Do you want to learn more about AI, branding, and financing? Would you like to meet other entrepreneurs? Are you looking for $20,000 to grow your Queens business or get a new one off the ground? 

 The Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge 2027 (QTIC), a six-month instruction-and-funding competition, launches during a special kickoff event at The Local at 13-02 44th Ave. in Long Island City on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. Admission is free, and attendees will learn that QTIC participants take courses on such topics as agentic AI, AI-assisted Go-to-Market Strategy, and Financial Planning while also receiving one-on-one consultations with experts. In late February 2027, participants will submit their online applications in one of four categories — Digital Innovation, Food + Consumer Products, Community, and Sustainability + Social Good — to a panel of experts, who choose several finalists in each category. Then in April, those finalists will make live pitches to a second panel as they compete for four grants of as much as $20,000 each. 

 Register at www.queensstartup.org. Entrants must be 18 or older and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Businesses must be legally registered, tax-compliant, and operating with up-to-date licenses and permits. (Please direct questions to Michael Gillen at mgillen@queensny.org.) 

One of the longest-running startup competitions in New York City, QTIC began as the StartUP! program in 2006. It’s hosted by the Queen Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.’s Office and with leadership support from Resorts World New York City. 

“I’m extremely happy to kick off this year’s QTIC,” stated QEDC Executive Director Ben Guttmann. “Coming off of our biggest competition yet, it’s exciting to welcome a new class of entrepreneurs into this long-running program. It’s thrilling to see all the innovative energy that these Queens entrepreneurs bring each and every year. Thanks so much to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and Resorts World New York City for their dedicated, long-term support.” 

“There is no sector of our economy that is growing faster than the technology and innovation space, creating countless jobs in the process. Every year, we aim to harness that growth and the entrepreneurial spirit here in our borough with our Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge, in partnership with the Queens Economic Development Corporation,” stated Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I look forward to hearing so many incredible pitches from startup founders across the borough in the coming months, as we ensure these future business leaders have the seed funding they need to grow their companies and create economic opportunities in their communities.” 

“Entrepreneurial business is the bedrock of the borough’s economy, and we are happy to provide continued leadership support for this unique and effective program,” stated Michelle Stoddart, Senior Vice President of Community Development at Resorts World New York City. “Do you have a plan to make your mark on Queens? This is your chance to take the next, exciting step.” 

 

The Queens Economic Development Corporation works to create, attract, and maintain jobs through small business development, neighborhood revitalization, entrepreneurship programs, and tourism promotion, helping expand economic opportunity throughout the World’s Borough. More information can be found at www.QueensNY.org. 

 

 

Since its founding, QTIC has awarded more than $900,000 in grants to 95 entities chosen from a combined pool of 5,600 participants.