Genome BC Invests $1 Million to Boost KPU’s Agri-Tech Research

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) secured a significant funding boost of $1 million from Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) to enhance its research capabilities in agricultural technology. The announcement was made on October 3, 2023, at KPU’s Newton campus, marking a pivotal moment for the university’s Applied Genomics Centre as it aims to support British Columbia’s agriculture sector through advanced genomics research.

The Applied Genomics Centre, which originally opened in 2019, underwent expansion and rebranding in May 2023, now operating under the name Applied Genomics Centre supported by Genome BC. This funding initiative reflects the ongoing collaboration between KPU and Genome BC, a partnership that has been instrumental in developing scientific capacity in British Columbia for the past 25 years.

Tony Brooks, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization at Genome BC, emphasized the importance of this funding. He stated, “This support of KPU’s Applied Genomics Centre continues that commitment and strengthens a long-standing partnership with KPU, a collaboration built on our shared mission to advance genomics research in B.C.”

The financial support will facilitate research projects that benefit over 60 industry, First Nations, and community partners in B.C. According to KPU, the funding is particularly timely as Canada’s food security faces mounting challenges from global issues such as climate change and trade disruptions. The Applied Genomics Centre aims to equip the B.C. agriculture industry with essential genomic and metabolomic tools needed to thrive in this evolving landscape.

In 2023, the centre has focused on innovative research projects, including breeding heat-resistant varieties of cows and crops, as well as developing a new strain of hops for brewing purposes. Dr. Paul Adams of the Applied Genomics Centre expressed gratitude for the support from Genome BC, stating, “This is a very significant partnership that helps us increase our impact in B.C. This additional support allows us to work with more industry partners, ensuring they get access to genomics to improve their products and processes through innovation.”

The funding will not only enable additional applied research projects but also enhance practical training opportunities for KPU students, giving them hands-on lab experience. Dr. Brett Favaro, Dean of the Faculty of Science at KPU, remarked, “This funding will allow both of us to take our work to the next level.” The collaboration between Genome BC and KPU signifies a strategic investment in the future of agricultural innovation, promising to drive progress and sustainability within the sector.