Criteria to Submit

Your venture should be in the start-up stage (well beyond ideation). Pay close attention to the conditions for applying.

• Bring an emotional attachment to ‘why should we care,’ and ‘how will this make life better’ for the target market
• A clear explanation of the product or service and the pain point you are solving and answers the ‘so what.’
• Show your research (market validation) to date — how do you know?
• The opportunity and solution (i.e. why is now the right time for this business)
• The TAM/SAM/SOM
• Your target market (i.e. size, structure, archetype)
• Your competitive advantage(s)
• CRITICAL - The economics of the business should be included – e.g. business model, COGS, profit margins, the unit price, contribution margin, revenue to date, etc.
• The value proposition of your team
• The ask!! Why are you pitching to the judges (i.e. how will you use money)
• Sources of funding – how you are funding the business now
• Show all additional finances raised

Rules and Guidelines

1. To enter, you must be the founder, co-founder or have an equity share in the business and a Queen’s faculty/staff, alumni, or full/part-time student enrolled in an academic program at Queen’s University
2. One submission per individual or company is permitted
3. Applications should be submitted by completing the one-page Lean Canvas document. A four-minute video pitch presentation (with presenter visible durinng the slideshow) must accompany the canvas

Submissions are protected in the spirit of non-disclosure, and all materials will be treated as confidential. Only judges and select members of the organizing committee will have access to submissions. Materials will not be distributed to any others without the written consent of an entrant team. No other provisions are made to protect intellectual property.

Closing Date for Applications – Friday, November 11, 5:00pm (EST)

Application Process

The application process is detailed in the application guidelines. Please read carefully.