about SYNAPSE LIFE SCIENCE CONSORTIUM
The Synapse Life Science Consortium is the formal regional cluster organization for the life sciences ecosystem in the greater Hamilton region. Synapse is a not-for-profit focused on supporting initiatives and projects that magnify the impact of collective action across the cluster ecosystem, and accelerate the commercialization of life science innovation.
Synapse seeks to support all companies and institutions that make up the Hamilton life science cluster, celebrating the strengths and successes of industry leaders and new start-ups, as well as promoting the region as an attractive place to live, work and invest.
Synapse is the result of a coming together of key anchor institutions in Hamilton’s regional life science cluster representing more than 36,500 employees and more than $5 billion in economic spend. Started in 2016, the Consortium initiative brought together leaders from across the region, including both private and public sector organizations who saw significant opportunity for greater collaboration and coordination across the cluster.’
View an interactive profile of the Hamilton Ecosystem here
Download a copy of the Synapse Consortium profile of the Hamilton Ecosystem here
Our Vision
Our vision is to be recognized by each of our members as a collaborative hub to drive global health innovation. Synapse’s mission is focused on creating an ecosystem to attract investment and develop health innovation for global export.
Synapse delivers value as an advocate and concierge to the life science organizations operating in the greater Hamilton region. Synapse’s strategic plan supports established businesses and new entrepreneurs to grow and expand in three ways:
Communicate – share successes and promote the impact of the life science cluster in order to raise the visibility and reach of the consortium, both within the region and beyond
Collaborate – work with key partners and stakeholders to foster a more dynamic and cooperative ecosystem for life science innovation and commercialization
Accelerate – support efforts to attract and secure life science companies and investment in the region
Through the realization of our vision, we seek to create growth opportunities for Hamilton organizations and institutions, by attracting more risk capital, corporate investment, innovative start-ups and high quality talent.
Supporting the Hamilton Life Sciences Cluster
Hamilton, Ontario is home to a top-tier life sciences cluster, anchored by world-class research institutions such as McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences, Mohawk College and St. Joseph’s Healthcare. The broader cluster is made up of hundreds of life science organizations companies, organizations and research institutes. They are public and private, large and small, new and mature, and linked through common markets, technologies, need for talent, as well as professional and personal relationships.
Synapse is focused on promoting and advocating for the interests of the entire cluster ecosystem through facilitation of partnerships dedicated to resolving common challenges and making investments toward shared objectives. We believe that creating a sustainable environment for economic growth and innovation for the life sciences cluster requires both competition and collaboration.
We seek to facilitate collaboration across networks to enable our members to leverage the wealth of services, knowledge, and products available in the region. In conjunction with cluster members, the Consortium seeks to identify assets and gaps, constructing a unified narrative for the Hamilton life sciences cluster, under a distinctive brand to elevate its national and global profile.
Synapse welcomes the opportunity to assist others outside the consortium in doing business with our members, from making connections to establishing operations in the region.