Innovation Factory Distributes $120,000 in Cash and Prizes at the 2025 Synapse Life Science Competition

The 2025 Synapse Life Science Competition, hosted by Innovation Factory on March 26, showcased five promising life science startups competing for a total of $120,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. The event highlights Ontario's dedication to accelerating groundbreaking innovations through critical mentorship, training, and industry exposure for emerging companies.

The competition started with 15 early-stage life science companies that were provided with a $2,000 grant each, along with training and resources to develop commercialization strategies and refine their business models. The final five companies—CELLECT Laboratories Inc., LynxsurfBio Inc., Medloaner (Canada) Inc., Power of Play, and Stoked Bio—were chosen after months of mentorship and pitch preparation.

Power of Play won the grand prize of $25,000 in cash and $5,000 in kind prizes, which included a legal package from Gowling WLG. The company focuses on advancing pediatric rehabilitation by creating a child-friendly tool that measures grip and pinch strength in children. Rooaa Shanshal, co-founder of Power of Play, expressed gratitude for the experience: “Winning first place is a very humbling experience, and we look forward to everything we can achieve with the help of Innovation Factory moving forward,” she stated, reflecting on their journey from being an audience member in 2023 to winning the competition.

CELLECT Laboratories Inc. earned second place and a cash prize of $15,000 for its innovative women’s health diagnostic solution that is non-invasive, accessible, and cost-effective. Third place went to Medloaner, which received in-kind prizes worth $7,500 for its AI-powered platform aimed at improving the hospital supply chain for surgical instruments.

Additionally, Creative Medical Solutions was honored with the $2,500 Quick Pitch Award for developing a uroflowmetry device that enhances testing and patient care. Stoked Bio received an in-kind prize from CDD Vault valued at $14,000, focusing on developing new treatments for resistant infectious diseases and cancers. Nuvia was awarded the Medstack Prize by Launchit Solutions, worth up to $20,000 in-kind, for its non-invasive therapy solution targeting Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS).

David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory, praised the competition, emphasizing its role as a platform for building partnerships and driving commercialization in Canada's life science ecosystem. He noted that the finalists reflect the strength of Ontario's life sciences sector.

The 2025 Synapse competition was made possible by significant contributions from partners, including Gowling WLG as the Title Sponsor and Deloitte and CDD Vault as Innovation Partners. The judging panel included experts in the field, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the competing companies.

Since its initiation in 2013, the Synapse Life Science Competition has significantly impacted the life science landscape, supporting over 130 companies with more than $1 million awarded in cash and prizes, which has collectively led to over $100 million in subsequent funding for participants.

For further information about the Synapse Life Science Competition and the winners of this year’s event, interested parties can visit synapselifescience.com. Innovation Factory, established in 2010, operates as a not-for-profit business accelerator focused on fostering technology innovation and providing various resources including mentorship and access to a formal life science ecosystem.