Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre

Tomorrow is our June ignition café! In partnership with VPR and Resources for Researchers at Queen's (R4R@Q), this ignition café will focus on integrating entrepreneurial pursuits with academic duties. This session aims to demystify the challenges of academic entrepreneurship and inspire academics of all fields to consider how they can blend entrepreneurial endeavours into their professional journeys. The first portion will introduce concepts like innovator’s mindset and use-inspired research, followed by a panel where selected faculty members will share their innovation journey, and conclude with an open networking session. Do not miss out! click the link below to register.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ddqic-june-ignition-cafe-entrepreneurship-in-academia-tickets-914755206447?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us next Thursday, June 20th from 11-2pm in the Mitchell Hall Event Commons, for our June Ignition café. In partnership with VPR and Resources for Researchers at Queen's (R4R@Q), this Ignition café will focus on demystifying the challenges of entrepreneurship and inspiring academics of all fields to consider how they can blend entrepreneurial endeavours into their professional journeys.

The first session will be led by James McLellan and Gregory Bevington, Directors of the DDQIC, introducing the concepts of the innovator's mindset and use-inspired research.

From 12-1pm, there will be a panel of selected faculty members sharing their innovation journey. Thank you to Fabio Ynoe de Moraes, Joshua Marshall, Stephen Brown, and Anh Tran-Ly for joining us. More about these incredible panellists above.

This will be followed by an open networking session, reserve your spot today through the link in our Instagram bio.

Visa is investing in the empowerment of female-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada. The She’s Next Grant Program offers ten $10,000 grants and access to mentorship, networking, and learning resources through York University's YSpace. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for female-identifying entrepreneurs. Learn more and apply through the link in our bio. Applications open today, and close on June 17th, 2024.

The Visa She's Next Grant Program - YSpace Visa She's Next Grant Program Visa is empowering women entrepreneurs across Canada, offering ten $10,000 grants and access to an accelerated mentorship program through York University's YSpace. What to expect Grant Opportunity Winning The Visa She's Next Grant Program comes with the incredible oppor...

This month's DDQIC Ignition Café will be on Entrepreneurship in Academia on June 20th from 11-2 pm in the Mitchell Hall Event Commons. Traditionally, academic responsibilities have involved teaching, research, and service, while entrepreneurship has been overlooked. Do not miss the opportunity to integrate entrepreneurial pursuits with academic duties. This Ignition Café will introduce concepts like the innovator's mindset, and use-inspired research. The Café will involve a panel where selected faculty members share their innovation journey and an open networking session. Reserve your spot through the eventbite link in our Instagram bio!

Two of our Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship alumni have been selected for this year’s Mandela Washington Fellowship, Leadership in Business track.

Every year, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders under the United States Government brings the most competitive and successful innovators across sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training.

Congratulations to Vivian Anena and Akejo Gordon Victor for this incredible achievement! Your dedication to entrepreneurship and leadership is truly inspiring. Our entire team at Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre is proud of you and we look forward to your success in the Fellowship.

The DDQIC team had an amazing time representing Queen’s and the Kingston region at DiscoveryX last week! From inspiring speaker sessions and panels to exciting pitch competitions and a wide range of booths featuring entrepreneurs and innovators from across Ontario, it was an incredible experience!

Congratulations to and Dr. Sheth from Queen’s for their well-deserved wins in the pitch competition!

