Projects translating genetic insights for specific medical uses are pushing to put personalized care into practice. The projects are all funded by Genome British Columbia, which facilitates the integration of genomics into society. Two projects aim to improve access to personalized medicine via off-the-shelf pharmacogenetic testing and genetically informed nutrition planning. A third project is […]
Genome BC
With Genome BC Support, BugSeq Advances Genomic Tools for Emerging Pathogens and Drug Resistance
The next infectious disease threat may not be one that public health laboratories already know how to find. Vancouver-based BugSeq is building genomic tools designed to help clinical and public health laboratories identify pathogens, track outbreaks, and understand antimicrobial resistance. With support from Genome BC—including one project also funded by Genome Canada—the biotechnology company is […]
Renaissance Wages War on Wireworms in New Challenge for Targeted Biotech
Renaissance BioScience is working on a project to extend the reach of its yeast-based bio-pesticide technology from above-ground insect pests to target soil-dwelling crop pests. The initial target of its RNA interference bio-tech weapon? Destructive wireworms. Founded in Vancouver in 2013, Renaissance is a yeast bioengineering company developing functional, market-ready microorganisms that provide cost-effective solutions […]
Local Research Targets Innovation at Intersection of Biotech and Agriculture
Genome British Columbia is funding three research projects aimed at developing technology-forward tools to help farmers protect the region’s fruit and vegetable crops, which export more than $1 billion in products annually. Sally Greenwood, Chief Operating Officer at Genome BC, says that “genomic tools can provide efficient, sustainable ways to manage and protect valuable output […]
Genome BC Reopens GAPP Funding for Biotech Firms
Genome Canada’s flagship commercialization program is back, offering British Columbia companies a new opportunity to advance genomics-driven innovation. The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), delivered locally through Genome BC, supports collaborations between Canadian for-profit companies and academic researchers to bring biotechnology innovations closer to market. The sector-agnostic program is open to companies working across industries […]
Researchers in BC Attract Federal Funding to Advance Biotech Solutions
Eight research teams in British Columbia are set to receive federal funding. These teams will receive a combined $8 million toward academia-industry collaborations that aim to validate health-tech solutions. “This $8 million in British Columbia will go a long way in advancing the use of genomics to enhance the quality of care for our patients […]
Research Projects Target Carrots, Cherries with Genomic Innovation
British Columbia produces more than 90% of Canada’s cherries. In 2024, the country exported more than $12 million worth of cherries, but extreme weather events can impact production levels. Genome British Columbia is funding research collaborations aimed at protecting the future of our food. By applying genomic data to the early stages of carrot and […]
Genome BC and UBC Partner to Advance Biomining Tech in Canada
A new partnership positions British Columbia for growth in biomining, a process which uses microorganisms to extract valuable metals from ores, low-grade minerals, mine waste, and industrial residues. Supported by an investment of up to $1 million over three years, the strategic collaboration between Genome BC and the University of British Columbia’s Bradshaw Research Institute […]
Research Project Gathers Genetic Data to Protect Sensitive Ecosystems in B.C.
A project funded by Genome BC is filling information gaps for the conservation and management of kelp forests in British Columbia, local experts report. The project, dubbed KelpGen, was launched to help researchers better understand the populations and attributes of two keystone kelp species: bull kelp and giant kelp. These kelp are part of ecosystems […]
Researchers Analyze Local Marine Life to Learn More About Climate Adaptation
Changes in climate could impact food sources for marine life, affecting natural ecosystems. This problem is under the microscope at Genome British Columbia, which announced recently that it is supporting four targeted research projects in the wheelhouse of marine life conservation. “We have a strong dependence on fisheries and aquaculture, for our health, culture, and […]