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Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative
Last Update: March 19, 2026
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Genomic precision health initiative for personalized Canadian healthcare
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Canadian Precision Health Initiative offers a funding opportunity of up to $6 million per project from Genome Canada to generate a large-scale, population-level genomic data asset reflecting Canada's diverse demographic. The program supports whole-genome sequencing and aims to advance genomics research and innovation to enhance precision health and healthcare outcomes for all Canadians.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Increasing community impact
- Strengthening governance
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 6 $
- Up to 45% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : October 1, 2024
- Closing date : June 30, 2029
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Other Health Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Academia / students
- Low-income individuals / families
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
- International
Activities funded
The Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative supports projects that aim to advance precision health through genomics in Canada. Eligible activities involve sequencing genomes from a diverse Canadian population and fostering collaboration in genomic research.
- Sequencing at least 100,000 genomes to create a national genomic data asset.
- Developing and implementing standardized protocols for genomic data collection and analysis.
- Creating a trusted research environment for the use and sharing of genomic data.
- Advancing genomics tools and AI applications to improve disease diagnosis and therapy.
- Ensuring interoperability of genomic data across Canadian healthcare systems.
- Collaborating with health authorities to integrate genomic solutions into clinical settings.
- Promoting public engagement to enhance understanding and acceptance of genomics.
Eligibility
- The applicant must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) and, if invited, a full proposal through Genome Canada’s Proposal Central Portal, typically via a regional Genome Centre.
- The project must generate a minimum of 2,000 genomes, except in justified cases where a smaller number is warranted and approved.
- Whole-genome sequencing must be completed by a Genome Canada–approved sequencing centre.
- The project must include self-identified race, ethnicity, and ancestry data in their dataset and document methodologies for data collection and analysis.
- Research Ethics Board approval must be obtained and provided to Genome Canada before sharing biological samples for sequencing.
Who is eligible?
- Academic research institutions
- Biotechnology companies
- Healthcare sector organizations
- Innovation and research consortia
Who is not eligible
- Projects unable to obtain and include participant consent for whole-genome sequencing and data sharing.
- Projects that cannot ensure all samples are collected from within Canada.
- Projects unable to provide required clinical data or meet data governance standards as outlined by the program.
Eligible expenses
- Costs for generating short-read genome sequencing data through Genome Canada–approved sequencing centres.
- Expenses for generating long-read whole genome sequencing data using Oxford Nanopore Technologies or PacBio Technology (for projects already funded for short-read sequencing).
- Expenses associated with collecting, processing, analyzing, and managing biological samples and their associated genomic and clinical data.
- Costs related to obtaining and maintaining necessary approvals from Research Ethics Boards.
- Data storage and deposition expenses required for submitting genome sequence data and metadata to the national databank (Pan-Canadian Genome Library).
- Personnel costs directly related to managing and executing the project, including roles in data and metadata deposition, project management, and coordination.
- Expenses for reporting, financial reconciliation, and compliance with funding requirements.
Eligible geographic areas
- Projects must collect samples originating from within Canada.
- Applicants are required to apply through a regional Genome Centre in Canada.
Selection criteria
- Degree to which the population cohort reflects the diversity of the Canadian population.
- Potential of the national databank to advance precision health and address regional health needs.
- Contribution to the creation of a large, diverse genomic dataset, including disease-specific and under-represented groups.
- Potential for advancing the utility of genomic data for industry and stakeholders, enhancing research impact through follow-up activities.
- Inclusion of partners and teams that demonstrate commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA), as well as engagement with Indigenous communities.
How to apply
1
Prepare Letter of Intent (LOI)
- Review "Eligibility criteria and portfolio considerations" section to understand requirements for LOI.
- Prepare a brief LOI summarizing the project plan, expected deliverables, and number of genomes to be sequenced annually.
- Explain how the genomic data will represent Canada's diversity and address population-level gaps.
- Describe potential clinical impacts and benefits to Canada's health-care system.
- Ensure the project meets or will meet the criteria for population-level genomic data generation.
- Submit a summary of the budget and co-funding plan.
2
Submit LOI
- Access Genome Canada's Proposal Central Portal via a regional Genome Centre.
- Send in the completed LOI by the deadline of November 01, 2024.
3
Await Eligibility Check and LOI Results
- Genome Canada completes eligibility check and initial GRC selection based on portfolio considerations during the week of November 04, 2024.
- Receive notification of LOI results from Genome Canada by November 15, 2024.
- Successful LOI applicants are invited to submit a full proposal.
4
Prepare Full Proposal
- Prepare a full proposal if invited, addressing the evaluation criteria for individual projects as stated.
- Include detailed technical information and plans as per guidelines.
5
Submit Full Proposal
Submit the full proposal by the first deadline of December 16, 2024, or the second deadline of March 15, 2025, if invited.
6
Technical Review and Final Submission
- Independent experts conduct technical reviews in January 2025.
- GRC completes a portfolio review based on proposal submissions by mid-January 2025.
- Genome Canada communicates funding decisions by the end of January 2025.
Additional information
- Successful projects must have human and financial resources allocated for effective project management and coordination.
- Each funded project must designate an individual responsible for depositing data and metadata into the national databank and for follow-up activities.
- Projects are required to submit regular progress reports and a final report upon completion.
- No-cost extensions for projects will not be considered; deadlines must be strictly adhered to.
Contacts
(306) 668-3570
