Page 16 - Synapse Brochure 2023

CONNECT WITH CANADA'S LEADING HEALTH INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM SYNAPSE LIFE SCIENCE CONSORTIUM

Hamilton’s Future: Ecosystem Concierge

The common backdrop behind all this
Reaching the Next excitement is the Synapse Life Science
Consortium. The formal regional cluster
organization for the life sciences ecosystem
Level of Success in Hamilton, Synapse is a central hub that
benefits all life sciences organizations in
Hamilton through connection, collaboration,
and acceleration.
Hamilton’s institutions are primed Synapse is a consortium of eight

and ready to foster innovation - anchor institutions, representing 36,000

whatever form it takes. employees and more than $470 million in
innovative research.

Now, more than ever, is the time for acceleration. Increased “We make warm introductions that catalyze
funding and focus on the life sciences sector have created the collaboration,” explains Alex Muggah, Director
ideal circumstances for investment, spread, and growth. It’s of Synapse. Many others have described
a moment that the key institutions in Hamilton - McMaster Synapse as the “concierge” of Hamilton’s life
University, Mohawk College, Hamilton Health Sciences, and sciences ecosystem.
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton - are all eager to explore.
“Whenever we need an introduction, Synapse
Today, we see a renewed vigour, and increased agility, has been there to help,” says Bruno Paquin,
empowered by the connectivity of the Synapse Consortium. CEO of AtomVie.
“Large organizations, as a rule, are risk-averse,” says Sarah “Coming into Hamilton for the first
Howe (St. Joe’s). “We need to be open to innovation.” time, Synapse helped us find our first
manufacturing partner,” says Sabrina
That means making space for exciting new technologies, Fiorellino, CEO of Fero International.
research, and businesses to flourish, and to bring that
excitement to Hamilton’s leading institutions. For others - like graduating start-ups Hyivy
and Epineuron, both of which are finishing
Dr. Soleymani (McMaster) agrees. “As a researcher, clinical trials in Hamilton - Synapse’s programs
as an entrepreneur, what are the things missing for you? provided the jumpstart they needed to begin
And how can we support you?” she asks. their business. “Innovation Factory’s Synapse

One avenue of support is in ‘wet lab’ space - small-scale Pitch Competition really got us serious and got
manufacturing facilities that start-ups and scale-ups need us thinking about what we needed to succeed,”
to prepare for clinical trials. It’s a need that McMaster says Sergio Aguirre, CEO of Epineuron.
Innovation Park is hoping to meet, with expanding labs and In a field as specialized as life sciences,
manufacturing facilities for start-ups and growing businesses. it benefits everyone to have a tight-knit

Hamilton’s institutions are primed for success, ready and community and to keep tabs on each other.
excited to leverage their incredible resources to support Synapse acts as the connective tissue that
new innovation in the city. keeps Hamilton’s life sciences ecosystem
cohesive and open for collaboration,
to everyone’s benefit.

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