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Pitch your big idea for the 2024 Mayor’s Innovation Challenge

January 8, 2024

Do you know a student with a big idea to make Kingston a better place? Encourage them to apply for the 2024 Mayor’s Innovation Challenge!

In partnership with Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College and Royal Military College, the Mayor's Innovation Challenge provides a unique opportunity for current or recently graduated post-secondary students to apply their knowledge to real-world issues and help shape the future of Kingston.

The winning teams will have an opportunity to gain valuable experience through paid internships with the City of Kingston or a chance to turn their idea into a business venture with seed funding from the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre.

“I’m thrilled to kick off the new year by launching applications for the seventh annual Mayor’s Innovation Challenge,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “Year after year, we’ve seen this competition prompt inspiring and thoughtful proposals from post-secondary students in Kingston. I look forward to seeing how this year’s applicants use creative problem-solving to meet existing challenges and find new opportunities to enhance our community.”

Students are invited to develop a two-to-three-minute video proposal to present an innovative project that enhances the quality of life of Kingston residents or develops new ways to enhance the delivery of municipal services.

Teams with proposals that are shortlisted will be invited to present their ideas at the Pitch Competition on March 8 at City Hall to a panel of leaders with expertise in municipal government, entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Key dates 

  • Interested participants can register for one of the following workshops: 

  • Sunday, Feb. 25: Deadline for proposals at 11:59 p.m. 

  • Tuesday, Feb. 27: Shortlist invited to student pitch competition. 

  • Friday, March 8: Student pitch competition at City Hall. 
     

Learn more about the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge at CityofKingston.ca/MIC or by emailing mic@CityofKingston.ca.