Currently, valuable data in the Canadian healthcare space is siloed, with no national platform for health and genomic data. This reality is hindering the ability of researchers and clinicians to advance the development and implementation of genomic technologies and precision health initiatives. 

In response, a diverse team, partially funded by Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster (https://www.digitalsupercluster.ca/), set about developing the Secure Health and Genomic Platform (SHGP) – an integrated, secure, scalable and pan-Canadian solution for genomics and precision health. The intent of this digital platform was to democratize access to genomic, clinical and health information datasets to accelerate discoveries and the implementation of precision health innovation across the country. The SHGP intended to build a data library and an application marketplace, where users can load, search and share data. 

The project team was comprised of Microsoft, DNAstack, Genome BC, LifeLabs, Molecular You, Deloitte and the University of British Columbia. British Columbia’s Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority also participated as advisors. 

This project aimed to accelerate the ability for Canadian innovators, researchers and health providers to work together to create innovative, more accessible precision health treatments for all Canadians. 

This project created a technical, governance and sustainment framework for a Canadian data sharing platform and built standards-compliant prototype software that allows for genomic data intake, access and analysis (find, access, store, use, share).