Technology Leadership: Genomics stream
Supporting the commercialization of crop varieties with new genomic tools
As part of the Technology Leadership program, we have launched a call under our Genomics Stream that will support the commercialization of new and improved broad-acre crop varieties through the application of genomics tools in plant breeding and variety development.
The overall goal:
- meet industry demands by aligning the breeding objectives of growers and end-user processors with the utilization of genomics tools, and;
- deliver value across the agriculture and agrifood value chain.
Eligible projects and costs
Funding parameters
- Please refer to the Technology Leadership program guide for eligible costs and applicable reimbursement rates.
- Maximum total project budget: $3,000,000 for 4 years.
Project scope
Projects must use genomic tools to develop new and improved crop varieties, focusing on key agronomic, quality, and functionality traits prioritized by the industry to deliver value across the agrifood supply chain. Pulse and cereal crops will be prioritized, but other broad-acre crops may be considered.
All projects must:
- Include activities that will improve breeding lines and accelerate variety development and commercialization
- Outline a clear commercialization pathway with industry adoption within a reasonable, achievable timeframe after project completion
- Involve at least two, ideally three or more, consortium members, at least one of which is a Canadian-based small or medium enterprise (SME).
Depending on project scope, potential partnerships could be between but are not limited to:
- Crop breeding companies
- Seed companies (e.g. seed distributors, certified seed growers, etc.)
- End-user processors (e.g. food and ingredient companies)
- Crop agronomy companies
- Biotech/genomics companies
Project activities may include (but are not limited to):
- Developing and validating genomic markers with key agronomic, quality and functionality traits.
- Multi-omics data integration: Combining genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to enhance trait refinement and selection.
- Using gene editing tools for targeted trait improvement, enhancing genetic diversity or accelerating breeding cycles.
- Field trials & large-scale testing: Evaluating crop performance across various environmental conditions, complemented by best management practices where applicable.
- Assessing genetic lines for end-user processing suitability and providing breeders with targeted feedback to improve on key quality and functionality traits.
Potential outcomes
- Development of elite crop cultivars and advancement of registered varieties for commercial adoption.
- Accelerated variety development: Shorter breeding cycles through validated genomic tools and data-driven selection.
- Enhanced resilience & quality: improved yield, stress tolerance (abiotic and biotic), disease resistance, and/or optimized end-use processing traits tailored to market demand.
- Stronger industry collaboration: Strengthened partnerships between breeders, growers, processors, and other agriculture and agrifood stakeholders.
- Economic & sustainability benefits: Increased competitiveness and improved environmental impact through resource-efficient, high-performing crop varieties
The project application process is made up of two parts:
- The Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Full Project Proposal
Please read through the Program Guide before beginning the project process. This outlines the program structure and eligibility requirements.
Additionally, our Data and Intellectual Property (IP) Strategies provide additional context related to how partners' data and IP work may be collected, protected and commercialized throughout project work.
Protein Industries Canada’s total co-investment into a project is 45 per cent. Additionally, technology projects are expected to show advancements in environmental sustainability and efforts toward economic reconciliation.
How to apply
We are currently accepting projects on a continuous basis. We recently announced a call for projects under our AI program and Genomics stream.
Please submit an inquiry below to discuss project ideas or if you have questions about the Genomics call for projects through our Technology Leadership program.
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