OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada has established a strong global position in genomics research and innovation, but the next big opportunity is to translate that strength into greater economic and industrial leadership, according to new analysis from Signal49 Research.
"Canada's genomics base is internationally competitive, and the sector continues to deliver meaningful growth in Canada," stated Reetika Rana, Associate Director, Innovation and Technology at Signal49 Research. "However, we lack firms with global reach, our data ecosystems are fragmented, and talent shortages threaten the country's ability to achieve its full potential."
For the purpose of this report, Signal49 Research used the Canadian Genomics Strategy
definition of genomics that defines genomics as the science that aims to decipher and understand the entire genetic information of an organism encoded in DNA and related molecules.
"As the global bioeconomy grows, genomics will increasingly shape how the world produces food, manufactures goods, stewards natural resources and treats disease," said Rob Annan, President and CEO of Genome Canada. "We are now seeing breakthroughs that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago. Canada's opportunity is to turn that momentum into companies, technologies and solutions that create jobs, strengthen strategic industries and drive long-term economic growth."
Genomics is anticipated to play an important role in Canada's growth over the next decade. Technological advancements, sectoral changes, and societal needs are driving change internationally and domestically. Signal49 Research estimates that genomics-related activity supported nearly 78,000 jobs across the Canadian economy in 2025 and will support more than 151,000 jobs by 2035, representing nearly 94 per cent growth over the decade.
Canada's diverse set of regions each has distinct economic, social, and health priorities that shape the ways genomics delivers value on the ground. These differences create specific regional areas of focus where genomics aligns with local needs and capabilities. Recognizing and building on these regional strengths allows Canada to advance genomics in ways that respect place, accelerate adoption, and translate national and regional investment into meaningful impact.
The global economy is accelerating toward a genomic-driven future, where biotechnology underpins innovation across health, agriculture, the environment, and broader society. The report outlines how Canada holds a strong position to lead this next wave with world‑class science, trusted institutions, and a public commitment to equity and evidence‑based decision‑making. Realizing this opportunity requires deliberate action from both government and private industries.
The report highlights the multiple industries that genomics impacts including health, agriculture and natural resources. These sectors employ millions of Canadians and make up a large share of
Canada's GDP and exports.
About Signal49 Research
Signal49 Research is the country's leading independent research organization. For more than seven decades, Signal49 Research has been providing research that supports evidence-based decision making to solve Canada's toughest problems. Follow Signal49 Research on LinkedIn at the link here. For more information on our organization, please visit the link here.
SOURCE Signal49 Research
Media Contact: Signal49 Research, E-mail: [email protected], Tel: 613-526-3090 ext. 224
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