Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative

Q: How much funding can be received?

Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative Funds up to 45% of admissible expenses, capped at $6 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2029-06-30T00:00:00Z.

Q: Is the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative?

Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative is funded by Genome Prairie

Q: Who is eligible for the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative program?

To be eligible for the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative program, you must: • Projects must be co-funded from eligible sources matching Genome Canada’s contribution. • Whole-genome sequencing must be completed at a Genome Canada–approved sequencing centre. • All samples collected for sequencing must originate from within Canada.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative?

You can contact Genome Prairie or by phone at (306) 668-3570.

Q: Where is the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative available?

The Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative program is available across Canada.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative program.

Last Update: August 15, 2025

Canada

Genomic precision health initiative for personalized Canadian healthcare

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $6
Up to 45% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : October 1, 2024
Closing date : June 30, 2029

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Genome Canada can contribute up to $6 million per approved project for short-read whole-genome sequencing; eligible project costs must be matched by at least an equivalent amount of co-funding from eligible sources (1:1 match).
Approximately $60 million in total is available for short-read genome sequencing using Illumina technology.
Additional funding of up to $10 million per project is available for long-read genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and up to $10 million per project for PacBio technology; both require matching co-funding (1:1 match) from eligible sources.
At least 45% of the total project budget must be allocated to costs associated with generating short-read genome sequencing data through Genome Canada–approved sequencing centres.
All funded project activities must be completed by March 31, 2029, with the final financial report due by June 30, 2029.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.