2025 Mayor’s Innovation Challenge Workshop @ Mitchell Hall

As part of the Mayor's Innovation Challenge, we’re calling on students from Kingston's post-secondary institutions to develop innovative proposals that address a challenge facing the city or that contribute to making Kingston a better place! 

Join the City of Kingston, the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) and St. Lawrence College at one of two workshops. Attendees will learn more about the challenge and have an opportunity to start shaping their ideas through a facilitated brainstorming session. Snacks will be provided!  

The Mayor's Innovation Challenge provides a unique opportunity for you, as a current or recently graduated post-secondary student, to apply your knowledge to real-world issues and help shape the future of Kingston. The winning teams will have an opportunity to gain valuable experience through the Summer Company Program and a cash prize, or a chance to turn their idea into a business venture with training, mentorship and seed funding from the DDQIC.  

Note that both workshops are open to any Kingston post-secondary student. Interested participants only need to attend one workshop. 

Workshop: What to expect 

• Greetings from Mayor Bryan Paterson 
• Overview of the Challenge 
• Developing an innovative idea 
• Question-and-answer period 
• Brainstorming session 

Teams with shortlisted proposals will be invited to present their ideas at the Pitch Competition on March 14, 2025, at Kingston City Hall to a panel of leaders with expertise in municipal government, entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Get in touch 

If you have questions or require any accommodation for the information session, please email mic@CityofKingston.ca or call Customer Service at 613-546-0000.