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Precision Medicine in Early Breast Cancer

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Breast cancer accounts for approximately 25% of new cancer cases each year and 13% of all cancer deaths in Canadian women. Breast cancer, which was once considered a homogenous tissue disease, is now known to be a complex, heterogeneous disease. Breast cancer in patients is individual and has different molecular make-ups; therefore, precision oncology promises to significantly improve treatment options.

To better comprehend the individual nature of breast cancer in patients, the implementation of integrated ‘omics solutions is needed to understand the combined effects of genomic and epigenomic changes in driving cancer progression and deliver on the promise of precision medicine.

Emerging research in breast cancer implicates epigenomics in the regulation of multiple cancer processes, including treatment response. Additionally, epigenomics data across cancer driver genes from different ethnic groups shows that molecular processes are influenced by differences in ethnicity. This highlights the diagnostic importance of epigenomic features for equitable delivery of healthcare to patients.

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and Thermo Fisher Scientific have collaborated to develop and validate novel panel-based targeted approaches for the evaluation of epigenetic alterations in breast cancer to address two major needs: improved predictive and prognostic assays for all breast cancer patients and a focused study comparing methylation profiles between cancers in ethnic minority groups.

“We’re investigating the impact of ethnicity in the biology of breast cancer. We are developing new tools to improve the diagnosis of breast cancer patients and accelerate personalized treatment based on the biology of their disease.”

– Dr. Melanie Spears, Principal Research Scientist, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.


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

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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.

2023 recipients of Postdoctoral Fellowships in Genome Data Science

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.

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

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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

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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)

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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!

Ontario Genomics Partners with The Cultivated B. to Drive Growth of Ontario’s Cellular Agriculture Industry

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October 27, 2022, Burlington – The Cultivated B. announce an expansion in cellular agriculture operations to Canada, opening their 130,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and innovation hub in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Ontario Genomics is partnering on the creation of this innovation hub to build on the momentum of this budding cellular agriculture ecosystem. The Cultivated B. (TCB) is a bioengineering company that provides access to plant-based and cell-based alternative protein sources and plans to hire over 200 employees at the new facility in the coming years. The facility will develop and produce bioreactors from 500 ml to 25,000 liters, photobioreactors and high-precision devices for cellular agriculture and precision fermentation. This will enable other businesses to produce alternative proteins at an industrial scale, whether in the cultivated meat, ingredients, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic industries. The facility will further house PreFer Industries, a subsidiary of The Cultivated B., focusing on developing alternative, particularly plant-based protein sources through precision fermentation.

Earlier this month at Toronto Global, TCB and Ontario Genomics signed a memorandum of understanding to drive forward a shared vision of developing the cellular agriculture ecosystem within Ontario and Canada, and offering opportunities to companies within the cellular agriculture and biotechnology industries. This strategic partnership will see approximately 20,000 square foot of the building dedicated to growing an innovation hub, providing small and mid-size cellular agriculture and other biotechnology companies with access to laboratory space, bioreactors and mentorship to test and scale up their products. Enabling access to this necessary and specialized infrastructure will help shape the landscape of the cellular agriculture industry within Canada and drive forward further growth.

“This facility in Canada is more than just a production site. Alongside the development and production of pioneering technology and bioreactors, we want to help other enterprises in the cellular agriculture and pharmaceutical industry flourish,” says Hamid R. Noori, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of The Cultivated B. “Our innovation hub, in particular, will help shape the landscape for cellular agriculture in the country and fill a major gap that we saw. We have aligned our goals with the government and Ontario Genomics, and I look forward to seeing how we will drive forward innovation and economic development together.”

“Canada, and specifically Ontario, has an opportunity to be at the forefront of a transformative industry. Our partnership with TCB will support biotechnology startups as they scale up their capacity to produce much needed foods, ingredients and materials,” says Bettina Hamelin, President and CEO, at Ontario Genomics. “There is undeniable growing consumer demand and huge industry momentum for these new and innovative products. This partnership is a critical next step for Canada to act on a window of opportunity to enhance resiliency in food supply chains while meeting common food security and sustainability goals.”

“Cells are essentially machines, and we are redesigning cells and plants to have them operate in the exact way we desire. Our new facility in Canada is a massive leap forward and a driving force behind this next industrial revolution,” says Raphael Heiner, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of The Cultivated B. “We are striving to use natural resources more efficiently, and our innovation hub will support other businesses working toward the same goal.”

Since 2019, Ontario Genomics has been driving the growth of the cellular agriculture community in Ontario and Canada. In November 2021, Ontario Genomics released the report Cellular Agriculture – Canada\’s $12.5 Billion Opportunity in Food Innovation, featuring extensive stakeholder input and economic analysis. The report found that the cellular agriculture industry is rapidly evolving and suggests a Canadian economic opportunity as high as $12.5 billion per year with the creation of up to 142,000 jobs. To achieve this, the country must develop a national vision and strategy for the Canadian cellular agriculture industry in the near term, establish a clear and transparent regulatory framework for cellular agriculture products in Canada, and provide supporting mechanisms for research and commercial development.

