Winners announced for the 9th annual Mayor’s Innovation Challenge

Innovation, creativity, and bold thinking took centre stage as two outstanding student teams were selected as the winners of the 9th annual Mayor’s Innovation Challenge, hosted by the City of Kingston. 

Delivered in partnership with local post-secondaries, the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge empowers current and recently graduated post-secondary students to tackle real-world issues and bring forward ideas that can help shape Kingston’s future. 

During the Pitch Competition held at City Hall, eight teams of students presented their pitches to a group of panelists, including: 

“This challenge is one of the events I look forward to the most each year,” says Mayor Paterson. “The energy in the room was incredible. These students aren’t just imagining a better future for Kingston - they're actively designing it. Their ideas, passion, and drive remind us of what’s possible when we invest in the next generation of innovators.” 

After deliberation, the panel announced the following winning projects:

Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre Prize 

KPARK 

“KPark is a smart parking solution that helps drivers quickly find available parking spots using real-time data and simple navigation tools. By reducing the time spent searching for parking, KPark helps decrease traffic congestion and emissions in busy areas. Our platform aims to make parking more efficient, convenient, and stress-free for both drivers and cities.” 

The team will gain admission to the Queen’s Founders and Innovators Initiative (QFII) program, a transformative, part-time program that helps aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs take their early-stage startups to the next level. Beginning in April, Winners will receive world-class entrepreneurship training, mentorship from industry professionals, and the opportunity to unlock up to $4,000 in seed funding, and the opportunity to compete for up to $30,000 in DDQIC’s Regional Pitch Competition. 

Public Sector Innovation Prize

BRIGHTSIGHT

“Brightsight is a student run initiative which works with local clinics and shelters to provide eye care to those who need it. Their primary demographic is underserved youth aged 0-19 whose eye exams are covered by OHIP. Their goal involves raising awareness and getting youth to use the services while they can. Additionally, they cover the costs of any prescription glasses, to alleviate their burden and allow them to see and live better.” 

Sponsored by Bell, this prize includes a $10,000 cash award to help bring a great business idea to life. But the support doesn’t stop there - winners will also gain access to the Summer Company Program, funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by Kingston Economic Development Corporation, which provides hands-on training, mentorship, and financial support to young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29.  

Through this immersive program, the winning team will gain essential business training, marketing insights, and strategic mentorship - equipping them with the tools needed to sustain long-term success. More than just a prize, this is a launchpad for young entrepreneurs to build a business, refine their skills, and establish themselves as future industry leaders. 

The Pitch Competition was livestreamed and can be viewed on Kingston City Council’s YouTube channel. The Mayor’s Innovation Challenge is made possible through strong partnerships and collaboration with local post-secondary institutions, the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre, Kingston Economic Development Corporation, Shelby’s Shawarma, and the generous support of sponsor Bell Canada.