To equip students with entrepreneurial skills and cultivate a culture of innovation, Queen’s University’s Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) provides hands-on training, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities. Through startup workshops, programs, courses and pitch competitions, DDQIC empowers students to transform ideas into viable ventures while preparing them for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
By bridging the gap between high-impact research and real-world applications, DDQIC has supported over 700 startups, contributing to 11 per cent of the local GDP. One standout example is QyourVenture – a virtual part time program that guides participants’ entrepreneurial journey in a tiered program that unlocks new opportunities and resources. Students gain hands-on experience, develop valuable entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills, and build meaningful connections with mentors and peers across sectors. By participating, students not only strengthen their ventures but also enhance their resumes and future career prospects through real-world learning and innovation.
The centre aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset across the local community and beyond, amplifying its impact through hands-on learning and mentorship. By equipping students with the tools, networks and problem-solving skills needed to drive innovation, the DDQIC is shaping the next generation of changemakers whose influence reaches both local and global communities. For more information, visit Queen’s University