Following the report, in May 2022, Ontario Genomics and the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) announced more than $900K in funding for four cutting-edge cellular agriculture-focused food and beverage projects through their AcCELLerate-ON competition. AcCELLerate-ON is Canada’s first cellular agriculture-focused competition supporting the research and development of novel and innovative viable food production methods with the intent to drive economic growth and Ontario’s global leadership in this new and sustainable way to produce food. Ontario Genomics recently announced their new BioCreate program 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. Today’s announcement presents the next step to drive Ontario’s leadership in the cellular agriculture space, while creating the jobs, driving economic growth and the sustainable production of food and food ingredients for Ontario, and beyond.

-30-

Media Contact:
Polina Martins
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Pmartins@ontariogenomics.ca

Read The Cultivated B. news release.
Read the Toronto Global news release.

About The Cultivated B.
The Cultivated B. (TCB) is breaking new ground in the development of advanced biotechnology and bioengineering to enhance access to plant and cell-based alternative protein sources. TCB’s growing multinational team of scientists uses cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, and new approaches in bioreactor technology to drive forward the cultivated meat, food production, and personal care industries. By providing pioneering technology, TCB enriches the alternative protein and agritech industries and enables other companies to produce alternative proteins at an industrial scale. By utilizing TCB’s research and development capabilities, the parent company, InFamily Foods, will transform into a fully integrated food producer focusing on technology, innovation, and sustainable production serving future generations. With a fundamental commitment to minimizing the natural resources used, TCB is paving the way to a sustainable future locally, regionally, and globally.

About Ontario Genomics
Ontario Genomics is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ontario government and Genome Canada and leading the application of genomics-based solutions to drive economic growth, improved quality of life and global leadership for Ontario. Ontario Genomics plays a vital role in advancing projects and programs 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.

About Toronto Global
Toronto Global’s team of experienced business advisors works to help international companies access the most dynamic and innovative region in the world. We actively seek global companies interested in expanding to the Toronto Region and connect investors with the right opportunities that will facilitate the successful growth of their business.
As an arms-length organization representing the Cities of Mississauga, Brampton and Toronto, and the Regional Municipalities of Durham, York, and Halton, we work with our partners in the Ontario and Canadian governments to provide a comprehensive, customized service that allows for a smooth transition for international companies wishing to do business here. Toronto Global is dedicated to understanding our clients’ business needs and delivering tailored, innovative solutions that will set the stage for their success in the Toronto Region.

Ontario Genomics and Government of Canada Announce BioCreate Program

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Government of Canada invests over $5.6 million to help early-stage genomics companies bring new products to market

FedDev Ontario investment to support over 30 companies, create and maintain 160 jobs, and develop eight new products, services or processes, and over 32 new patents

WATCH THE ANNOUNCEMENT

October 21, 2022 – Toronto, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Research in genomics and engineering biology has led to the development of cutting-edge technologies and innovations in a number of important sectors, including public health, food, and the environment. By examining the genetic and environmental factors impacting the health of Canadians and understanding environmental changes, we can develop technologies and tools to address world challenges like disease and climate change, as well as to improve the health and well-being of Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of over $5.6 million for Ontario Genomics to deliver the . The program will provide seed funding and support to help genomics SMEs in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors to bring new products and technologies to market.

Southern Ontario is recognized as a world leader in genomics and engineering biology research, but innovators often encounter challenges that prevent promising start-ups from scaling up and moving from research to commercialization. Through the BioCreate program, Ontario Genomics, in partnership with Velocity (Waterloo), McMaster Innovation Park/Synapse Life Sciences Consortium (Hamilton), Toronto Metropolitan University Science Discovery Zone (Toronto), and Cleantech Commons (Peterborough), will provide over 30 successful applicants with access to critical infrastructure including lab space, business support tools, mentoring, and tech development guidance.

Participating businesses are expected to create and maintain up to 160 highly skilled jobs, as well as create eight new products, services, or processes and more than 30 new patents. As well, approximately 25 percent of the firms participating in the program will be directed to an investment fund (The Firehood) that focuses on connecting women founders with mentors, partners and/or customers to help develop their business.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation in this important sector to help SMEs grow and commercialize technologies and improve the well-being of Canadians, create quality jobs, and boost Canada’s economy.

Quotes

“Supporting Canadian innovators is a priority for the Government of Canada and today’s investment in Ontario Genomics and the BioCreate Program will provide Canadian genomics companies within the health, food and agriculture and cleantech sectors with access to the tools, mentorship and lab space they need for growth and success. This program will create 160 highly skilled jobs across Southern Ontario and help secure Canada’s place as a global leader in research and innovation.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Ontario Genomics is helping to further develop a network in leading-edge innovation. This project will support the development of a healthy pipeline of high-potential start-up companies in health, agri-food and cleantech sectors, and create and maintain up to 160 highly skilled jobs across southern Ontario.”
– Bettina Hamelin, President and CEO Ontario Genomics

