tailings in Canada has a potential value of $26 billion, can provide a source of critical minerals for production of electric vehicle batteries, and enable significant (>75%) reduction in waste generation from mining processes.
Enabling personalized genomics in health with the CanPath data safe haven
Receptor: Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health
This project will build upon CanPath’s existing infrastructure to democratize access to the platform, developing a secure environment within which researchers, clinicians and industry in Canada can access deeply characterized population health and biobank data. It will support the development of Canada’s biotechnology sector and industry research as well as creating the ability to harmonize with other national precision medicine programs. The ultimate result will be earlier diagnosis of disease and medical interventions for Canadians.

Funding Opportunity: Announcing the launch of BioCreate Cohort 2

April 17, 2023 by ontarioadmin

Ontario Genomics’ (Cohort 2) is open to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in southern Ontario seeking to commercialize genomics and engineering biology enabled products and/or technologies in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4+.

BioCreate provides funding, access to mentorship and business support to help companies bring new products and technologies to market.

Program Highlights:

The multi-phase BioCreate program includes direct, non-repayable funding of $150,000 that will be matched by an additional $100,000 (minimum) from participating companies to a total project size of $250,000 or more.
Funded companies will have access to 18 months of intensive business mentorship and access to critical infrastructure provided by Ontario Genomics’ strategic sectoral and regional partnerships.
Each cohort will conclude with an investor showcase, giving the companies an opportunity to pitch to investors and potential partners.

The BioCreate Program will consist of three phases:

Application Steps and Dates

Interested SMEs should submit the initial BioCreate intake form at any time. Following the submission of this form, a representative from the BioCreate team will reach out to discuss your project idea. Eligible applicants will be invited to submit an application.

Interested SMEs should review the Program Guide for more information on the BioCreate program, including eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria.

If you have questions, please contact BioCreate@ontariogenomics.ca.

The deadline to submit an intake form to be considered for Cohort 2 is June 30, 2023. Additional details related to BioCreate and the application process can be .

Complete the intake form now to find out more about your company’s eligibility!

The BioCreate program is supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and Ontario Genomics. The current budget is greater than $7 million over five years.

Ontario Genomics & CANSSI Ontario Announce $200K for Postdoctoral Fellowships in Genome Data Science

March 30, 2023 by ontarioadmin

TORONTO, ON. — Ontario Genomics and CANSSI Ontario have awarded two fellowships of $200,000 total for early-career scientists to pursue work in the areas of statistical genetics, environmental genetics, or the economics and impacts of genomic technologies, in a climate-changing world.

The Ontario Genomics-CANSSI Ontario Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genomic Data Science, originally conceived as a single fellowship in 2021, has since evolved into two awards in 2023.

The Fellowship offers two-year salary support for up to $50,000 per year. We are delighted to congratulate the recipients of this Fellowship:

1. Dr. Ander Díaz-Navarro, Department of Molecular Genetics, University Toronto
Supervisors: Drs. Lincoln Stein and Bo Wang (University of Toronto)
Project: In Silico Generation of Synthetic Cancer Genomes Using Deep Learning Algorithms

2. Dr. João Pedro Fontenelle, Institute of Forestry and Conservation, Daniels Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto
Supervisors: Drs. Patrick James (University of Toronto) and Catherine Cullingham (Carleton University)
Project: The Influence of Cyclic Population Outbreaks on Population Genetic Structure Inferences

Drs. Díaz-Navarro and Fontenelle, are profiled, along with information about their background, research, and proposed research projects, here: Díaz-Navarro | Fontenelle

Ontario Genomics is proud to be a partner with CANSSI Ontario to help build research capacity in data science and genomics in Ontario.

About

The Ontario Genomics-CANSSI Ontario Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genome Data Science was created to support research projects that deepen our understanding of genomic epidemiology of infectious disease, using genomics for pathogen surveillance or host-virus genetic interaction by providing salary support for up to two years for an early career investigator pursuing research in the areas of statistical genetics or genetic epidemiology.

About Ontario Genomics:
Established in 2000, Ontario Genomics is a not-for-profit organization leading the application of genomics-based solutions to drive economic growth, improved quality of life, and global leadership for Ontario. As part of its strategic vision, Ontario Genomics (OG) is dedicated to supporting the development of educational resources that demonstrate how genomics plays a vital role to address key challenges in our society. Ontario Genomics also plays a role in advancing genomics projects and programs across the province by supporting the development of proposals, helping researchers access diverse funding sources, and finding the right industry partners to take this research out of the lab to apply it to the world’s most pressing challenges. Since its inception, Ontario Genomics has raised more than $1.27 billion for genomics applied research in Ontario and directly supported more than 9,100 trainees and jobs. OG supports 110+ active projects, 500+ impactful partnerships and has secured $1.34 billion in follow-on investments.

