For pre-formed teams, and individuals with a capacity for creativity, a tolerance for risk and a desire to build a lasting venture with financial or social impact.
You want to pursue and entrepreneurial career and we want to help! Every year, we select around 50 ambitious individuals with a demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, innovation or social impact to be part of the QICSI program and reach new heights.
Joining QICSI is one of the best decisions I have made in years! I joined right after completing my MMIE degree at Smith and it complemented my Masters by allowing me to take my business to the next level, secure a great new co-founder, explore business opportunities in India and Africa, and expand my network.
Norman Musengimana
QICSI 2018, CEO & Founder of BizSkills Academy
Two Ways to Apply
Whether you’re an individual with an entrepreneurial mission looking for some like-minded peers to start something new, or a team looking for an opportunity to get paid to focus intently on your venture, you are eligible to apply for QICSI!
We are looking for innovators, dreamers and changemakers from any background with a commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation or social impact. You must be:
- Available and ready to attend QICSI in-person in Kingston from the beginning of May to the end of August
- A person with curiosity to learn, and the willingness to wear multiple hats
- Committed to pursuing an entrepreneurial career
If you are an individual without an idea but are serious about pursuing an entrepreneurial career, follow the steps below:
- Complete the application form
- Attend an interview
- 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 an intellectual property through the Foundry.
If you are a team of at least two founders and want to dedicate an entire summer to work on your venture, follow the steps below:
- Join QyourVenture as soon as possible to give your venture a competitive edge
- Complete the application form
- Pitch for admission
- Attend a team interview
All co-founders wishing to participate full-time in the QICSI program from May-August must be present for the pitch and interview.
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
For Individuals
Deadline to Apply
Dec 5, 2021
Interviews
Dec 10, 2021
Team Formation
Jan 19-23, 2022
Program Runs (full-time)
May-August 2022
For Pre-Formed Teams
Deadline to Apply
Jan 10, 2022
Deadline to Join QyourVenture
Jan 13, 2022
Pitch for Admission
Jan 17-18, 2022
Interviews
Feb 2022
Program Runs (full-time)
May-August 2022
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