About the competition

Why should I participate?

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 team members gain an invaluable opportunity to launch their careers by tackling an issue important to them, while working alongside municipal leaders. Each winning team member will also receive a paid internship and the team’s project receives a $10,000 implementation budget.

How do I participate?

Teams may have a maximum of four students, at least 50 per cent of whom are now enrolled in one of Kingston’s post-secondary institutions. Teams will submit a single proposal outlining their innovative idea in one of three challenge categories. Proposals from all academic disciplines are welcome and multi-disciplinary proposals are encouraged. At least one member from each team must attend a workshop in order to qualify to submit an application. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Find out more about the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge and the three challenge categories. Learn more about submitting a proposal.

What are the deadlines for the challenge?

• Round 1: submit proposal by Feb. 20, 2018
• Round 2: shortlist invited to pitch competition, notification sent by Feb. 24, 2018
• Round 3: pitch competition Mar. 2, 2018