This Friday we’re getting set for the 4th Annual Mayor’s Innovation Challenge, where teams of students from Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College will pitch their best ideas for how to make Kingston a city that works better for everyone. As we work towards economic and social recovery from the current pandemic, there’s never been a more important time for innovation and creative thinking to help us address the challenges our community is facing right now. This year’s finalists are the strongest field of contenders yet, with a range of ideas to make Kingston an innovation leader in environmental action, promoting accessibility and inclusion, and driving efficiency and job creation.
This year’s pitches include an app to find meeting locations that minimize GHG emissions, a mobile detection system to locate potholes, and zero waste meal kits that promote local food and eliminate plastic waste. We’ll also see demonstrations of technology platforms to connect innovators in our health care sector, and channel unsold food products to those facing food insecurity. Finally, we’ll hear about ideas for technology in public pools that can help those with visual impairment, table art to celebrate diversity and a clothing line that can fund menstrual hygiene products and promote women’s health. Each of these ideas will be presented to myself and a panel of experts in a virtual showcase from 12-1:30pm on Friday, which you can watch by registering for the event by following the link in the comments below. I’m looking forward to seeing some amazing new ideas that will reinforce Kingston as a smart, livable and leading 21st century city.
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TBYeheFRSumHGpL29lGrCg