2024 Mayor’s Innovation Challenge workshop @ Innovation Hub

About the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge

As part of the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge, we’re calling on students from Kingston’s post-secondary institutions to develop innovative proposals that address a challenge facing the city or that contribute to making Kingston a better place!

Join the City of Kingston, the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC), and St. Lawrence College at one of two workshops. Attendees will learn more about the challenge and have an opportunity to start shaping their ideas through a facilitated brainstorming session. Food will also be provided.

The Mayor’s Innovation Challenge provides a unique opportunity for you, as a current or recently graduated post-secondary student, to apply your 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 DDQIC.

This workshop is open to any Kingston post-secondary student.

Workshop: What to expect

• Greetings from Mayor Bryan Paterson
• Developing an innovative idea – Craig Desjardins, Director, Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships
• Overview of the Challenge – Amber Bryant-Peller, Administrative Assistant, Special Projects
• Overview of the Dunin-Deshpande Smart Kingston Stream
• Question-and-answer period
• Ideas bazaar – Brainstorming session

Teams with shortlisted proposals will be invited to present their ideas at the Pitch Competition on March 8, 2024, at Kingston City Hall to a panel of leaders with expertise in municipal government, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Get in touch
If you have questions or require any accommodation for the information session, please email mic@CityofKingston.ca or call Customer Service at 613-546-0000.