Genome Atlantic Annual Report • 2024-2025
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.
• Our current portfolio consists of 33 active projects across Atlantic Canada, valued at over $58 million
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
2024-2025 • Genome Atlantic Annual Report
• 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 mussel
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 su
Read the Full Report HERE.
Genome Atlantic Annual Report • 22024-2025
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
2024-2025 • Genome Atlantic Annual Report