Enter the Queen’s Entrepreneur’s Competition

QEC team

Syracuse University students are invited to apply to the Queen’s Entrepreneurs’ Competition (QEC) offering $80,000 in prizes each year, and hailed by The New York Times as “One of the longest-running and best-known undergraduate business plan competitions in the world.” The QEC is student-run and judged by executives from companies such as Google, CIBC, and Accenture.  The competition, from January 17 -19, 2020, will be held in Toronto, just a few hours from Syracuse, the competition attracts attendees from some of the largest investment firms and corporations. The competition is open to all undergraduate students with an entrepreneurial business. Applications come internationally, from undergraduate students at schools such as Harvard, Yale, University of Waterloo, to The University of Hong Kong, and The National University of Singapore.  “Over the past few years, our competitors from Syracuse University were particularly impressive in the quality of their pitches,” said Lauren Chin, competitors coordinator.  “Therefore, we would like to personally invite students from Syracuse University to apply to QEC.”

Submit your application by October 30 via e-mail to submissions@theqec.com  The submission is a three to five page business plan, and an optional five-minute recorded presentation.  The top 15 ventures will be selected to pitch their business to a panel of judges in Toronto on day 1. The top six will pitch to a larger panel on day 2, competing for over $80K in prizes.

The event includes:

Workshops
  • During the QEC’s final weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to attend exclusive workshops led by startup-savvy experts. Entrepreneurs are lifelong learners, and we’re excited to bring you insight and expertise that will fuel new ideas.
Networking
  • Many past QEC competitors have gone on to create formal mentorship and investment relationships with QEC judges. Seize phenomenal networking opportunities in both formal and casual settings throughout the weekend with powerful individuals passionate about youth entrepreneurship.
Pitching to world class investors
  • The QEC’s judges panel brings together seasoned industry professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists. Now’s your chance to get your idea in front of influential people willing to give you feedback and help launch your business.
Socials
  • Toronto is a juncture for business, ideas, and funding, but it’s also the home of a great nightlife scene. Discover what else Toronto has to offer with other competitors and QEC team members during nighttime socials.

Learn more about the application process here.