On Apr. 4, 2001, Genome Canada announced $136 million in funding to support 22 large-scale research projects and technology platforms at five Genome Centres across the country.

Genome BC was approved for a total of $69.5 million in funding, with $35 million awarded by Genome Canada.

The remainder of the funding – $34.5 million – was later secured by Genome BC from the Province of British Columbia and other sources, such as Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and other private sector and international organizations.