PLEASE NOTE: For 2025, QICSI will be amalgamating with QYourVenture to create the Queen's Founders and Innovators Initiative (QFII). For more information, please check out the QFII page.
For individuals with a capacity for creativity, a tolerance for risk and an interest in entrepreneurship, or social innovation.
QICSI is a 16-week summer program that offers the valuable opportunity to start your own business while being paid and receiving seed funding. QICSI is a highly competitive, intense and well-resourced program that takes place full time in-person on Queen's Campus from May-August and therefore only the most dedicated are encouraged to apply.
Why should you apply to QICSI? It may be the best career move you make before you graduate.
QICSI was responsible for helping create a framework for us to get into entrepreneurship and build our own business. It’s how we met our original co-founders. It’s how we developed an initial product concept and business strategy. It really was the seed that the entire past 8 years has grown from.
Mitch Debora, CEO & Co-Founder of Mosaic Manufacturing
Eligibility
We are looking for innovators, dreamers and changemakers from any background with an interest in entrepreneurship, innovation or social impact. You must be:
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Available and ready to attend QICSI full-time in person in Kingston from the beginning of May to the end of August 2023
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A person who is broadly curious, coachable, and willing to wear multiple hats
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A person with the ability to effectively contribute to a multidisciplinary team
If you are an individual without an idea but are serious about building a lasting business, follow the steps below:
- Complete the application form
- Attend an interview
- Find a team & idea
Individuals who make it past the interview phase will have an opportunity to find a team from among the individuals’ cohort and ideate a new venture, or form a venture to commercialize Queen’s research and intellectual property through the Foundry.
Applications close Nov 27, 2023 at midnight (11:59 PM EST)
As of 2023, QICSI is only open to individuals. If you already have a venture or pre-formed team, you can:
1. Apply to QYourVenture, for those with an existing idea/venture
2. Apply to Build2Scale Health, for teams working on a health innovation
3. Apply to QICSI as individuals if you are open to new ideas and team members. Any or all team members can apply.
QICSI changed my life. I probably would have ended up in a very different place had I not done the summer innovation program and discovered what’s possible as an entrepreneur and in the tech startup space.
Isabel Barrera
QICSI 2012, Co-Founder at Runway
Important Dates
Applications Open
Oct. 17, 2023
Information Session
Nov 16, 2023 from 5:30-7:30pm - register here
Deadline to Apply
Nov 27, 2023 at midnight (11:59 PM EST)
Interviews
Dec. 6 & 7, 2023
Networking & Workshop Preparatory Mandatory Events:
- Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 9-5pm
- Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 9-5pm
Program Runs (full-time in person)
May 6 - August 23, 2024