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  2. Queen's Innovation Centre Summer Initiative (QICSI)

Queen's Innovation Centre Summer Initiative (QICSI)

For individuals with a capacity for creativity, a tolerance for risk and an interest in entrepreneurship, or social innovation. 

QICSI is a 16-week summer program that offers the valuable opportunity to start your own business while being paid and receiving seed funding. QICSI is a highly competitive, intense and well-resourced program that takes place full time in-person on Queen's Campus from May-August and therefore only the most dedicated are encouraged to apply.

Why should you apply to QICSI? It may be the best career move you make before you graduate.

Here's what QICSI alumni said

QICSI Team

QICSI was responsible for helping create a framework for us to get into entrepreneurship and build our own business. It’s how we met our original co-founders. It’s how we developed an initial product concept and business strategy. It really was the seed that the entire past 8 years has grown from.

Mitch Debora, CEO & Co-Founder of Mosaic Manufacturing

Why QICSI?

Expert-led Bootcamp & Workshops

Receive world-class training and tips from seasoned entrepreneurs, award winning faculty, and other experts.

Global Mentor Network

Get matched with mentors from our network of 150+ entrepreneurs and industry experts around the world to help you on your path to success.

Significant Financial Support

Receive a $10,000 personal stipend and up to $4,000 in seed funding for your team, along with a chance to compete for up to $30,000 in the final pitch.

Co-Working and Office Space

Access co-working space and get a chance for dedicated office space in the Rose Innovation Hub on Queen’s Campus.

Founder Community

Meet new people and be part of a community of like-minded founders and innovators.

In-Kind Products & Services

Access Google cloud credits, legal and accounting services, banking support and more through DDQIC partnerships.

Eligibility

We are looking for innovators, dreamers and changemakers from any background with an interest in entrepreneurship, innovation or social impact. You must be:  

  • Available and ready to attend QICSI full-time in person in Kingston from the beginning of May to the end of August 2023

  • A person who is broadly curious, coachable, and willing to wear multiple hats 

  • A person with the ability to effectively contribute to a multidisciplinary team 

If you are an individual without an idea but are serious about building a lasting business, follow the steps below:

  1. Complete the application form
  2. Attend an interview
  3. Find a team & idea

Individuals who make it past the interview phase will have an opportunity to find a team from among the individuals’ cohort and ideate a new venture, or form a venture to commercialize Queen’s research and intellectual property through the Foundry.

Apply Now

Applications close Nov 27, 2023 at midnight (11:59 PM EST)

As of 2023, QICSI is only open to individuals. If you already have a venture or pre-formed team, you can: 

1. Apply to QYourVenture, for those with an existing idea/venture 

2. Apply to Build2Scale Health, for teams working on a health innovation  

3. Apply to QICSI as individuals if you are open to new ideas and team members. Any or all team members can apply. 

QICSI changed my life. I probably would have ended up in a very different place had I not done the summer innovation program and discovered what’s possible as an entrepreneur and in the tech startup space.

Isabel Barrera
QICSI 2012, Co-Founder at Runway

Important Dates

Applications Open 
Oct. 17, 2023

Information Session
Nov 16, 2023 from 5:30-7:30pm - register here

Deadline to Apply
Nov 27, 2023 at midnight (11:59 PM EST)

Interviews 
Dec. 6 & 7, 2023

 

 

 

Networking & Workshop Preparatory Mandatory Events: 

  • Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 9-5pm 
  • Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 9-5pm 

Program Runs (full-time in person) 
May 6 - August 23, 2024