Ninth Annual Innovation Summit Seeks Innovators Within Alaskan Business Community

JUNEAU—The Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC) is looking for five Alaskan entrepreneurs to compete in its Pitch Contest, and thirty presenters of “Innovation Shorts” to be featured in the ninth annual Innovation Summit February 26 and 27.

The Innovation Summit annually gathers entrepreneurs, business leaders, academics, policymakers, innovators, and experts in their field to network, learn, share, inspire, and create solutions to Alaska’s unique economic challenges. The summit explores three themes this year: “Participatory Creativity,” “Business in a Changing Climate,” and “Alaskans Investing in Alaskans.”

JEDC is seeking five Alaskan entrepreneurs to pitch their business in front of Innovation Summit attendees; attendees will crowdfund a cash prize for the winner. Entrepreneurs will have ten minutes to pitch their business model, gaining experience speaking publicly on their topic while growing their network and creating buzz around their business. Previous Pitch Contest competitors include Amalga Distillery, Attently, Renewable Energy Alaska Project, Coppa, The Sawmill Farm, and Tundra Tonics. The deadline for a completed application will be February 7, 2020.

In addition to the Pitch Contest, JEDC is seeking thirty presenters to showcase their original ideas through ten-minute “Innovation Shorts” presentations at the 2020 Innovation Summit. The “Innovation Shorts” offer conference attendees a glimpse into a host of topics that surround the larger conference themes. Each short is just enough time to peak the attention of the audience.

Participatory creativity reframes creativity as a socially distributed process that individuals participate in, rather than something one either is or has. Presenters speaking to this theme can address how innovative ideas have emerged and changed in their workplace. The changing climate challenges Alaska’s economy and presents a need for innovation. What adaptations are needed for business in a changing climate? The theme of “Alaskans Investing in Alaskans” invites presenters to share insight to encourage local investment and responsible growth in the Alaskan start-up ecosystem. JEDC also accepts Innovation Shorts that explore new ideas or innovations that are relevant to Alaska’s economy. Product or service promotions are not accepted.