Geisinger receives AWS IMAGINE grant to accelerate genomics infrastructure development

DANVILLE, Pa. – Geisinger has been awarded a 2024 Amazon Web Services (AWS) IMAGINE Grant to expand and optimize the use of genomic information from the MyCode Community Health Initiative.

As part of the award, Geisinger will receive $150,000 in unrestricted funding, $25,000 in AWS Promotional Credits, and engagement with AWS technical specialists. The award will support creation of a new genomic data platform that will:

• Make genomic data more accessible and easier to use for research
• Enable expansion of preventative genomic screening to more participants across more conditions
• Support the integration of genomic information into real-time care delivery to enhance diagnosis and provide more effective, personalized treatment

“We are excited to work with AWS to develop scalable cloud solutions to securely store and manage vast amounts of genomic data, accelerating our research efforts and ultimately enabling the integration of population-scale genomic information into routine healthcare,” said Kyle Retterer, chief data science officer at Geisinger and the recipient of the award.

Geisinger was named a winner in the grant program’s “Go Further, Faster” category, which recognizes innovative projects using advanced cloud services. Proposals in this category were judged on several factors, including the innovative and unique nature of the project, impact on mission-critical goals and clearly defined outcomes and milestones.

Since its inception in 2007, MyCode has grown to include more than 350,000 consented participants, with paired genetic sequencing and electronic health record data on more than 230,000 of these. Data collected through MyCode has enabled publication of more than 250 scientific studies, and more than 5,000 participants have received actionable genetic information related to their increased risk for a variety of health conditions.

"At AWS, we're inspired by the nonprofit sector's unwavering commitment to preserving the dignity and health of people and our planet," said Allyson Fryhoff, managing director of nonprofit and nonprofit health at AWS. "Our Imagine Grant winners are pioneering groundbreaking, technology-driven approaches that will amplify their mission impact and build a more equitable and compassionate world. We are thrilled to work alongside these organizations, helping them leverage the transformative capabilities of the AWS Cloud to bring these projects to life.”

Since the launch of the IMAGINE Grant program in 2018, AWS has awarded more than $14 million in unrestricted funds, AWS Promotional Credits and expert technical guidance to more than 130 nonprofit organizations in support of their technology-driven goals. Previous winners are currently using AWS services to tackle critical challenges such as eliminating barriers to food security, improving maternal health outcomes, helping millions access clean and safe drinking water globally, tackling rare disease research and more. For more information on the AWS IMAGINE Grant, visit aws.amazon.com/IMAGINE-grant.

About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Geisinger College of Health Sciences is the research and education arm of the Geisinger family. Geisinger is committed to making better health easier for the more than 1 million people it serves. Geisinger is the inaugural member of Risant Health, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding and accelerating the adoption of value-based care. Founded more than 100 years ago by Abigail Geisinger, the system now includes 10 hospital campuses, a health plan with more than half a million members, and the College. The College houses a Research Institute, graduate medical education, and schools of medicine, nursing and graduate education, in addition to faculty and professional development programs. The College is committed to non-discrimination in all employment and educational opportunities. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.