KPU receives $1-million donation from Genome BC

The Applied Genomics Centre (AGC) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University received a $1-million donation from Genome British Columbia. 

Operating as a non-profit organization, Genome BC funds research and innovation projects, which focus on health care and environmental and natural resource challenges across the province. To date, the organization has funded more than 600 genomics projects in B.C.

“Our aim is to scale up real-world solutions that address our most pressing challenges,” said Tony Brooks, Genome BC chief financial officer and vice-president entrepreneurship and commercialization, at an announcement on Oct. 3 at the Surrey campus.

“We have worked closely with KPU since 2019 on several initiatives, united by a shared mission to advance genomics research and translate it into tangible outcomes.”

The donation will help expand agriculture research at the centre, which will now be known as the AGC supported by Genome BC. 

The donation helps contribute to the centre’s five-year budget, which now exceeds $9 million, AGC Director Paul Adams said. 

The centre began in 2019 at KPU to support research focused on molecular genetics and cellular product solutions in the agricultural industry. With a staff of about 25 people, the centre engages in research that supports livestock health and biotech companies doing research to ensure that food is available and safe to consume.  

The centre also helps First Nations monitor their ecosystem restoration projects.  

Research from the centre will help support 60 industry, First Nations, and community partners.  

The donation will be used for research focusing on sustainable and resilient food production in addition to funding “cutting-edge” technology for agricultural innovation. 

In July, the AGC at KPU became the first Technology Access Centre (TAC) in Canada.

The designation was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, as part of a funding package that supports college-led innovation and research, where the centre was recognized as a hub for research and expertise in agri-tech.

Brooks said the designation is a testament to the AGC’s excellence, making the centre the only one in the country to focus on genomics sequencing. 

Research from the centre helps farmers and agriculturists battling climate change and food insecurity develop plant crops and maintain soil health, he added. 

The funding will also have benefits for students, KPU President Bruce Choy said, adding the donation will help students graduate with real-world experience to contribute to B.C.’s agriculture sector. 

“Working together, we’re here to strengthen the province, strengthen the nation, through innovation and development of skilled graduates at a time when B.C. and the country needs that kind of support.”

The donation will also support additional research projects at the centre and provide an opportunity for faculty to participate in hands-on research and training through the AGC. 

The donation will help the centre train more KPU students but also create networking opportunities to connect with industry partners and the greater community, AGC Research and Partners Manager Abhinaya Venkatesan said. 

“This funding strengthens B.C.’s position as a national leader in agriculture innovation,” Brooks said.