Open

Genomics is a powerful tool for addressing today's major global challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, biosecurity, pandemic preparedness, agricultural productivity, and food security. Globally, the bioeconomy is projected to generate trillions of dollars in value, with genomics serving as a foundational technology that will drive innovation across agriculture, healthcare, energy, materials science, and beyond. The combination of genomics and AI, alongside rapidly developing bioengineering tools like CRISPR and mRNA technologies, will result in unprecedented acceleration of discoveries in medicine, agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, and critical national capabilities—from advanced health monitoring to adaptive agricultural systems and rapid response to biological threats.

The GC has committed more than $1.6 billion over 20 years through Genome Canada's funding for large-scale applied and translational genomics; accordingly, Canada is among the world leaders in genomics research and its application in numerous sectors including health, food and agriculture, environment and natural resources. As technology advances and matures, there are increasing opportunities to translate these research advantages into real-world applications and commercial products. To supplement Canada's strong historic support for genomics research and translation and to help realize greater commercial impact, the Government of Canada will be allocating $ 175.1 million over 7 years starting in 2024-2025 to support the Canadian Genomics Strategy (CGS).

The genomics sector in Canada is currently characterized by start-ups or small and medium-sized enterprises. However, the significant growth and commercialization potential of genomics innovations presents opportunities to grow and scale made-in-Canada success stories. This Strategy aims to build on current momentum by supporting the scaling of promising firms and ensuring Canada's long-term success in the global bioeconomy. We will achieve this by strengthening the connection between research and commercialization, thereby enhancing the economic potential and widespread adoption of genomics innovations.

To inform the development of the CGS, the GC consulted with key stakeholders. Input focused on four key areas: data access and management, talent development and retention, adoption and commercialization, and ecosystem coordination. A What We Heard Report, which can be found at: Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy: What We Heard Report, summarizes the consultations.

The CGS aims to:

Advance commercialization and adoption of genomics applications by Canadian businesses. Strengthen leadership of the genomic enterprise to foster collaboration and improve data accessibility across Canada's genomics ecosystem. This will involve collaborative networks and cross-sector partnerships with industry, academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the public sector. By promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, these efforts will facilitate greater data sharing, knowledge exchange, and innovation in genomics. Develop top-tier talent in Canada's genomics sector, cultivating a robust pipeline of highly qualified people to address critical workforce needs. Approach To enhance federal programming to meet these strategic goals, the GC will set up an expert advisory council, reporting to the Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), comprised of industry, academic and government experts to provide strategic guidance to the GC on new and developing opportunities while ensuring the strategy continues to align with rapidly changing science.

https://genomecanada.ca/challenge-areas/canadian-precision-health-initiative/

What if your doctor could really see you? Not just the physical you, but also the genetic you.

The landmark Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI), announced in March 2025, will help make this future a reality by building Canada’s largest-ever collection of human genomic data—more than 100,000 genomes. The initiative will:

• Enhance health care options for all Canadians.
  Enabling more precise, personalized, predictive, preventative and cost-effective healthcare options (“precision health”) for Canadians.

• Drive economic growth.
  Empowering Canadian scientists and companies to accelerate development of world-leading, next-generation health solutions and clean economic growth.

• Strengthen health security and data sovereignty.
  Increasing access to Canadian genomic data needed to combat major public health threats, including pandemics.

https://genomecanada.ca/how-100000-genomes-can-help-re-define-health-care-in-canada/

Canadian researchers and organizations from across sectors are coming together to generate it through the most ambitious human genome sequencing effort in Canadian history : 100,000 genomes sequenced in the next four years to drive precision health and Canada’s leadership in health innovation.