Knowlton Thomas | October 6, 2026
https://calgary.tech/2026/10/06/alberta-aims-innovate-agriculture-genomics-ai/
A slew of local ag-tech projects are set to receive funding.
The seven regional projects will use genomics data, AI, and advanced analytics to improve livestock productivity, manage crop disease and pests, support pollinator health, and strengthen antimicrobial resistance surveillance, according to a statement from Genome Alberta and the provincial government.
Through the Genomics Data Connect initiatives, the $6 million funding round supports projects addressing challenges across Alberta agriculture—a sector which generates increasingly large volumes of genomic and other biological data that is often under-utilized, suggests Genome Alberta chief executive officer David Bailey.
“Alberta has built high-quality genomics data resources through years of research investment,” he says. “The opportunity now is to connect that information and put it to work.”
“These projects bring researchers, industry, and producer organizations together to turn complex data into practical tools that can support better decisions, improve productivity, and strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of Alberta agriculture,” Bailey stated.
Nate Glubish, Alberta’s minister of tech and innovation, posits that “Genomics and AI can make agriculture better, faster, and smarter,” adding “that’s good for our economy, our crops and livestock, our farmers, and Albertans as a whole.”
Tara Sawyer, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, suggests that “with better data on genomics and analytics, Alberta farmers can make better-informed decisions about their crops and their livestock, leading to healthier livestock and better crop yields.”
“Genome Alberta is leading the way on ensuring Alberta farmers have access to the data they need to innovate, adapt, and compete while keeping Alberta at the forefront of agricultural science innovation,” the provincial minister stated.
One of the bigger projects is the Genomics Data Connect: One Health Antimicrobial Resistance initiative, powered by Alberta.
“Antimicrobial resistance doesn’t distinguish boundaries between human health, agriculture, and the environment, so our response can’t either,” says Cheryl Holden, Vice President, Health Innovation, Alberta Innovates. “That’s why a One Health approach matters.”
“By bringing together data, expertise, and partners from across multiple sectors, we’re building a better understanding of how resistance spreads and where we can take action,” Holden said. “This initiative is a strong example of how collaboration can turn data into practical insights that support better decisions and better outcomes for Albertans.”