Establishing Queens as THE Global Epicenter of AI, Emerging Tech & Innovation
About the Queens Innovation Foundation
The Queens Innovation Foundation’s mission is to provide leadership, education, investment, and to support a long-term plan for a growing and sustainable technology economy in Queens.
Using its affiliation with the Queens Chamber of Commerce, The Queens Innovation Foundation will establish programs to support its mission and grow as a result of its unique access to the Chamber’s business network.
For a brief moment in time, Queens, NY was the center of the world.
Sixty years ago, The World’s Fair brought leading companies, innovators, countries, and world leaders together to present a positive future and peaceful society thanks to technology connectivity and understanding.
Hailing itself as a "universal and international" exposition, the Fair's theme was "Peace Through Understanding", dedicated to "Man's Achievement on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe".
Fifty-eight million visitors from around the globe were informed, entertained, and inspired.
Now, more than ever, the world needs a revisioned, reinvented and reimagined World’s Fair.
Queens is positioned to embrace the role of global hub, showcase, incubator, educator, and accelerator for a positive and peaceful society through technology cooperation, collaboration and inclusion.
Queens aims to be the US Headquarters for thousands of companies seeking access to talent, tech, funding, infrastructure, and key US corporations and consumers.
The newly envisioned World’s Fair will not be an event. It will not be episodic. It will be a mission; a Foundation, and an ongoing initiative committed to fostering innovation, education and a positive vision of the future.
It will be a public-private partnership, inclusive of business, government, healthcare, educational institutions, leading technologists and futurists.
This initiative will also connect local with global when it comes to initiatives, relationships and opportunities.
Programs
Local Motion
Targeting the underserved, unemployed and underemployed
How:
- Incubator Plus program; not just complimentary space, but programs to accelerate the growth of Queens-based startups through direct grants, mentoring, marketing support, business development and access to low cost resources and infrastructure.
- We support them locally & house them locally
- Require local hires from our underserved community
Net net: More jobs and jet fuel for local business and the local economy.
NextGen Society Education & Certification
An alternative to traditional Higher Education
- 6 months vs. 4 years
- $10,000 vs. $30,000-$50,000 x 4
- Curriculum targeted 100% toward technology and job acquisition
- It is a certification program
- Training + internships + job placement assistance
- IRPA AI has the team of instructors and can develop the curriculum
Gateway USA Initiative
Each year, tech startups from countries in Latam, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa seek to expand by entering the most vibrant and attractive market on the planet; the US.
This is a daunting challenge as these founders are unclear as to where to locate, how to set up, who to hire etc. Most consider Silicon Valley, Austin, Miami , Boston or Manhattan.
Taking a page from the World’s Fair: we bring it all here to Queens
AI World Innovation Summit
The big, honking annual event where the world’s tech leaders innovators, futurists and disruptors from business, government, healthcare, sports, education, art and entertainment and social impact organizations will converge upon Queens to meet leading experts and potential business collaborators and investors, see presentations, participate in roundtable sessions, have key meetings, get training and certifications, make key announcements to US media and influencers, and do deals.
AI Innovation Lab
Equipping startups with the latest tools and techniques to thrive in a competitive market.
Women in AI: Global Innovation Awards
Women in AI: Global Innovation Awards celebrates the boldest and most innovative women in tech today. We are inviting women founders worldwide to apply for this recognition to honor their groundbreaking contributions in the AI startup space.
Innovation Pavilions
FinTech
As digital payments and online banking gain traction, there's potential for disruption in this sector, especially targeting underserved demographics.
EdTech
With education continuously evolving and adapting to modern needs, ventures that tap into online learning, skill development, or curriculum enhancement can be pivotal.
HealthTech
HealthTech leverages technology to improve healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and streamline medical processes, revolutionizing the way health services are accessed and provided.
GreenTech
With sustainability becoming a paramount concern, ventures focusing on green energy, waste management, and sustainable production can be highly rewarding.
SportsTech
As the sports industry evolves, there's a growing demand for technologies enhancing athlete performance, fan engagement, and event management. Ventures in this area, especially those using data analytics, wearable tech, or virtual reality, have a significant potential to reshape the sports landscape.
CyberSecurity
In an age of escalating cyber threats, start-ups offering robust security solutions, especially in areas like endpoint security, threat intelligence, and data protection, are crucial for both businesses and individual users.
PropTech
In an era of rapidly evolving urban landscapes, startups specializing in PropTech are essential, particularly in areas like smart building technologies, real estate market analytics, and sustainable urban development, to modernize and enhance the efficiency of property management and real estate transactions for businesses and individual users alike.
Who Do We Help?
Leadership team
Frank Casale
Director, Creator of World Innovation Center
Dan Alper
Director of Fundraising
Apply for a Grant, Expand into the US, or Contribute to the Foundation
Reach out to us using the contact form below. We are here to help and provide support for startups and underserved communities. Let's work together to bring innovation to the world.