Competition Overview

The Synapse Competition is Ontario's premier life science pitch competition and is dedicated to fostering the commercialization of innovation in the life science sector. Delivered by Innovation Factory, in collaboration with the Synapse Consortium, this competition assists innovators, scientists and researchers to bring their ideas to market, increase revenues, leverage intellectual property attract, investment and create jobs.

Innovator finalists receive training, mentorship, a $5,000 grant and a chance to pitch and compete for BIG cash prizes!

COMPETITION STATS SINCE 2013

100+ COMPANIES

$650K+ PRIZES AWARDED

$50M+ FUNDS RAISED

10+ GLOBAL MARKETS ACCESSED

The competition is separated into four phases, outlined below.

PHASE ONE

TEAM FORMATION

Interested participants will complete a short application and finalists will be notified in December of their acceptance into the competition. Innovators and students will form teams at our Meet & Greet in January 2023.

PHASE TWO

COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN

Teams will receive training and mentorship in order to submit a

10-15 page

Commercialization Plan, outlining detailed steps needed to commercialize their innovation, and a timeline to market in February, 2023.

PHASE THREE

INVESTOR PITCH

Teams will attend training to develop and deliver a 5-minute investor
pitch, including the components of a pitch, delivery methods, and
addressing questions in March 2023.

Synapse competition phase four, top ranked life science companies showscase business at annual networking event

FINAL PHASE

FINAL PITCH & SHOWCASE

The top-ranked teams will deliver a business pitch, competing for cash and in-kind services from our generous partners. All finalists will present a poster and have the opportunity to network with top industry leaders in the life science sector on March 22, 2023.