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Queen’s has been named one of the top 50 academic institutions for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship by Fast Company and Inc., which are both media outlets covering business and innovation. Their inaugural co-published list, known as Ignition Schools, ranks universities based on a variety of factors, including the number of alumni who have founded companies, the amount of venture capital funding received for alumni ventures, and the number of new startups and technology licenses that have been initiated through the school.

Queen’s was ranked 50th on the list, and was one of five Canadian universities included. The 50 top institutions were chosen out of approximately 900 potential honourees.    

“Queen’s is committed to fostering a culture that encourages students and researchers to develop bold ideas and use entrepreneurship to realize their full potential,” says Jim Banting, Assistant Vice-Principal (Partnerships and Innovation). “Members of our university community are bringing game-changing innovations to the public to improve our society, and we’re honored that the Ignition Schools list is recognizing that Queen’s is a leader in cultivating the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”

A major driver of support for entrepreneurship at the university is the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC), which has helped launch more than 200 ventures since its inception. Founded in 2012, DDQIC aims to catalyze innovation at Queen’s, in Kingston, and beyond by supporting entrepreneurial initiatives with incubator programs, workshops, courses, and pitch competitions.

“At DDQIC, we’re continually amazed by the high-quality innovations developed by members of the campus community,” says Greg Bavington, Executive Director, DDQIC. “Through a wide range of initiatives we’re committed to helping them find a way to turn the visions they have for their ideas into reality.”

Learn more on the DDQIC website, and find out more about the rankings at and