Local startups vied for early stage seed funding in DDQIC's Winter Pitch Competition, and one venture that is providing an on-demand boat ride-hailing platform rose to the top.
Teams could compete for either seed capital or for admission to the QICSI incubation program that provides not only funding but wraparound supports like office space, mentorship, and training during the summer.
On the 19th of January, 2022, the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) convened students and community members from the KFLA region, including entrepreneurs, innovators, and healthcare leaders. Together, we explored challenges and opportunities, provided education about rural health and identified where there is room to pilot innovations across the region.
Date
Tuesday August 30, 2022Location
Members of the JLMCF program will be graduating and receiving their certificates for the completion of this program.
Date
Thursday August 18, 2022Location
We're Live!Watch as start-ups compete to win funding for their venture, with a prize pool of nearly $100,000, teams have the opportunity to receive up to $30,000 in non dilutive seed funding. Attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for the venture they believe has the greatest market potential for the Wisdom of the Market Award.
We will have participants from DDQIC'S QICSI & Build2Scale Health 2022 cohorts, the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2022 participants; and regional applicants.
The event will be held in person in the atrium of the Mitchell Hall Building (Kingston, ON).
Come celebrate 10 years of innovation!
We're Live!
Date
Saturday March 5, 2022Location
RemoteFor members in the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Cohort, the explore course closes and all assignments are due on this date.
Date
Thursday March 24, 2022Location
DDQIC Event Commons (Room 103) located in Mitchell Hall on Queen’s Main CampusThe World’s Challenge Challenge (WCC) – Queen’s Regional Pitch Competition is an opportunity for teams of passionate and socially-minded Queen’s students to present their solution to one of the world’s many pressing social challenges. Hosted jointly by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) and the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) at Smith School of Business, this competition presents an excellent opportunity for current Queen’s students of all levels and disciplines of study to apply their diverse knowledge and skills to tackle a problem related to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. One winning team will be selected to represent Queen’s at the International Finals in Summer 2022 for a chance to win $7,500-$30,000 to execute on their solution.
Date
Thursday March 3, 2022Location
RemoteThis workshop will be hosted by Afiya Beauty, previous participants of our Build2Scale Health program and finalists in the 2021 Summer Pitch Competition. Afiya Beauty is a brand created by two sisters, Kaltum and Shamsa. Their combined passion for natural, organic beauty is the inspiration behind the brand.
Date
Wednesday January 19, 2022Location
Virtual Zoom MeetingJoin the DDQIC for an informative discussion on the opportunities and challenges of rural healthcare in the KFL&A region. The panel event aims to gather students and community members from the KFL&A region, including entrepreneurs, innovators, and healthcare leaders. Together, we can explore identified challenges and opportunities, and provide education about rural health, and where there is room to pilot innovations across the region.
See our fantastic lineup of healthcare experts for the panel:
Date
Monday January 17, 2022Location
Virtual Zoom MeetingKingston’s post-secondary students: share your innovative ideas to improve the City of Kingston at the fourth annual Mayor’s Innovation Challenge. You could win entry into the Queen's Innovation Centre Summer Initiative (QICSI 2022) to build a venture around your idea – or bursaries to use toward your university or college program.
This year, the Mayor’s Innovative Challenge student showcase will take place online in March. All those interested in participating must first attend this workshop. Learn about the full details here.
The Dunin-Deshpande Summer Pitch Competition has been an opportunity for student and community entrepreneurs to pitch innovative start-ups for the last 10 years. Attracting a diverse group of students and members of the Kingston community across a wide range of backgrounds and expertise, the competition provides over 510 participants with the chance to take their ideas to the next level, with prizes and grants totaling $100,00.
