eDNAtec Receives Funding to Advance Aquaculture Innovation with Environmental Genomics
eDNAtec has received funding through Canada’s Ocean Supercluster to support a new $2.9 million initiative focused on advancing environmental genomics in salmon aquaculture. The project is delivered in partnership with Mowi, one of the world’s leading seafood companies, with operations in Campbell River, BC.
Announced at the H2O Conference in Halifax, this initiative is one of five new ocean innovation projects supported by the Supercluster, with over $18 million in combined investments. The Ocean Supercluster is contributing $944,800 toward this effort.
This marks eDNAtec’s first venture into the aquaculture sector, building on previous work in fisheries, government, and the energy industry. The project will apply environmental genomics technologies to improve biodiversity assessments to support environmental stewardship, while enhancing pathogen detection and mitigation to promote fish health and operational sustainability.
“We’re honored to receive support from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster for this important initiative. This project marks an exciting step for eDNAtec as we bring our environmental genomics technologies into aquaculture for the first time. By working alongside Mowi and other partners, we’re helping advance sustainability, improve biodiversity stewardship, and strengthen disease resilience in Canada’s salmon farming industry. We’re proud to contribute to the growth of a more innovative, sustainable, and globally competitive ocean economy.” – Steve Barrett, COO, eDNAtec
By combining eDNAtec’s genomics expertise with Mowi’s aquaculture leadership, the project supports the long-term viability and global competitiveness of Canada’s $1.3 billion salmon aquaculture industry.
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 140 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.
About eDNAtec
eDNAtec is a global leader in environmental genomics, dedicated to advancing environmental stewardship by analyzing biodiversity and ecological health across a diverse range of ecosystems. We combine scientific excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver high-impact eDNA solutions. Our ISO-certified EnviroSeq® process and AI-powered BioPilot platform ensure accuracy from sampling to decision-making. With over 300 projects, 25,000 samples processed, and 5 million species detected, our leadership is backed by peer-reviewed publications, ongoing R&D through CEGA, and a passionate team of experts.