Mayor’s Innovation Challenge Info Session
Sparking Innovation and Collaboration at the Innovation Hub
What an incredible start to the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge (MIC)! On January 30, 2025, we hosted the second MIC Info Session of the year, following the first session held the week prior at Queen’s University. This event marked a pivotal moment for students, offering them the tools, resources, and inspiration needed to craft compelling pitches for the challenge. It was a fantastic opportunity for participants to connect with the team behind the MIC, gain valuable insights, and begin shaping ideas that could make a real impact on the Kingston community.
A Dynamic Lineup of Speakers
The session began with an address filled with anticipation from Mayor Brian Patterson, who emphasized the importance of student-driven innovation in shaping the future of Kingston. His words set the tone for an afternoon that celebrated creativity and community impact.
Next, Virginia Sytsma from Queen’s University Center for Innovation took the stage to provide an overview of the entrepreneurial resources available at Queen’s. She highlighted the university’s maker space, specialized programs, and other tools designed to help students bring their ideas to life. Her presentation built on the momentum of the first MIC Info Session at Queen’s, offering attendees at St. Lawrence College a comprehensive look at how they could leverage these resources to succeed in the competition.
Craig Desjardins, Director of Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships for the City of Kingston, followed with a detailed breakdown of the MIC itself. He shared insights into the competition’s structure, what judges are looking for, and examples of past projects that excelled. Craig emphasized the common traits of successful projects—creativity, feasibility, and a strong focus on community impact—providing valuable guidance for students as they prepare their submissions.
Diving Into the Prize Streams
One of the highlights of the session was the exploration of the two prize streams available to MIC winners:
Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre Stream: This stream is designed for entrepreneurial thinkers and features a pitch competition pool of $80,000, with the grand prize winner taking home $30,000. Winners also gain access to the Queen’s Founders and Innovators Initiative (QFII), which provides award-winning training, mentorship, and resources to help turn innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Public Sector Innovation Stream: This stream focuses on addressing public sector challenges and offers a $10,000 grant to be directly invested into the winning project. Additionally, winners gain admission to the Summer Company Program, which provides hands-on business training and mentorship to help refine and execute their ideas.
These prizes not only offer financial support but also provide participants with the mentorship and resources needed to bring their ideas to life, making the MIC an unparalleled opportunity for students.
Building Connections and Community
Throughout the session, Julia Morbin facilitated brainstorming exercises that encouraged students to think critically and collaboratively about their ideas and others for the city. These activities helped participants brainstorm concepts and approach the challenge with a clearer vision and strategy. Julia and Craig’s guidance ensured that students left the session feeling inspired and equipped to take the next steps in their MIC journey.
The event concluded with a vibrant networking session, where students had the chance to connect directly with the MIC team. This was more than just a meet-and-greet—it was an opportunity for participants to gain personalized advice, ask questions, and build relationships that could support their projects moving forward. The energy in the room was electric as students shared ideas and explored possibilities, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.
Why the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge Matters
At the Innovation Hub, we’re passionate about helping to foster opportunities like the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge that empower students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and create meaningful change. The MIC is more than just a competition—it’s a platform for students to gain real-world experience, develop entrepreneurial skills, and contribute to Kingston’s growth as a hub for innovation and creativity. By working with community partners, we’re able to bring initiatives like this to life, supporting students every step of the way. For more resources to craft your pitch check out our landing page with everything you may need here!
Applications for the MIC are open until February 28, 2025, and there’s still time to get involved. Whether you’re forming a team, refining your idea, or preparing your pitch, we’re here to support you. Let’s make this year’s MIC unforgettable—together, we can build something amazing.