The Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) will launch its annual Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge (QTIC) next week, offering local entrepreneurs an opportunity to launch and grow successful businesses in the borough through a long-running start-up competition with several grants on offer.

The six-month-long start-up and entrepreneur contest will launch with a special kickoff event at the Local at 13-02 44th Ave. in Long Island City on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6-8:30 p.m., kicking off a competition that will see contestants compete for four grants worth as much as $20,000.

Admission to the competition is free, with participants eligible to take courses in a number of topics, including agentic AI, financial planning, and AI-assisted go-to-market strategies. Contestants will also have access to one-on-one consultations with experts throughout the tournament.

In February 2027, contestants will be invited to submit online applications in one of four categories, including Digital Innovation, Food + Consumer Products, Community, and Sustainability + Social Good. A panel of experts will later choose a number of finalists for each category.

Finalists will make live pitches to a second panel of experts next April, with grants of up to $20,000 on the line. The competition, hosted by QEDC in partnership with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, is one of the longest-running start-up competitions in New York City, first launching in 2006 as StartUP!

QEDC Executive Director Ben Guttmann said the 2026 competition was the biggest event ever, stating that he is just as excited for the upcoming 2027 event. " I’m extremely happy to kick off this year’s QTIC," Guttmann said in a statement. "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."

Richards, meanwhile, said the yearly competition aims to harness the potential of entrepreneurs across Queens. " 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," Richards said in a statement.

Richards said the pitches put forward in the coming months will help future business leaders earn the seed funding they need to grow their companies and create economic opportunities within their own communities.

Michelle Stoddart, Senior Vice President of Community Development at Resorts World New York City, which is also sponsoring the competition, described entrepreneurial business as the "bedrock" of the Queens economy.

"W e are happy to provide continued leadership support for this unique and effective program," Stoddart said in a statement. "Do you have a plan to make your mark on Queens? This is your chance to take the next, exciting step."

QTIC has awarded over $900,000 in grants to more than 95 local businesses since its inception. Anyone interested in participating in the 2027 competition must be over 18 years old and a US citizen or legal resident.

Businesses must be legally registered, tax-compliant, and operating with up-to-date licenses and permits. Any questions should be directed to Michael Gillen, who is available at mgillen@queensny.org. About the Author Shane O’Brien Reach me at shane.obrien@queenspost.com

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