The 2017 Innovation Summit is the culmination of the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge– an annual, multi-phase, innovation and entrepreneurship competition hosted by the Conrad Foundation. Kicking off last fall, teams of students from around the world used STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills to develop world-changing solutions for global and local sustainability in one of four categories: Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber-Technology & Security, Energy & Environment, Health & Nutrition
During the semi-final round, over 150 teams submitted detailed business plans to support their product or service in the four Challenge categories. After being judged on technical merit, innovation, marketability and industry relevance, 42 teams were named Finalists and invited to attend the Innovation Summit where they will pitch their projects to panels of experts in business, research and industry. The students will be competing for numerous awards including patent support, and potential investment opportunities to further develop their innovative solution into a start-up business.
The three-day event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) will also feature lively discussions about cutting-edge topics in science and business, presented by leading entrepreneurs, government officials, scientists and other industry professionals. With students attending from across the U.S. as well as Australia, Canada, India, Japan, New Zealand, and Thailand, this event serves as a unique networking opportunity for these young innovators and entrepreneurs.
The 2017 Summit is made possible by Battelle, America’s Navy, Forward Industries, NASA, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Sigma XI: The Scientific Research Society, Delaware North, Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, LLP, Griffin Communications Group, Dentons and Wisconsin Innovation Service Center.
For more information about the Spirit of Innovation Challenge or how to contribute to the Conrad Foundation, visit www.conradawards.org.
WHO
Young, passionate innovators from around the world (ages 13-18)
WHEN
Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29, 2017
- April 27, 1:00-3:15 p.m. – Health & Nutrition Power Pitches
- April 27, 3:30-5:30 p.m. – Cyber-Technology & Security Power Pitches
- April 28, 8:45-11:15 a.m. – Energy & Environment Power Pitches
- April 28, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Aerospace & Aviation Power Pitches
- April 29, 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
Daily schedule of student presentations and guest speakers available here: http://www.conradchallenge.org/2017-summit/
WHERE
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
State Rd. 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Onsite presentations and awards will be in Astronaut Encounter Theater
MEDIA REGISTRATION
To secure credentials, please fill out the form at the following link. Your submission will be reviewed and you will be notified when credentials are administered.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Walbert
Sandy Hillman Communications
Office: (410) 616-8943
Mobile: (443) 683-0294
Email: [email protected]
Lauren Quesada
Griffin Communications Group
Office: (281) 335-0200
Mobile: (281) 744-7938
Email: [email protected]