HAMILTON, October 3, 2023 — Innovation Factory is now accepting applications for the 11th annual Synapse Life Science Pitch Competition. This announcement comes shortly after the successful LiONS LAIR pitch competition and gala event that drew a crowd of over 400. Applications will be accepted until November 12, 2023.
Hamilton’s vibrant life science and health research community provides a supportive startup environment making Innovation Factory’s Synapse Competition a catalyst for life science innovation. The competition offers a unique format, pairing innovators such as entrepreneurs, scientists, and researchers with post-secondary students to form teams.
David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory, commented, “Over the past decade, the Synapse Competition has played a crucial role in bringing innovative life science projects to the forefront. As we enter the 11th year, we anticipate another surge of great ideas and collaborative efforts that will continue to shape the region’s growing life science industry.”
Over the coming months, finalists will gain access to training, mentorship, and financial support, assisting them in refining their business plans and investor pitches. The competition culminates in March 2024, with finalists showcasing their products or services and competing for cash and in-kind prizes.
Reflecting on her experience participating in the Synapse Competition, 2023 first place winner Sydney Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Vessl Prosthetics, shared: “The Synapse Life Science Competition was instrumental in connecting us with the mentorship and business resources to help our company thrive. The tightly knit community is a perfect catalyst for emerging innovative companies to scale in the Ontario ecosystem and beyond. The support we received also extended far beyond the competition itself.”
The Synapse Competition continues to support innovative ideas and helps life science startups navigate their way toward success. Since 2013, the competition has supported over 115 start-ups and awarded over $820,000 in prizes and resources through its partners. Participating companies have collectively raised more than $85 million in financing. Innovators are encouraged to apply and contribute to the next chapter of life science innovation in Hamilton.
For more details and to apply for the 2024 Synapse Competition, please visit www.synapselifescience.com
About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator, serving as the catalyst for technology innovation in the greater Hamilton area since 2011. Innovation Factory provides business services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections to drive market adoption, leverage intellectual property, and increase revenues, investment, and jobs. Innovators can also access sector-specific resources including exclusive smart transportation test environments and data; and a formal life science and health innovation ecosystem.
Contacts:
Annie Horton
Marketing Lead
Innovation Factory
