Innovation Summit provides ‘an opportunity for entrepreneurs’ to gain exposure, funding

The Ninth Annual Innovation Summit will take place in Juneau on Feb. 26 and 27 (Photo courtesy of Juneau Economic Development Council).

The Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC) is looking for entrepreneurs to participate in the Ninth Annual Innovation Summit happening Feb. 26 and 27.

The Innovation Summit is a day-and-a-half event featuring over 50 speakers, deep-dive sessions to address Alaskan challenges head-on, behind-the-scenes tours of Juneau businesses and networking opportunities for participants. 

The Summit also features a pitch contest, where five Alaskan entrepreneurs will pitch in front of participants of the event, with the winner taking home a cash prize crowdfunded by attendees.

Kristy Speciale, communications and development officer at JEDC, says it's an opportunity not only to make some money for your business but to make meaningful connections.

“There are 250 people in the room who may spark an interest or make a connection to these people,” Speciale said. “It’s a more grand stage, so they’re not just in a room or in a coffee shop like 1 Million Cups. It’s just a bigger platform and maybe a little bit more formal.”

Previous competitors of the pitch contest include Tundra Tonics, Amalga Distillery, Coppa and The Sawmill Farm.

“It’s an opportunity for entrepreneurs to work on their pitch in general by presenting to a crowd,” Erin Laughlin, program assistant at JEDC, said. “I don’t think that entrepreneurs get as many opportunities to pitch in front of a bunch of people, but having that little bit of pressure can work out the kinks in their pitch.”

JEDC is also looking for 30 presenters to participate in Innovation Shorts, 10-minute presentations that surround larger, encompassing themes of the conference: participatory creativity, business in a changing climate and Alaskans investing in Alaskans. 

“I think one of the major benefits is exposure to people who may be able to connect the entrepreneur to something they may need — especially at the Innovation Summit because this year, we have the Alaskans investing in Alaskans track, specifically for those who are interested in angel investing,” Laughlin said.

Laughlin says there are potential discounts available for entrepreneurs looking to take part in the pitch contest. Applications for innovation shorts will be accepted until Jan. 27; the deadline to apply for the pitch contest is Feb. 7. 

For a complete conference schedule, visit JEDC’s website.