October 03, 2025
Surrey, B.C. – Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will expand its cutting-edge research for B.C.’s agriculture sector thanks to a $1 million investment from Genome British Columbia (Genome BC).
This strategic funding for KPU’s Applied Genomics Centre (AGC) supports agriculture applied research benefitting more than 60 industry, First Nations and community partners in BC. Under this investment, the Applied Genomics Centre will now be known as the Applied Genomics Centre supported by Genome BC.
“For 25 years, Genome BC has helped British Columbia build critical scientific capacity and scale solutions that address challenges and power economic growth,” says Tony Brooks, Genome BC’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Commercialization. “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 BC.”
Having worked together since 2019, the AGC and Genome BC’s partnership is now even better positioned to advance sustainable and resilient food production and make cutting-edge technologies available to BC’s agriculture industry.
“It’s a huge honour to receive this support,” says AGC Director, Dr. Paul Adams. “Genome BC is a provincial leader in genomics and 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 AGC was recently designated as a Technology Access Centre (TAC) by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). It is the first and only TAC in Canada focused on applied genomics and is nationally unique in its focus on serving the agriculture sector through direct, hands-on research support. Genome BC’s support was pivotal to securing this TAC designation, which strengthens BC’s position as a national leader in agri-tech innovation.
With Canada’s food security facing increasing pressure due to global challenges, including climate change and trade disruptions, the AGC ensures BC’s agriculture industry is equipped with the genomic and metabolomic tools to thrive.
“We are so grateful to Genome BC for this investment in hands-on, applied research,” said Dr. Brett Favaro, KPU Dean of Science. “They have long been a catalyst for innovative solutions, and this funding will allow both of us to take our work to the next level.”
The additional applied research projects enabled by this funding will provide more opportunities for KPU faculty to engage in research through the AGC. Students will continue to gain hands-on training and lab experience while having a direct impact on their community.
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About Genome British Columbia
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years, growing a world class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1.1 billion in direct co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding more than 600 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. www.genomebc.ca
About the AGC
The AGC is an applied research centre focused on developing molecular genetic and cellular product solutions for the agricultural sectors. Since its inception in 2019, the AGC has supported over 60 industry partners, including private sector companies, government agencies, First Nations and community organizations.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Based at five campuses across Richmond, Surrey and Langley, KPU offers a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Around 20,000 students annually choose one of our wide selection of programs that blend thought with action, including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships and graduate diplomas. Learn more at kpu.ca.
