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By ALEXANDRIA
BOURNONVILLE
Journal Staff Writer
MARQUETTE -- Time is running out to make that big pitch.
Innovation Week will return to Northern Michigan University's campus with plenty of opportunities to network, participate in workshops and win cash prizes.
Innovation Week -- presented by SISU: The Innovation Institute at NMU and Innovate Marquette -- is a three-day professional development conference bringing together thought leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in the Upper Peninsula.
"Innovation Week is an exciting opportunity to bring together a dedicated group of innovators and disruptors looking to improve their organizations, industries and the world around them," said Joe Thiel, CEO of Innovate Marquette."Building on last year's success, the second annual Innovation Week will feature more impactful programming, increased engagement among attendees through curated networking events, and innovation quests that highlight the beauty and unlimited potential of the area we call home."
One of the most notable additions to the conference are the two pitch competitions where participants will compete in a "Shark Tank"-style competition for the chance to win thousands of dollars.
NMU's College of Business is presenting The Big Pitch, which will award the winners cash prizes and consultation packages.
"The Big Pitch is open to all Northern students of all majors and that application window is open," said Innovation Week programming officer Kristin Tanner. "Students can go on our website to learn more…. That deadline to apply is Jan. 1."
The Outdoor Innovation Pitch operates similarly, but its prize money will come from the MI Outdoor Innovation Fund and will be awarded to Michigan-based entities involved in outdoor recreation.
"More details will be announced after the new year about how Michigan-based businesses can apply for that portion, but right now we're excited to announce it's happening," Tanner said.
While the rest of the conference is a ticketed event, the public is welcome to come watch the pitch competitions for free.
Keynote speakers include Trend Hunter's chief sales officer Johnathon Brown, Systemic Impact Strategies founder and former climate advisor to the Obama White House Molly Kawahata, and executive vice president of New Strategy Development at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Scott Kuzdzal.
"Through extraordinary keynotes, thought-provoking programming and a first-hand look at the Upper Peninsula through the lens of multiple industries, this year's Innovation Week is a must-attend for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit," said Bill Digneit, director of SISU: The Innovation Institute at NMU. "We are excited to once again partner with Innovate Marquette to bring this conference to Northern's campus and the entire Upper Peninsula community."
Tickets for the event are now on sale online at its website, innovation-week.org.
Otherwise, general ticket sales will be available at the door of the event from Feb. 21-23.
Johnathon Brown, Chief Sales Officer at Trend Hunter, has worked with large companies including Dubai Future Foundation, Walmart and Coca-Cola to help them make the most innovative decisions based on trend-spotting research. Photo courtesy of Innovate Marquette.
Molly Kawahata, Founder of Systemic Impact Strategies and Former Climate Advisor to the Obama White House. SIS is a consultancy specializing in organizational development, climate strategy and communications. She continues to be an influential speaker and impact people with her life story as depicted in Patagonia's film "The Scale of Hope." Photo courtesy of Innovate Marquette.
Executive Vice President of New Strategy Development at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Scott Kuzdzal also co-founded the Center for Biomarker Discover & Translation at the Johns Hopkins University of Medicine. Photo courtesy of Innovate Marquette.
Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506.
Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.