Génome Québec, Oncopole and IVADO joined forces earlier this year to launch the “Omics Data Against Cancer” (DOCC) competition.
Genomics and the study of cancer are two particularly complex fields of life science research, with many challenges to be met. To find solutions, researchers generate massive quantities of data that are difficult to interpret. The tools and methods of digital intelligence enable us to explore these large datasets and ultimately extract the information needed to better understand living organisms, and hence the fight against cancer.
The aim of this competition is therefore precisely to promote multidisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, omics and oncology, in order to support the development of artificial intelligence applications and tools to better exploit cancer research datasets.
Today, the three organizations are proud to announce the winners of this competition and to present their projects:
“The competition results announced today are a powerful indicator of Quebec’s competitiveness in the genomics and artificial intelligence sectors, both of which are at the cutting edge of technology. Cancer “omics” research, which generates a voluminous and complex data set, can only be exploited to its full potential by teaming up with artificial intelligence. The intersection of these two major areas of excellence will give Quebec a unique position on the international stage and, above all, help accelerate advances in cancer research. I would like to congratulate the five winning research teams on the excellence of their projects, which hold the promise of a better future in the treatment of this disease,” says Daniel Coderre, President and CEO of Génome Québec.
“The DOCC program represents an exceptional opportunity to bring together multidisciplinary expertise in artificial intelligence, omics and oncology to advance cancer research. I’d like to highlight the excellent collaboration between Oncopole, IVADO and Génome Québec, which is behind this initiative. Once again, this competition is an opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting cutting-edge research, with the aim of ensuring that these innovations translate into improved care and services. I would like to congratulate the winning teams on their highly promising projects aimed at developing innovative tools for the benefit of oncology research”, emphasizes Renaldo Battista, Director General of Oncopole.
“Digital intelligence tools and the resulting data exploitation methods represent a tremendous opportunity to accelerate research, particularly in healthcare. We are convinced that a better understanding of cancer pathologies can emerge from these collaborations, and with it, innovative solutions to better deal with them. By awarding this joint funding with Génome Québec and Oncopole, we are directly promoting synergy between biomedical sciences and artificial intelligence, two areas of excellence in Montreal research. We wish the five winning teams every success in the pursuit of their work! – Gilles Savard, IVADO General Manager.
About us
Génome Québec
Génome Québec’s mission is to catalyze the development and excellence of genomics research, its integration and its democratization. A pillar of Quebec’s bioeconomy, the organization also contributes to social and sustainable development, as well as to Quebec’s influence. The funds invested by Génome Québec come from the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation du Québec (MEI), the Government of Canada through Genome Canada, and private partners.
To find out more about the organization, visit www.genomequebec.com/
Oncopole
The Oncopole is a Quebec research, development and investment cluster dedicated to accelerating the fight against cancer. Created in February 2017, it is the result of a unique co-creation process by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) made possible by an initial investment of $15 million from Merck Canada. Oncopole’s mission is to act as a catalyst for the actions of Quebec’s oncology research and innovation ecosystem. The aim is to position the province as a leader in this field. Its priorities for action – research, entrepreneurship, the valorization and integration of innovation, and clinical relevance – are orchestrated with the aim of mobilizing stakeholders, discovering innovative approaches to the fight against cancer and, ultimately, generating positive spin-offs for the benefit of patients.
For more information: www.oncopole.ca/
IVADO
IVADO is an initiative of HEC Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal and Université de Montréal. With the support of its academic, industrial and institutional ecosystem, IVADO is developing cutting-edge expertise in the various fields of digital intelligence (including data science, artificial intelligence and operations research) and helping to transform new scientific discoveries into concrete applications, economic opportunities and benefits for society.
For more information: www.ivado.ca
Contact
Génome Québec
Éva Kammer
Director, Communications and Education
ekammer@genomequebec.com
Oncopole
Catherine CARDINAL
Director of Communications
catherine.cardinal@umontreal.ca
IVADO
Camille Barrier
Communications Manager
camille.barrier@ivado.ca
