Over 50% of Genome Canada funding invested into Ontario’s impactful and ground-breaking genomics research and technologies
March 9, 2022 – Today, The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced federal support through Genome Canada to five Ontario Genomics-led and co-led research and development projects as part of the Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), that will mobilize genomics out of the lab and deliver real-world benefits. These are projects that harness the game-changing power and potential of genomics to deliver solutions to build healthier, more sustainable and prosperous communities across Ontario, Canada, and the world.
The Government of Canada, in collaboration with industry and healthcare organizations, as well as other partners are investing a total of over $20.7M into Ontario projects out of the $41.4 million funding announced for projects across Canada. The GAPP program funds industry-partnered projects that use genomics tools and technologies to address real-world challenges and opportunities with the intent to create numerous downstream impacts for Ontario, such as job creation and revenue generation. These public-private partnerships will apply genomics research and innovation in three priority areas for Canada: sustainable resources and nature-based solutions for climate change; advancement of climate-smart agriculture and agri-food for greater export competitiveness; and precision health for better outcomes for Ontarians and Canadians.
Ontario is a world leader in genomics research, producing breakthroughs in science and transforming our understanding of the world around us. Genomics technologies and applied research are already being used to tackle important challenges and develop innovative solutions across diverse sectors of the economy, including human health and the environment.
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.
This investment will support researchers at the University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, CHEO Research Institute, University of Ottawa, University of Waterloo, Montreal Neurological Institute, and McGill University. In collaboration with industry partners, including Natural Resources Canada, Mount Sinai Hospital, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ecopoly Solution, and YCharOS Inc., these genomics-based projects will have real, positive impacts on our healthcare system, as well as the environment and well-being of Canadians.
