TurnKey Genomics

TurnKey Genomics delivers end-to-end genomic solutions tailored to the agri-food sector, enabling new innovations in crop development. Its cutting-edge genomic and bioinformatics technologies and biosurveillance systems help seed companies, plant breeders, greenhouse growers and food producers develop new food species and varieties that thrive in the modern agricultural landscape.

“Given the vast differences in geography and growing conditions across Canada, it’s essential to have crop varieties that perform well in a wide range of environments,” says Chris Grainger, founder and CEO.

With advanced degrees in molecular biology, genetics and plant breeding, Grainger combines deep expertise with 20 years of research experience at the University of Guelph. He collaborates with clients at the breeder level to develop tailored solutions and has built a nationwide network comprising the next generation of plant breeders.

That deep scientific grounding is reflected in TurnKey Genomics’ approach, which centers on using genome sequencing technologies to enhance breeding efficiency. These powerful tools identify optimal parent combinations and select superior progeny tailored to specific growing regions.

Through its crop development and breeding support services, Turnkey helps reduce the time and cost required to develop new plant varieties, cutting years off traditional breeding cycles. This enables seed companies to respond faster to climate variability, regional growing challenges and shifting market demands with high-performing, resilient crop varieties.

In one instance, a seed company facing seed purity issues in their breeding program partnered with TurnKey Genomics to ensure the genetic integrity of their developing varieties. It implemented a low-cost DNA fingerprinting system to uniquely identify each breeding line, enabling early detection of contaminants and mislabeling. This solution was integrated at key stages in the pipeline, especially before multi-location performance trials, resulting in higher seed purity, improved reliability of trial data and enhanced overall breeding efficiency. The approach helped reduce errors, safeguard product quality and accelerate the development of competitive, true-to-type crop varieties.

Clients can also leverage its crop protection and biosurveillance services to develop crops resistant or tolerant to new pests and pathogens. It helps in new trait development for seed companies by identifying genes important for controlling various phenotypic characteristics and utilizing molecular markers to select the crop varieties carrying the necessary genes. It also supports the integration of advanced gene editing tools like CRISPR, enabling precise trait enhancement and faster incorporation of these technologies into breeding pipelines.

Its flagship product—herbicide resistance genetic testing—involves rapid PCR testing to identify mutations in specific genes that are known to cause herbicide resistance in different weed species in Ontario and throughout Canada. Numerous clients, including field agronomists, input providers, crop protection companies and chemical companies, often approach the company to identify the nature of resistance of different weed species. By working with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) on a province-wide survey program, TurnKey Genomics collects leaf samples from weeds to test and determine what species are resistant to a specific group of herbicides. This data helps clients manage herbicide resistance effectively in their weed management decision-making process.

TurnKey Genomics’ success is rooted in strong partnerships, from Ontario-based RHA Ventures Inc., which has supported its growth, to impact investment from the Grand River Agricultural Society, where it promotes nourishing people, animals and the planet. Collaborations with provincial and federal agencies such as OMAFA and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) further enhance its ability to serve clients effectively.

In a highly competitive landscape dominated by multinational players, TurnKey Genomics’ value lies in its flexibility, inclusivity and locally attuned approach to deploying advanced genomic technologies across Canada's diverse agri-food landscape. Backed by Canada’s favorable regulatory environments for gene editing, it is perfectly poised to help clients more efficiently develop and bring gene-edited products to market, further enhancing innovation in food production and security.