How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|projects

Eligible projects under this grant initiative focus on generating population-level genomic data in Canada to drive research, innovation, and improve health outcomes for Canadians. These projects are geared towards creating a comprehensive genomic data asset that reflects the diversity of Canada's population, fostering equitable representation and advanced research opportunities.

Generation of a minimum of 2,000 genomics, reflecting Canada's diverse population.
Projects that utilize short-read technology for whole-genome sequencing.
Projects employing long-read genome sequencing technologies, like Oxford Nanopore or PacBio Technologies.
Deposition of genomic data into a national databank with appropriate consent.
Inclusion of self-identified race, ethnicity, and ancestry data in genomic studies.
Developing datasets that address gaps in Canada’s reference genomic library, especially representing under-represented groups.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the project and participants involved in generating genomic data.

Projects must generate a minimum of 2,000 genomes, though exceptions can be made in specific cases where statistical power is justified.
Whole-genome sequencing must be completed by a Genome Canada–approved sequencing center, with necessary material transfer agreements in place.
Projects must include self-identified race, ethnicity, and ancestry data in their submissions, with clear documentation of the data collection and analysis methodology.
Research Ethics Board approval must be obtained and shared with Genome Canada before biological samples can be used for sequencing.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Canadian Precision Health Initiative provides funding opportunities for organizations that aim to contribute to the development of large-scale, diverse genomic datasets and leverage these datasets to advance precision health research and innovation in Canada. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their capability to meet the population-level genomic data generation requirements and contribute to the national databank.

Research institutions engaging in genomics and health data integration initiatives.
Organizations capable of generating at least 2,000 whole-genome sequences and those committed to addressing data diversity and gaps.
Consortiums involving academic, industry, and healthcare partners that demonstrate the ability to co-fund projects and align with Genome Canada’s diversity and inclusion values.
Collaborative projects that include Indigenous communities and address issues of relevance to these populations, ensuring data sovereignty and ethical governance.
Entities capable of obtaining necessary ethical approvals and managing data privacy and security in compliance with Canadian laws.
Applicants able to deposit whole-genome sequencing data into a national databank with full consent and metadata compliance.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers certain expenses that are necessary for the successful completion of whole-genome sequencing projects under the funding initiative.

Costs associated with short-read genome sequencing data generation through Genome Canada-approved sequencing centres.
Project activities related to the co-funding plan that matches the Genome Canada contribution.
Additional funding for long-read genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies or PacBio Technology, contingent on co-funding from eligible sources.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This funding is administered through Genome Canada, which operates through several regional Genome Centres. Thus, projects und this grant are to be directed via these centres, whose locations are key to the eligibility for companies applying for the grant.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Genome Prairie)
Winnipeg, Manitoba (Genome Prairie)
Other regional Genome Centres across Canada

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the initiative’s objectives, focusing on creating a diverse and representative genomic dataset.

The population cohort of the national databank should reflect the diversity of the Canadian population.
The portfolio includes a combination of disease-specific and targeted cohorts, large population and hypothesis-free cohorts, and under-represented groups, including Indigenous populations.
The potential to address pressing health needs of unique regional populations and priorities.
The potential to advance the utility of genomic data for industry and stakeholders, increasing the impact through follow-up activities like translation, implementation, and commercialization.
Partners and project teams should embody Canada’s diversity and uphold Genome Canada’s values regarding inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA), and commitment to fulfill the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Projects that make a clear and compelling case for creating short-term benefits that can improve Canadians’ health are prioritized.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Genome Canada's contribution to an approved project can be up to $6 million, requiring co-funding from eligible sources to at least equal the Genome Canada contribution.
Funding for the generation of long-read genome sequencing is available; projects can apply for up to $10 million additional funding for this purpose.
Projects must complete all activities by March 31, 2029, with a final report due by June 30, 2029.
Specific methodologies for collecting and analyzing race, ethnicity, and ancestry data must be clearly documented in project protocols.
Genome Canada will ensure funding allocation primarily through the six regional Genome Centres, with at least 45% of the total budget for generating short-read genome sequencing data.
Access to funding is contingent upon depositing genome sequences and associated metadata into the Pan-Canadian Genome Library.
Participants must consent to broad data sharing nationally and internationally, and to responsible future health research usage, including by industry.

grant_single_labels|contact

(306) 668-3570

Apply to this program

Advancing Canada's Healthcare Through Precision Health

The Canadian Precision Health Initiative aims to revolutionize healthcare by integrating genomics into every aspect of medical practice. With a substantial $200 million investment, this initiative seeks to develop a comprehensive national genomic data asset that will support personalized medicine, enhance healthcare outcomes, and position Canada as a leader in global health innovation.

Unveiling the Canadian Precision Health Initiative: Key Features and Impacts

The Canadian Precision Health Initiative, spearheaded by Genome Canada, represents a groundbreaking venture designed to incorporate genomics into the core of Canada's healthcare system. At its foundation, the initiative seeks to establish a large-scale, diverse genomic data asset that mirrors the vast and varied Canadian population. By targeting the sequencing of at least 100,000 genomes, this initiative aims to fill significant gaps in Canada's genomic datasets, driving advancements in precision health by providing a rich resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.

The initiative is structured around four pivotal pillars that work in harmony to achieve its overarching goals. The first pillar focuses on generating and managing the genomic data infrastructure necessary to support precision health applications. It emphasizes developing standards for data collection, ethical governance, and fostering a collaborative research environment. By establishing a national databank, the initiative ensures that genomic data is accessible while safeguarding privacy and consent, thus enabling robust research while respecting individual rights.

In the second pillar, the initiative accelerates research outcomes and enhances clinical impacts by advancing tools and methodologies for detecting and diagnosing conditions. With a focus on utilizing artificial intelligence, it bolsters Canada's position as a leader in genomic research combined with cutting-edge AI technologies. This pillar facilitates translational research efforts, transforming bench-level scientific discoveries into tangible clinical applications that improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

The third pillar addresses the uptake and application of genomic data, promoting interoperability across Canadian health systems. By engaging various stakeholders, including federal, provincial, and Indigenous health authorities, the initiative aims to streamline the integration of genomic insights into clinical practices across the country. This collaborative approach accelerates the dissemination of genomic innovations, ensuring that the benefits are equitably shared among all Canadian communities.

Lastly, the initiative endeavors to build a cohesive and informed community around precision health, as outlined in the fourth pillar. It emphasizes the importance of public engagement and outreach to increase public understanding and acceptance of genomics. Additionally, it prioritizes Indigenous data governance, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples have equitable access to the benefits of precision health and that their rights in data management are respected.

With significant funding allocated to the initiative, Genome Canada underscores the commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative ecosystem. This entails supporting projects that reflect Canada's demographic diversity and contribute to a sustainably transformative health system. Projects are assessed not only on their scientific merit but also on their potential impact and alignment with national priorities of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

The initiative's phased approach, beginning with the development of genomic data in Phase I and moving toward data mobilization and governance in subsequent phases, reflects a comprehensive strategy to instantiate lasting change. By deploying synergistic projects under a unified portfolio, Genome Canada ensures that advancements in genomic data use are maximized and that Canada remains at the forefront of precision health on the global stage.

Overall, the Canadian Precision Health Initiative sets a precedent for how genomics can be integrated into national healthcare strategies, offering a scalable and adaptable model that other countries may look to emulate. Through this ambitious initiative, Canada aims not only to improve health outcomes for its citizens but also to drive economic growth by fostering innovation within its biotechnology and healthcare sectors.