The Mayor’s Innovation Challenge (MIC), an annual contest hosted by the City of Kingston, is returning for its second year.

The contest is open to any current or recently graduated post-secondary students from Queen’s, the Royal Military College, and St. Lawrence College.

“We have so much talent in our community and this challenge is a great way to showcase and harness some of the world-class ideas and solutions our post-secondary students are developing,” Mayor Bryan Paterson said in a press release.

Competitors enter in a team of three or less, with at least half of the group’s members  enrolled in a Kingston post-secondary institution. A minimum of one member must attend the Nov. 13 or Nov. 14 MIC workshop to qualify.

Teams submit a proposal to address one of the challenges listed in two categories, including the Dunin-Deshpande Smart Cities and Public Sector Innovation.

In the former category, there’s one challenge students can choose—the Smart Cities Challenge.

The winner will be granted $4,000 in seed capital and receive a four-month paid internship with Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre with access to the Queen’s Innovation Centre Summer Initiative (QCIS) program.

Meanwhile, the Public Sector Innovation category hosts three challenges: Engaging Residents in Long-Term Care, Revitalizing Public Spaces, and Reducing Carbon Emissions.

The winning group will receive an operating budget of $10,000, a four-month paid internship with a municipal department in the City of Kingston, and access to mentorship from City staff.

The deadline for proposals is Jan. 23. Shortlisted teams will pitch their proposal on Feb. 8 in the Council Chambers of City Hall.