A huge thank you to Centre of Innovation for organizing such a fantastic conference, Economic Development Corporation for coordinating the Kingston booth, and ’s Partnerships and Innovation for their continuous collaboration! 🚀👑

DDQIC would like to ask for your support in promoting Morgan Lehtinen’s TED talk, by viewing, sharing, or liking the video below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aje6aKzrXzc

We find ourselves in a new era of innovation, where the problems we need to solve are interdisciplinary and require us to rethink our existing innovation systems. No single technology, regulation, or investment is going to get us over the edge; instead, we need a network of innovators working in alignment. However, getting hundreds of stakeholders across the world to work together is not the easiest task. Before we can develop a cohesive solution to any global problem, we must be able to map and understand how each stakeholder behaves. In this talk, learn how Morgan is using an ecosystem approach to revolutionize collaboration and address challenges in the commercialization of technologies to solve complex sustainability issues. For over ten years, Dr. Morgan Lehtinen has pioneered mobilizing chemical technologies to tackle such problems by harnessing the power of ecosystems, including founding a cleantech start-up based on her PhD research. Her trailblazing work has since been honoured through a variety of awards including being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023. During her journey as a deeptech founder, Morgan recognized the technical, business, and emotional challenges that go along with it, and now works to build systems, services and infrastructure to support the commercialization of chemical technologies from bench to pilot and beyond by co-founding RXN HUB.

Reminder that there will be no Ignition Café in April, but we are looking forward to seeing everyone on May 23rd for a “Meet the QICSI Cohort” Ignition Cafe! ☕️

We are thrilled to congratulate Victoria Adewuyi, who was among the top 15 finalists for the 2023 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship.

Victoria has been awarded a $10,000 grant for her venture, InnerGlow, an innovative online mental health platform designed to address the specific needs of university students. This is part of the Africa Higher Education and Health Entrepreneurship Collaborative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

Recognizing the considerable lack of mental health support for university students in Africa, who often face unique challenges and stressors, Victoria and her team are dedicated to establishing a secure, confidential, and easily accessible space for students to access professional mental health assistance without fear of judgment or disclosure. Their goal is to ensure the well-being of students during their crucial academic years.

Young people like Victoria Adewuyi serve as a testament to how entrepreneurship has the potential to create sustainable solutions in various fields and make a lasting impact on the world.
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is hiring!! If you’re passionate about social impact and making a meaningful impact in your community, join their amazing team. Two days left to apply.

Looking to join a startup? Are you a founder looking for a co-founder? Come to our fun co-founder matching event! See link in bio for deets!

So pleased to rep at the Mayor's Innovation Challenge today! Congrats to the competitors and winning teams!
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/winners-of-the-2024-mayors-innovation-challenge-announced/ #:~:text=Jim%20McLellan%2C%20Academic%20Director%20and,Greater%20Kingston%20Chamber%20of%20Commerce.

At , we believe in building sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems that empower entrepreneurs worldwide to innovate and create meaningful impact in their local communities. Recently, we launched a new partnership with the Incubation Centre at Strathmore University.
Read more about this partnership and key highlights from the event:
https://lnkd.in/e9QtRaqi

The Queen's Food Law and Policy Society are hosting a speaker event on March 4th, entitled "Tech Bites: Exploring Perspectives on Food Technology".

If you are interested in legal perspectives around innovation, startups, and new food technology, find the Zoom link here:
https://bit.ly/3UPWEme

Join Kingston Economic Development and Ontario Centre of Innovation on February 21, 4:00 – 6:00 pm at The Everly (171 Wellington St.) to discuss what STEAM means to you and get inspired about adding the connection between STEM and the arts in our professional activities.



Space is limited; please RSVP at link in bio; you’re welcome to invite one more woman in STEAM to join you.

Incubation Centre Strathmore University, in collaboration with the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC), is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to the virtual launch of the DDQIC-Strathmore Chapter on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. EAT

This event will mark the beginning of an impactful partnership dedicated to empowering innovative entrepreneurial minds. Through this partnership, we aim to equip Strathmore students and recent graduates with essential skills, mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to catalyze the growth of impactful ventures.

We can’t wait to welcome you to this historical event in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Register here:https://lnkd.in/eYfnf5Xy to attend.