About CANNSI Ontario:
CANSSI Ontario is the Ontario Regional Centre of the Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute (CANSSI). Its goal is to strengthen and enhance research and training in data science by developing programs that promote interdisciplinary research and enable multidisciplinary collaborations.

[Hill Times] OP-ED: Genomics can both grow and green Canada’s economy

January 5, 2023 by ontarioadmin

It\’s Not Magic, It\’s Genomics – Ontario Genomics Annual Report 2021-2022

December 23, 2022 by ontarioadmin

Ontario Genomics is pleased to launch our 2021-22 Annual Report

The theme of this year’s annual report, “It’s Not Magic, It’s Genomics”, captures the essence of what is truly possible in this revolutionary, cutting-edge space. Although sometimes it may seem like magic, genomics offers scientifically sound and proven solutions to some of humanity’s biggest challenges: climate change, food insecurity, and acute and chronic disease.

This year, our advancements in agriculture and food have been a particular source of pride for Ontario Genomics. Expanding on our 2020 white paper: Engineering Biology – A platform technology to fuel multi-sector economic recovery and modernize biomanufacturing in Canada, we examined Canada’s opportunity in food innovation and food export. In 2021 we released a first-of-its-kind Canadian report that examines the growing global demand for diversified food production while complementing traditional agricultural approaches, thereby creating up to $12.5B per year in new economic opportunity for Canada.

Ontario Genomics’ multi-sector vision of healthy people, a healthy economy, and a healthy planet through genomics innovations depends on Ontario’s greatest strength to make it all happen: our talent. This year’s annual report features a special overview of our work to prepare the greater public and our future workforce for the transdisciplinary and entrepreneurial jobs of today and tomorrow.

And we are only just getting started. With the power of genomics, we can take the seemingly magical and make it the foundation of Ontario’s economic strength and prosperity for generations to come.

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

December 14, 2022 by ontarioadmin

The climate crisis demands innovation and new strategies. Scientists are finding potential solutions from an unexpected place: biology. The mapping of the human genome led to breakthroughs in medicine, but gene mapping can apply to many other fields, including agriculture, food, resource extraction and manufacturing.

It’s now possible to harness natural micro-organisms such as bacteria, yeast and micro-algae to manufacture many of the world’s physical materials, potentially with improved performance and fewer emissions. Bacteria is engineered to make proteins. Meat and fish cells are cultivated for burgers, nuggets or sushi. Sugar-based substances can replace petroleum in nylon. Researchers are developing ways to use microbes to devour toxins and bacteria to consume methane.

A recent McKinsey Global Institute report found that 60 percent of physical inputs to the global economy could, in principle, be produced biologically — with an economic value of at least U.S. $2 trillion between 2030 and 2040. This would represent a turn toward more biology-based processes, away from petroleum-based synthetic chemistry, says Bettina Hamelin, president and CEO of Ontario Genomics.

Hamelin notes that nature has made chemicals and proteins for billions of years. Science can reproduce those processes to make products we want and need. “We are building on what is happening in nature,” she says. “Biology, and biotechnology, is the only way toward a sustainable and prosperous future.”

Canada is a world leader in genomics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, big data, AI and biotechnology. We have all the ingredients for a successful industry, but we risk falling behind other jurisdictions that benefit from significant public and private investment in the sector.

Moving swiftly to a low-carbon society will require enormous effort by governments, businesses and individuals. That should include measures that allow Canadian startups in genomics and biological engineering to scale up their technologies, from public-private partnerships and talent development, to community engagement and building product trust.

Save the Date for Canada SynBio Conference (June 13-15, 2023)

December 6, 2022 by ontarioadmin

Ontario Genomics is pleased to announce that our annual Canada SynBio Conference is back for a special fifth-anniversary edition!
Save the Date: June 13-15, 2023

The brings together researchers, industry, government and students to showcase the successes and opportunities of engineering biology in Canada and the world. (Sign Up for Updates)

Canada is at the next frontier of innovation through engineering biology. As the global bio-revolution accelerates around us and Canada embarks on a Canadian genomics strategy, our goal is to continue to foster the connections, networks and communities that will advance a common vision and Canada’s position as a leader in engineering biology.
This conference plays a pivotal role in catalyzing new partnerships, technological development, and attracting investment from multiple sources.

This is a one-of-a-kind conference that brings together national and international leaders in the field of engineering biology to foster inter-sector partnerships and contribute to establishing Canada as an international powerhouse in the bioeconomy.

The 2022 edition of Canada SynBio gathered over 350 national and international leaders and had a vast social media reach of over 272k. Learn more about previous SynBio Conferences.

Join us as we explore emerging themes in engineering biology through a series of engaging presentations, dynamic workshops and interactive networking events.

We look forward to working together to continue the momentum of Canadian engineering biology.

Save the date for the most engaging engineering biology conference you’ll attend all year!

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