After weeks of hard work and training, three top finalists have advanced to the final round of the 2015 Synapse Life Science Competition! Congratulations to Avertus, Blue Orchid and Sound Options.

Avertus has created a home based, wireless, brain monitoring and seizure warning system, Blue Orchid has developed the OrchidLift: a compact and portable sit-to-stand lift for home care, and Sound Options offers an effective, affordable and convenient sound therapy for tinnitus sufferers.

This year’s twelve qualifying Synapse finalists were chosen from a record number of applications received, ranging from point of care devices, advanced diagnostic tools, medical devices, and medical tech innovations. The teams progressed through a series of milestones to help them develop the business side to their ideas, build commercialization strategies, and learn to pitch effectively.

At the final showcase event on April 8th, Avertus, Blue Orchid and Sound Options will each have 20 minutes to pitch their idea to a panel of experts in hopes of taking home $35,000 of cash and professional services.

The Synapse showcase brings together investors, business leaders and the life science community from the greater Hamilton and Toronto area. All 12 teams, including the top three finalists, will have to opportunity to present posters at the final event for guests to engage with. An additional prize of $500 cash and a Willow Tree Capital package (an introductory meeting and $1000 towards a consultation package) will be awarded to the best poster.

Visit SynapseLifeScience.com to learn more about the competition and this years’ finalists.