We are hiring for SWEP positions! If you’re eligible for SWEP apply before Feb 13! Last year’s summer students Igor and Julian had this to say about working at DDQIC:
“At DDQIC, you will have the opportunity to work with purpose, in an environment tailored to the individual and grounded in community. I have made life long friends, learned from the best, and feel as I have made a positive impact in our community and beyond. This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen and passionate about community and entrepreneurship.” - Igor
“Working with the DDQIC team last summer was the most fulfilling work experience I’ve had. The team is extremely supportive in helping you learn new skills and make meaningful contributions to the team. Working alongside aspiring entrepreneurs and making invaluable connections are just some of the perks of working with DDQIC.” - Julian

We are hiring for SWEP positions! If you’re eligible for SWEP apply before Feb 15! Last year’s summer students Igor and Julian had this to say about working at DDQIC:
“At DDQIC, you will have the opportunity to work with purpose, in an environment tailored to the individual and grounded in community. I have made life long friends, learned from the best, and feel as I have made a positive impact in our community and beyond. This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen and passionate about community and entrepreneurship.” - Igor
“Working with the DDQIC team last summer was the most fulfilling work experience I’ve had. The team is extremely supportive in helping you learn new skills and make meaningful contributions to the team. Working alongside aspiring entrepreneurs and making invaluable connections are just some of the perks of working with DDQIC.” - Julian

We are hiring for SWEP positions! If you're eligible for SWEP apply before Feb 15! Last year's summer students Igor and Julian had this to say about working at DDQIC:

"At DDQIC, you will have the opportunity to work with purpose, in an environment tailored to the individual and grounded in community. I have made life long friends, learned from the best, and feel as I have made a positive impact in our community and beyond. This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen and passionate about community and entrepreneurship." - Igor

"Working with the DDQIC team last summer was the most fulfilling work experience I've had. The team is extremely supportive in helping you learn new skills and make meaningful contributions to the team. Working alongside aspiring entrepreneurs and making invaluable connections are just some of the perks of working with DDQIC." - Julian

We warmly welcome all food innovators to join the event as a guest or with a booth! Follow the link in bio to sign up!

We warmly welcome all food innovators to join the event as a guest or with a booth!

Sign up to host a booth: https://forms.office.com/r/ZyDmQcewPy

RSVP as guest: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/807182874707?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join the QVENT Project: Preparing for a Net-Zero Economy

Are you an undergraduate student passionate about sustainability, the net-zero economy, and circular economy? Get involved in the QVENT project to launch your Net-Zero journey.

Opportunity #1: Net-Zero Certificate Program

The QVENT Project invites you to grow your sustainability knowledge, skills and credentials by registering for our Net-Zero Certificate program.

Certificate Program Details:
• Wednesday evenings between January 31st – March 27th (excluding Reading Week)
• 7 in-person workshops, 1 virtual workshop
• No cost to students to participate
• You will receive a certificate upon completion of all workshops.

Registration is open now. Registration closes Sunday, January 28th at 11:59 PM ET.
Link to Register for the Certificate: https://forms.office.com/r/HVz6pKHRL2?origin=lprLink


Opportunity #2: QVENT Net-Zero Entrepreneurs Mixer

If you are looking to meet with like-minded peers, or a co-founder, who have an interest in sustainability, circular economy, and net-zero entrepreneurship, the QVENT Entrepreneurs Mixer is for you. The mixer is a social event to learn more about the QVENT Virtual summer incubator program, meet fellow Queen’s entrepreneurs, as well as discuss topics focused on sustainability and net-zero.

Mixer Details:
• Location: Rose Innovation Hub
• Date: Tuesday, February 6th, 2024
• Time: 6 PM – 7:30 PM ET
• Includes an entrepreneurs panel, discussion groups, pizza, soft drinks, and networking
• Limited to 55 attendees, on a first-come first-serve basis

Registration is open now. Registration closes Friday, February 2nd at 11:59 PM ET.
Link to Register for the Mixer: https://careers.sso.queensu.ca/event-aggregator.htm?eventId=13388

To learn more about the QVENT Project visit our website at https://www.queensu.ca/net-zero/students

For inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Check out QICSI alumni, Cameron Rowe pitching hover.direct to the Dragons!

