The QUBIC Pitch Competition is a venture-creation challenge where interdisciplinary student teams build startup concepts using real Queen’s intellectual property (not hypotheticals). Participants work hands-on with emerging technologies and patented research developed by Queen’s investigators, applying scientific reasoning, market analysis, and translational thinking to determine how discovery becomes real world impact.
This year, QUBIC is delivered in partnership with the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) through integration with the Queen’s Foundry Innovation Initiative (QFII).
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QUBIC provides you with the technology (Queen's owned IP), the 3-5 person team, commercialization frameworks and access to technical experts.
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QFII provides entrepreneurship training, venture development experience and structured pitch preparation.
Together, we create a launch environment where students learn to commercialize research, build and de-risk biotech ventures - a fantastic experience to bring to whatever future career aspirations you might have.
Delivered in partnership with
Why Participate
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Build a venture around real patented intellectual property
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Work in interdisciplinary teams with peers from science, engineering, business, and health
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Gain direct exposure to the business side of biotech innovation
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Learn commercialization skills that are highly valued in consulting, biotech, pharma, and startups
Who This is For
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Open to all Queen's students across disciplines.
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No prior startup experience required!
What You’ll Learn
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Evaluating IP for market fit, technical feasibility, and regulatory pathways
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Customer discovery + biotech-specific market sizing
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Building development roadmaps and commercialization strategies
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Pitching defensibly to judges, founders, VCs, investors, and tech transfer leaders
Program Commitment
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Time commitment: ~5–7 hours per week
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Program length: 8 weeks
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Program dates: January 17 – March 25, 2026
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Details: QFII structured venture development training + bi-weekly mentorship with industry and biotech innovation leaders.
Our goal is to empower students to gain real venture-building experience, strengthen innovation culture in Kingston and accelerate commercialization of research. These skills will make you stand out for whatever career path you choose next!
Prize
$1,000 Pitch Prize for Top Team Competition Winners
Winners are eligible to advance to DDQIC Phase Two, with the opportunity to pitch for up to $30,000 in venture development funding through DDQIC pathways.
If this aligns with your skillset, or your ambition to learn, apply below to both the QUBIC + QFII portals. You may apply to only one or both, but preference is given to applicants enrolled in both programs.