Submission Information

Students are invited to develop a two-to-three-minute video proposal that presents an innovative project that could be implemented in the city and contributes to the quality of life of residents, or that leverages emerging technologies or develops new innovations to enhance the delivery of municipal services. While you are encouraged to think big, the project needs to be feasible. Please review the evaluation criteria before designing and submitting your proposal below. 

Teams with shortlisted proposals will be invited to present their ideas in at the Pitch Competition at Kingston City Hall to a panel of leaders with expertise in municipal government, entrepreneurship and innovation. There will also be a question-and-answer period at the live event. 

Timelines

• Proposal submissions: submit a proposal by Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. 
• Invitation to the Competition: shortlisted teams are notified by Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. 
• Pitch Competition: student pitch competition Friday, March 8, 2024, at 9 a.m. 

Evaluation

• Feasibility
• Clarity of vision
• Degree of impact
• Risk assessment
• Budget considerations

Rules

1. No more than three members to a team. 
2. All team members must be registered in a university or college program (undergraduate or graduate, full- or part-time) or have recently graduated (within six months of January 2024) to be eligible for participation. A student is defined as an individual enrolled in an accredited Canadian university or a Canadian or permanent resident of Canada enrolled at a non-Canadian university. Team members may be from any academic discipline. 
3. Fifty per cent of the team must be from an academic institution in Kingston. 
4. Teams must select one person who will be the primary contact between the City and the team. Any changes, updates or administrative matters will be communicated to the team's primary contact. 
5. Teams are encouraged to reach out to professors or professionals in the field to act as project advisors. This is by no means mandatory and will not have any impact on the assessment of your submission. 
6. Teams can submit video proposals to mic@cityofkingston.ca until Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

Stay in touch

For information or questions regarding the Mayor's Innovation Challenge, contact mic@CityofKingston.ca.