Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical & Health Innovation Ecosystem Program

Apply now and leverage up to $100,000 in matching funds to work directly with an academic or hospital partner in the Hamilton, Ontario ecosystem. Businesses will receive advisory services, testing capabilities and financial support from experts in the healthcare field to acquire clinical/research expertise, evidence, or data to develop and commercialize health innovations, increase sales or secure a “first buyer.”

Leverage up to $100,000 in matching funds to work directly with an academic or hospital partner in the Hamilton, Ontario ecosystem.  Businesses will receive advisory services, testing capabilities and financial support from experts in the healthcare field to acquire clinical/research expertise, evidence, or data to develop and commercialize health innovations, increase sales or secure a “first buyer.”

SOPHIE - Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical & Health Innovation Ecosystem logo

About SOPHIE

Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical & Health Innovation Ecosystem (SOPHIE) Program brings together Innovation Factory’s commercialization services with the Synapse Life Science Consortium’s strategic network to leverage access to Hamilton’s unique life sciences capabilities and research expertise.  This funding will support collaborative projects for Ontario-based life science firms in the later stages of commercialization and in need of financing to secure technology validation and first sale.

Commercialization project benefits​

  • Access world-class researchers, clinicians and facilities
  • Accelerate your product commercialization timelines
  • Leverage up to $100,000 in matching funding from FedDev Ontario (1.25:1 match required)

Who should apply

  • Incorporated, private life science companies based in Ontario
  • Working on commercializing an innovative technology at TRL-6 (or above)
  • Demonstrated commitment to commercializing innovation with a clear clinical application

Timelines

  • Funding for the SOPHIE program will run from September 2024 – Fall 2028
  • Applications are open until funds are fully deployed

Innovator testimonials​

Hear directly from innovators who have leveraged the SOPHIE program to accelerate their start-up’s commercialization success.

Have questions? Contact us

We would love to hear from you and explore how SOPHIE can help you bring your life science innovation to market.

SOPHIE recipients

For more information about the grant recipients and their innovative technologies and solutions, check out our portfolio.

Meet our partners

Synapse Life Science Pitch Competition applications open. Apply by November 10, 2024

Applications for the 2025 Synapse Competition are open!

The Synapse Life Science Competition combines the ideas and research of life science innovators with the intellect and strategy of students. Finalists receive training, mentorship, a $2,000 grant and a chance to pitch and compete for BIG cash prizes!

Applications close on November 10, 2024.