Genome Atlantic Brokers Partnerships for New Research and Development
News Release
Federal government investment of $750,000 will advance research projects and help create jobs in Atlantic Canada
January 10, 2018 – St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Recognizing that biotechnology research has strong potential to create economic opportunities and jobs, the Government of Canada is investing $750,000 in Genome Atlantic’s work to develop innovative research and development (R&D) initiatives with public and private partners.
The funding was announced today by Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John's East, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Genomics combines biology, genetics and computer science to unlock the genetic code of living things. The non-repayable investment through ACOA’s Business Development Program will help Genome Atlantic, a not-for-profit corporation, develop partnerships to advance genomics R&D in seven sectors over the next three years: agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, energy, environment, forestry, human health and mining.
Genome Atlantic will target projects which apply ‘omics technologies, including genomics, bioinformatics and nutrigenomics, to deliver tangible economic, social and environmental benefits to Atlantic Canada. Since its establishment in 2000, Genome Atlantic has worked with a range of partners to enable approximately $90 million in new genomics R&D in Atlantic Canada.
This investment supports the objectives of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan to create new opportunities for Canadians to do business more easily and accelerate the growth of their companies. The Plan will ensure that Canadians develop skills and seize new opportunities to succeed in a growing economy.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada understands that innovation is fueled by new ideas and approaches which help grow our economy, create good jobs and improve the quality of life for all Canadians. Genome Atlantic takes a collaborative approach to innovation by harnessing the unique strengths of researchers, businesses and communities in Atlantic Canada to advance R&D and commercialization.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Genome Atlantic acts as a catalyst to propel genomics research and benefit local companies, post-secondary institutions and growing industries throughout the Atlantic region. This initiative is very much in sync with the Government of Canada’s efforts to create a more robust Atlantic economy by focusing on innovative ideas in areas such as bioscience, aquaculture, ocean technology and renewable energy.”
Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John's East
“Genomics is at the forefront of innovation in the biosciences, and Genome Atlantic works with many partners to help Atlantic Canadian businesses access DNA-related solutions. This partnership with the Government of Canada, through ACOA, will accelerate the uptake of genomics-based solutions by many companies spanning key growth sectors vital to Atlantic Canada’s economic future.”
Steve Armstrong, President and CEO, Genome Atlantic
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca
Charmaine Gaudet
Director of External Relations
Genome Atlantic
902-421-5683
cgaudet@genomeatlantic.ca