Quick Facts

  • Genomics is the study of all the genetic information of an organism’s genes.
  • Engineering (or synthetic) biology is a convergence of genomics and molecular biosciences with computing, automation, miniaturization, artificial intelligence (AI), and the application of engineering principles to biological systems.
  • Established in 2000, Ontario Genomics is a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization leading the application of genomics-based solutions across key sectors of the economy to drive economic growth, improved quality of life, and global leadership for Ontario.
  • Ontario Genomics has raised more than $1.27 billion for genomics research in Ontario and directly supported more than 9,100 jobs since 2000.
  • In 2021, the Government of Canada announced the development of at $400-million Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy.
  • The Regional Innovation Ecosystem initiative, delivered by FedDev Ontario, aims to create, grow, and develop strong and inclusive regional ecosystems that support business growth and innovation, as well as the entrepreneurial environment necessary to foster more innovative regional economies and increase the competitiveness of SMEs.
  • Since November 2015, and throughout the pandemic, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $2.2 billion to support over 3,000 projects across southern Ontario, helping to create or maintain more than 180,000 jobs, and leveraging over $3.1 billion in additional investment in the region.

Associated Links

FedDev Ontario
Ontario Genomics

Contacts

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

FedDev Ontario Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

Polina Martins
Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Ontario Genomics
pmartins@ontariogenomics.ca

Ontario Genomics Welcomes New Board Members

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Ontario Genomics is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Sunstrum and Nancy Carter to our Board of Directors. Two highly accomplished women in business, they bring a wealth of insight, experience, and expertise in areas crucial to our business and will contribute to achieving the of Ontario Genomics.

Nancy Carter is the Vice President, Legal and Corporate Governance of CANARIE Inc., a key partner in Canada’s National Research and Education Network. Nancy is responsible for legal matters, governance, risk management, compliance, and global projects, as well as aligning CANARIE’s equity, diversity, and inclusion goals with business outcomes. Nancy has been with the organization since 1997, and most recently served as CANARIE\’s Chief Financial Officer for 15 years. Nancy serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), chairing the Finance Committee, and is the former Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Internet Society, Canada Chapter. Nancy has served on the CIRA NomCom, since 2018, acting as Chair since 2020. In addition, she has chaired the Steering Committee for the Canadian Internet Governance Forum since 2018.

Alison Sunstrum is Founder/CEO of CNSRV-X Inc. (Conserve X), a Canadian company researching and applying emerging technology in agriculture. Alison is a Venture Partner at Builders VC, a San Francisco/Calgary based venture capital fund investing in founders re-imagining large underinvested, antiquated industries. She is an investment committee member of The51. The51 is creating a critical mass of female-powered capital investing in women-led companies. Formerly as Co-CEO/Founder of GrowSafe Systems Ltd., she grew their research and development skunkworks from an Alberta garage to global operations receiving International recognition for science-based innovation. Alison holds patents for innovative technology and has presented widely on Big Data, the Internet of Livestock Things, and commercializing early-stage technology ventures. She is a member of the Agri-Food Innovation Council, the Canadian Council of Innovators, the Canadian Institute of Corporate Directors, and a former member of Canada’s economic strategy table. In 2021, she was named one of the “Top 50 In Canadian Agriculture”.

Ontario Genomics is also excited to announce that Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan will be stepping into the role of Vice-Chair of the Board and Chair of the Governance, Human Resources, and Nominations Committee. We thank Dr. Tom Corr for his service in the role of Vice-Chair and Chair of the Governance, Human Resources, and Nominations Committee.

Ontario Genomics thanks retiring board member, Dr. Alison Paprica, for her three years of expertise and service on our board and as a member of the Audit Committee.

Ontario Genomics Strategic Vision & Framework 2021-2026

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LIVING SUSTAINABLY. INNOVATING TOGETHER.

Unlocking Ontario’s Bio-Potential

We live in unprecedented times. That is why Ontario Genomics’ vision endeavours to find solutions to some of humanity’s greatest challenges: climate change, food insecurity, and acute and chronic disease. These concerns will increasingly impact the health and well-being of Ontario’s people and economy.

Our Strategic Vision is a product of engaging with nearly 200 stakeholders from across Ontario, Canada and the world. Together we envision genomics and engineering biology enabling a global technology disruption poised to address these challenges for a healthier future for all.

Over the next five years, Ontario Genomics will leverage its unique position to help Ontario fully capitalize on the health, economic and environmental benefits in a genomics- and engineering biology- enabled world and catapult the province to national and international leadership in the global bio-revolution.

We believe that agility, efficiency, multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral thinking, and deep genomics and engineering biology expertise are at the heart of a thriving biotechnology ecosystem. By breaking down siloes, driving policy modernization, and meeting market demands our Strategic Vision aspires to nurture Ontario’s competitive and innovative advantage for generations to come.

Building a world-class, mission-driven one health genomics and engineering biology innovation ecosystem in Ontario to accelerate the collective achievement of beneficial outcomes. Driving applied research, development, and commercialization of made-in-Ontario genomics- and engineering biology-based innovations to create new jobs, companies, and business outcomes. Developing talent for trans-disciplinary jobs that integrates diverse and multidisciplinary scientific expertise with market-focused business acumen. Engaging with key communities to drive adoption of genomics-based solutions and empowering people with an understanding of the positive impact of genomics and engineering biology in their everyday lives.

Learn more about our Strategic Vision here