Genome Atlantic SnapShot

Genome Atlantic is Atlantic Canada’s go-to organization for applied genomics R&D. We work closely with private companies, government partners, and researchers to co-develop projects, attract investment, and secure matching funds for applied genomics R&D, in key sectors like aquaculture, forestry, energy, agriculture, mining, the environment, and health.

Since 2000, we have helped our clients to secure more than $165 million in funding for applied genomics R&D – driving innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness.
We support projects of all sizes. From multi-million-dollar, large-scale initiatives backed by Genome Canada to smaller funding opportunities that explore and test new genomics applications, we help ideas grow from concept to impact.
Private sector investment fuels approximately 30% of our active portfolio, with backing from companies of all sizes – from major industry players to small and medium-sized enterprises, to start-ups.
Our current portfolio consists of 33 active projects across Atlantic Canada, valued at over $58 million.

OUR WORK AT A GLANCE

Over the past 25 years, Genome Atlantic has supported a wide range of projects that showcase the power of genomics to drive innovation, sustainability, and better health across Atlantic Canada.

Supporting Green Offshore Energy – Using genomics to locate methane seeps, detect geohazards, and guide offshore wind turbine siting.
Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death – Supporting research that identified a genetic marker for sudden cardiac death — enabling early screening and life-saving intervention.
Innovating Environmental Monitoring – Using eDNA to identify water health priorities with Atlantic First Nations, support port biodiversity monitoring in all four Atlantic provinces, and develop early warning tools for oyster parasites.
Advancing Black Health – Supporting a $17.6M initiative to sequence 10,000 genomes and improve health equity for Black Canadians.
Improving Mental Health – Supporting research into the genetic basis of bipolar disorder — aiming for earlier diagnosis and better care.
Boosting Softwood Lumber Yields – Developing faster-growing, climate-resilient spruce trees expected to boost lumber yields by 10%.
Transforming Salmon Farming – Enhancing growth, sea lice resistance, and heat tolerance in farmed Atlantic salmon.
Breeding Better Oysters – Increasing hatchery seed production by 60% while developing MSX-resistant broodstock.
Doubling Mussel Production – Launching selective breeding program to double PEI mussel production and develop faster-growing triploid mussels.

MEASURING IMPACT

A five-year impact assessment conducted by The Evidence Network (TEN) showed that Genome Atlantic delivers strong returns on public investment and plays a pivotal role in advancing innovation priorities across Atlantic Canada. Between 2018 and 2023:

For every $1 of public funding, we enabled $23 in applied R&D investment and contributed $59 to GDP.
In total, these activities generated an estimated $178 million in economic output, $122 million in GDP, $8.9 million in tax revenues, and supported 927 jobs.

END-USER-LED BUSINESS MODEL

In 2013–2014, Genome Atlantic adopted an end-user-led business development model — one that remains unique within the Genome Canada Enterprise. This approach ensures that our projects are shaped by the needs of end-users or clients— typically from industry — and are designed to deliver tangible results.

Since implementing this model, private sector investment in our portfolio has grown fourfold — from 8% in 2008 to approximately 30% in recent years. This support comes from companies of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises across Atlantic Canada.

As DNA sequencing continues to become much faster and more affordable, genomics is being adopted across an even wider range of sectors — from natural resources and health to clean technology, environmental stewardship, and climate adaptation. Genome Atlantic’s focus on end-user priorities ensures that more businesses are turning to us to connect them with the research expertise and innovation needed to stay competitive on a global stage.

“Access to genomic technology and the opportunity to work with Genome Atlantic are crucial to the success of our program, which has long-term implications for both our company and the developing oyster industry.

Dr Martin Mallet, L’Étang Ruisseau Bar/Mallet Oysters