Mayor’s Innovation Challenge 2025 

Are you an SLC student with a passion for innovation? The Mayor’s Innovation Challenge (MIC) invites you to develop solutions to real challenges faced by the City of Kingston. This is your chance to turn your ideas into action, gain valuable experience, and compete for incredible prizes!

What is the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge?

The MIC is an annual competition where teams of students from Kingston’s post-secondary institutions propose creative and innovative solutions to real-world problems. Now in its 8th year, the MIC continues to inspire students to think critically, collaborate, and create meaningful change in their community.

This year’s competition features two prizes:

1. Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre Prize:

   • Focus: Entrepreneurial solutions and early-stage startups.

   • Prize: Admission to the Queen’s Founders and Innovators Initiative (QFII), offering award-winning training, mentorship, and up to $4,000 in seed funding, with the chance to compete for an additional $80,000.

2. Public Sector Innovation Prize:

   • Focus: Creative solutions to public sector challenges.

   • Prize: A $10,000 cash award to advance your idea, plus admission to the Summer Company Program, providing mentorship and hands-on business training.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: February 23, 2025

Finalist Pitch Competition: March 14, 2025

SLC Info Session: January 30, 2025, at 3:00 PM (Innovation Hub)

Queen’s Info Session: January 23rd, 5:00 PM (Mitchell Hall)

Resources to Help You Succeed

Watch Last Year’s Finalist Pitch
Get inspired by watching a finalist pitch from last year’s competition! This video will give you insight into the creativity, professionalism, and innovation that can help your team stand out.

Access the Innovation Hub’s Tools

The Innovation Hub offers a variety of tools to help you develop your ideas and refine your pitch, including:

• Idea Canvas: Map out your concept and identify key components.

• Problem Statement: Clearly understand and articulate the problem you are trying to solve.

• Pitch Canvas: Structure and refine your pitch by focusing on three main components of your idea.

How to Participate

1. Attend the Info Session: Learn more about the competition and get answers to your questions.

2. Form a Team: Collaborate with fellow SLC students to tackle one of the challenge streams.

3. Use the Resources: Take advantage of the Innovation Hub’s tools, office hours, and chatbot to develop your pitch.

4. Apply by February 28, 2025: Submit your proposal for a chance to compete in the finals.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the competition or need support, contact the MIC team at mic@CityofKingston.ca, or visit the Innovation Hub for in-person assistance.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your ideas, make an impact, and compete for life-changing prizes. Start your journey today!