Attention all entrepreneurs and ambitious innovators in the Kingston region! The time has come for the annual Dunin-Deshpande Summer Pitch Competition. This vibrant platform serves to cultivate and elevate early-stage ventures, offering participants the chance to secure non-dilutive seed funding and expert mentorship.
Throughout the multi-stage competition, participants undergo various pitch rounds, during which they will have access to invaluable guidance from the esteemed DDQIC team and their global network members. This opportunity enables competitors to hone and perfect their pitches, ensuring they present their ventures in the most compelling way possible.
The competition’s grand finale allows the audience to participate actively. Here, they witness a dynamic display of pitches and cast their votes for the ‘Wisdom of Market Award’, a prestigious accolade given to the venture favoured most by the audience.
Eligibility and Requirements
The call goes out to all eager individuals and teams based in Queen’s and the wider Kingston region. Diversity in thought and innovation is highly valued, making the competition open to applicants from all disciplines and backgrounds.
Selection criteria place significant emphasis on the potential impact of the venture on the Kingston community. Although applicants need to be based in Kingston or its surrounding region, there is no requirement for affiliation with Queen’s University.
Notably, ventures that have previously received more than $30,000 in funding (including grants, pitch prizes, loans, equity) are not eligible for seed funding. Those who have received DDQIC funding before are allowed to compete again, provided they don’t pitch for or get awarded less than their previous DDQIC funding.
Key Dates
The application deadline is Tuesday, July 18th, 2023, at 9 am.
The Final Pitch Competition is scheduled for Thursday, August 17th, 2023.
The Dunin-Deshpande Summer Pitch Competition is a fantastic opportunity for Kingston’s innovators to showcase their ideas, network with the local entrepreneurial community, and potentially secure valuable seed funding. It’s a chance to elevate their ventures and have a transformative impact on the Kingston community.
Everyone is eagerly waiting to see the innovative ventures that Kingston’s bright minds will bring forth. It’s time to prepare those pitches and compete for the top spot!
For more information and to apply, visit the official website.