The Competition
The “Shark Tank of Wellness” competition is a unique global challenge in which three university students are rewarded for their most innovative, impactful ideas for the wellness industry.
We define the wellness industry broadly and are looking for innovations in sectors as varied as architecture/design, beauty, education, fitness, hospitality, investment, medicine, nutrition, real estate, spa, technology, travel, tourism, and more. Students are to submit a concept submission form detailing their idea, as well as a short 1-2 minute video presentation of their idea. The wellness industry is currently valued at over USD $3.7 trillion, thus providing ample opportunity for people with great ideas!
The top three finalists will be flown, along with their professors, to the annual Global Wellness Summit (GWS) held October 6-8, 2018 at the Technogym Village in Cesena, Italy. Here, they will present their business idea to the attending Summit delegates — a “who’s who” in the global wellness world. Several business leaders will act as “Wellness Sharks” and ask questions of the students, who will defend their innovation and make a business case for its feasibility.
Eligibility:
The competition is open to both individuals and teams of students over the age of 18 from anywhere in the world. There is no entry fee.
The contestant(s) must be either a full-time or part-time student at the university or college, and must have a professor or faculty advisor who serves as a mentor for their project.
If a team is chosen as one of the top three finalists, the team leader will be flown to Italy along with his/her professor or faculty advisor.
Rules and Criteria
Rules
Students are asked to submit a future-focused, innovative wellness idea, product or service that has the potential to become a profitable business venture. Each individual or team is required to submit a Concept Submission Form in addition to a one to two minute video. The video should include a presentation of the idea, focusing on why the innovation could positively impact the wellness industry and how exactly it could become a viable business.
Video Criteria
Video length: Video must be between one to two minutes.
Video submission: Video must be uploaded on the contestant’s YouTube or Dailymotion account (Please refer to YouTube’s and Dailymotion’s upload guidelines for more information).
The video must contain only original work and not be subject to any copyright restrictions. All entries become the property of the Global Wellness Summit, which retains the right to publish the entries in all media formats including but not limited to print, digital, and broadcast. Entry creators and the GWS will be acknowledged in all published versions.
Important Dates
The competition begins on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 12:00 pm GMT and closes on Wednesday, June 1, 2018 at 12:00 pm GMT. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The top three concept submissions, as decided by the judges, will be announced on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. Arrangements will then be made to fly each of the top three student finalists and the professors working with them to Cesena, Italy for the Global Wellness Summit, October 6-8 at the Technogym Village.
Application Process
1. REGISTER for the contest online: Anyone interested in participating in the competition must register by completing this Entry Form. Contestants will receive regular updates by email regarding the competition.
2. SUBMIT your innovative idea: Please complete the Concept Submission Form no later than June 1, 2018. The form will be provided upon registration and should include a link to your 1-2 minute video presentation.
Prizes
First Prize: One (1) first-prize winner will receive USD $5,000
Second Prize: One (1) second-prize winner will receive USD $3,000
Third Prize: One (1) third-prize winner will receive USD $2,000
Total value of all prizes is USD $10,000.