Do you want to be the next DDQIC venture to go head to head with the Dragons?
https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/episodes/season-18-episode-7

CBC is hosting open auditions:
CBC Toronto (25 John St.)
Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 10am - 5pm

Interested applicants can apply here: http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/auditions

Check out QICSI alumni, Cameron Rowe pitching his venture hover.direct on Dragon's Den!

https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/episodes/season-18-episode-7

Wanna be the next DDQIC venture to go head to head with the Dragons? CBC is hosting open auditions on Feb. 10!

OPEN AUDITIONS
CBC Toronto (25 John St.)
Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 10am - 5pm

Interested applicants can apply here: http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/auditions

We are happy to share the highlights from an amazing event hosted by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship in Botswana, which took place at the University of Botswana_official.
The event brought together government leaders, industry experts, and 35 talented entrepreneurs participating in this year’s Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship.

The leadership from the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, University of Botswana, and Orange Botswana Foundation had an opportunity to share insights inspiring the new cohort of problem solvers.

Our partnership with the Ministry of Entrepreneurship in Botswana is part of our long-term commitment to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems around the world.

As we gear up to welcome the 2024 cohort of Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellows, we are thrilled to introduce our team.

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship brings together a multi-disciplinary team of successful entrepreneurs, each with a unique skill set and a proven track record of success.
Our team boasts a collective portfolio of awards and recognitions, proving our commitment to excellence in innovation-driven and world-class entrepreneurship training.

As we embark on this exciting journey, expect cutting-edge coaching and mentorship, transformative learning experiences, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

𝗘-𝗝𝗼𝗯𝘀𝟰𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 is fast-approaching! Apply Now.

Do you want to start your own business? Do you aspire to become an entrepreneur? Do you have a business you want to scale up? Are you looking for technical and financial support to bring your business or idea to life?

Apply for the E-Jobs4All program to gain access to a wealth of opportunities, including practical entrepreneurship and innovative training provided by the world-class at in Canada, the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Ranking 3rd Best University in the World.

Receive invaluable advisory services from seasoned global experts within the .ca Incorporated Network and access funding and investment opportunities.

𝗧𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆, kindly visit https://ejobs4all.org/ For any inquiries, please contact the E-Jobs4All Secretariat located at City Galleria, Airport, opposite Accra Mall, P.O. Box KA 16097. You can reach us either via email at [email protected] or by phone at +233 20 520 2000.

CEDI Ghana, Queen's University .ca

Are you a student at .university who is passionate about innovative entrepreneurship to solve a particular problem in today's world? You have the amazing opportunity to be a part of the Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre (DDQIC) Strathmore Chapter incubator program!

Apply now at https://lnkd.in/dkCD3w6K
A collaboration between , .university , and Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre, in Canada.

Through this partnership, we aim to enhance the innovative entrepreneurial skills of Strathmore students and recent graduates. It aims to provide them with innovation and entrepreneurship training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to develop impactful startups.

The program will run from February 2024 to August 2024. During this time, you will receive training in:

Creating effective channels to reach potential partners and market your solution.
Developing a business model and fundraising plan for your innovative idea.
Simplifying the prototyping process to obtain valuable feedback from end customers.

By applying, you stand a chance to be among the Top 20 selected for the online entrepreneurship training program. Participants will also have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition for additional seed funding at the end of the program. Winners will receive a $500 stipend and mentorship benefits from dedicated coaches and mentors from DDQIC’s Global Network of industry experts and entrepreneurs.

Apply before January 10th, 2024!

Discover more about the program by visiting the link below.
https://lnkd.in/eybQ9vAT

Thank you to all who applied for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship! Applications are now closed.

Our team is reviewing submissions, and successful applicants will be notified in late December, gearing up for a transformative journey starting in January 2024. We are excited and look forward to welcoming the next cohort!

Visit our website to learn more about our work and what to expect from this fellowship. https://lnkd.in/d-Px5_kY