Génome Québec is pleased to announce the launch of the new Genome Canada funding opportunity titled “Enabling Canada’s Bio Revolution in Natural Resources Management.” This initiative expects an investment of $50 million, with $25 million from the Government of Canada through Genome Canada and aims to establish a national genomic data resource to enable a data-driven approach to the management of Canada’s natural resources.
Through a coordinated portfolio of research investments, new governance infrastructure and national collaborations, the natural resources initiative will help Canada harness the cutting-edge technologies and high-value, sovereign and responsibly managed data needed to address urgent economic and environmental challenges, and to build long-term prosperity and competitiveness.
Key outcomes from the initiative include improving data access, coordination and interoperability, responsible governance and uptake, and AI-readiness by default. The main objectives are to:
- Support the development of accessible and usable genomic data resources
- Improve natural resources systems monitoring, environmental resilience and regulatory efficiency
- Support development of Indigenous-led governance frameworks that operationalize distinctions-based Indigenous data governance principles
- Improve alignment with international initiatives in genomics, natural resources and biodiversity
- Create a sustainable community of practice around natural resources genomics, governance and data coordination
Three funding streams will be deployed with this opportunity:
Stream 1 – Driver Projects ($19M)
These are stand-alone, mission-driven, impact-focused research investments designed to address challenges faced in Canada’s natural resources systems through the generation of genomics data. Topics may include improving biodiversity monitoring, enhancing regulatory efficiency, developing sustainable resource management strategies, strengthening climate adaption, and protecting critical ecosystems. The aim of these projects is to advance understanding of genomics within Canada’s natural resources and apply it across forestry, energy, wild fisheries, mining and critical minerals, freshwater and biodiversity-related sectors.
Stream 1 projects may be advanced through two pathways: 1) projects involving data collection on lands, water, species, or ecosystems subject to Indigenous stewardship, which must be led by and for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and governments, with Indigenous-defined data governance, and 2) projects not subject to Indigenous stewardship.
The funding envelope for this opportunity is $19 million from Genome Canada, with a maximum contribution per project of $2 million. A minimum 1:1 co-funding ratio is required, and funding is for a term of up to three years.
Steam 2 – National Genomics Data Hub ($5M)
The national genomics data hub in natural resources will provide standards and infrastructure needed for long-term impact. The hub will serve as a coordinating platform to support and steward data generated by the Stream 1 driver projects, enabling the development and use of a common, findable and usable national genomic data resource focused on genetic diversity across Canada’s natural resources systems.
The funding envelope for this opportunity is up to $5 million from Genome Canada for one hub project. A minimum 1:1 co-funding ratio is required, and funding is for a term of up to three years.
Stream 3 – Indigenous Data Governance Frameworks ($3M)
Stream 3 supports the development of Indigenous-led, distinctions-based governance frameworks—co-developed with relevant rights holders—that will guide genomic research in Canada’s natural resources sectors. The goal of this funding stream is to generate practical, implementable tools and resources for genomic research in natural resources developed in partnerships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. The resulting frameworks will inform how genomic and Indigenous natural resources data will be managed to ensure respect of Indigenous data sovereignty and governance conditions across the natural resources initiative.
The funding envelope for this opportunity is $3 million from Genome Canada, with a maximum contribution per project of $1 million. Co-funding is not required but is encouraged where it supports community priorities. Funding is for a term of up to three years.
Application Process for Each Stream
- Letter of Intent
- Full Proposal
- For Stream 2 only, the review committee will meet representatives from each proposal in person
Génome Québec provides personalized support throughout the application process. We encourage teams to actively participate in all activities offered by Génome Québec to improve the competitiveness of their proposal.
For any questions or to submit a proposal, please contact the following representatives, as soon as possible:
- For Streams 1 and 3:
Laetitia Sabatier
Operations and Program Manager
- For Stream 2:
Philippine Granger Joly de Boissel
Program Manager
pgjolydeboissel@genomequebec.com