New collaboration brings business and innovation skills to local youth
Kingston, Ontario – January 13, 2025 – Kingston Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with BGC South East and the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) to launch a High School Innovation Club. This transformative program begins on January 13, 2025, and will run for seven weeks, inspiring the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
The new BGC South East STEM & Robotics Centre at 1300 Bath Road features 9,000 sq. ft. and $500,000 in equipment with a dedicated makerspace and machine shop, including woodworking and metalworking tools, 3D printers, and a full-sized robotics field. This is a unique facility in South East Ontario and one of the largest youth Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) hubs in Canada.
High School Innovation Club participants will collaborate to create and pitch business or product ideas. Weekly activities will focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, while teaching entrepreneurship basics like ideation, market research, budgeting, and project management.
“Our community needs youth who are innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and creators,” says Bruna Guarino Moraes, Associate Director, STEM & Strategic Initiatives at BGC South East, “We are expanding educational opportunities to meet that need. By combining our network with the Limestone District School Board and the expertise of entrepreneurship leaders like Kingston Economic Development and DDQIC, we are empowering youth with the skills and support they need to build their futures.”
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship at an early age,” notes Norman Musengimana, Business Development Manager for Startups and Entrepreneurship at Kingston Economic Development. “The kids participating in this program will potentially become entrepreneurs in the future and drive economic development, innovation, and job creation in our community.”
For more information about the High School Innovation Club and the BGC South East STEM & Robotics Centre, please visit bgcka.recdesk.com.
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Media Contacts:
Daniel Solorio
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
solorio@investkingston.ca
