{"id":539,"date":"2017-02-24T20:20:35","date_gmt":"2017-02-24T20:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/sb17det\/?page_id=539"},"modified":"2017-05-17T18:25:01","modified_gmt":"2017-05-17T18:25:01","slug":"innovation-open","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/conferences\/sb17det\/innovation-open","title":{"rendered":"Innovation Open"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- CONTACT BO, IF YOU NEED TO UPDATE ANY CONTENT ON THIS PAGE --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Display only on mobile devices --><\/p>\n<div class=\"visible-xs\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h4>CO-SPONSORED BY:<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/logos\/logo-whirlpool-125x70.png\" alt=\"Whirlpool\" width=\"100\" height=\"59\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER:<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/logos\/logo-younoodle-125x70.png\" width=\"100\" height=\"59\" alt=\"YouNoodle\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- Display only on mobile devides end here --><\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-9\">\n<p>The SB Innovation Open is a business plan competition for mission-driven startups and entrepreneurs held every year at our flagship event.<\/p>\n<p>In its 6th year, the competition will provide an opportunity for next generation brands to showcase their innovative solutions to today&#8217;s pressing environmental, social and economic challenges, as well as connect and collaborate with multi-national brands, accelerators and thought leaders in sustainability.<\/p>\n<p>Given the right support and exposure, mission-driven brands are poised to challenge the status quo of business and Sustainable Brands is here to catalyze their success.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"red\">Congratulations to our Semi-Finalists<\/h2>\n<p>These 11 finalists will join us at SB&#8217;17 Detroit to take part in the <a href=\"\/sb17det\/activation-hub\">Activation Hub<\/a>, pitch in front of our judges and the SB attendees. Get to know them below:\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-3 hidden-xs\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h4>CO-SPONSORED BY:<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/logos\/logo-whirlpool-125x70.png\" alt=\"Whirlpool\" width=\"100\" height=\"59\" vspace=\"8\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER:<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/logos\/logo-younoodle-125x70.png\" alt=\"YouNoodle\" width=\"100\" height=\"59\" vspace=\"8\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>AWARD PROVIDER:<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/logos\/logo-rivanna-designs-125x70.png\" alt=\"Rivanna Designs\" width=\"100\" height=\"59\" vspace=\"8\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!---Start of SBIO Semi Finalists section---><\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>Full Cycle BIoplastics<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0rTaTxOrANs\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>Bluon Energy<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/143187606\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>NewGen Surgical, Inc.<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/q21-QZMSQaU\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>toxnot PBC<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yfo6Wg1tsrs\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>RAPPORT<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/138148213\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>Immotor, LLC<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Usnqk_nwmtw\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>eKutir Global PBC<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4tUkpdD9iQc\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>Detroit Ento<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/212392537\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>Totem Power<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/191632214?color=ffffff&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>GoPure Water Purifier<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OVw87Ag3FVE\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3>Verb<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\">\n      <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/211016357\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--- End of SBIO Semi Finalists section---><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"red\">The Timeline<\/h2>\n<style>\ntd.lcol { width: 49%;}\ntd.lcol p {margin-right: 20px;}\ntd.rcol { width: 49%;}\ntd.rcol p {margin-left: 20px;}\ntd.mcol { \nwidth: 2%; \npadding: 0px !important; \nbackground-color: #cc007a;}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lcol\" align=\"right\"><strong>April 7, 2017<\/strong><br \/>\nEntry form closes<\/td>\n<td class=\"mcol\" bgcolor=\"#cc007a\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/images\/sbio-timeline-wh-circle.png\" alt=\"Timeline Circle image\" width=\"20\" vspace=\"15\" \/><\/td>\n<td class=\"rcol\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lcol\" align=\"right\"><\/td>\n<td class=\"mcol\" bgcolor=\"#cc007a\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/images\/sbio-timeline-wh-circle.png\" alt=\"Timeline Circle image\" width=\"20\" vspace=\"15\" \/><\/td>\n<td class=\"rcol\"><strong>April 11, 2017\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\nPublic vote begins \u2013 A shortlist of entries will be presented for the SB community to vote for who they want to see make it to the Innovation Open finals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lcol\" align=\"right\"><strong>April 23, 2017<\/strong><br \/>\nPublic vote closes<\/td>\n<td class=\"mcol\" bgcolor=\"#cc007a\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/images\/sbio-timeline-wh-circle.png\" alt=\"Timeline Circle image\" width=\"20\" vspace=\"15\" \/><\/td>\n<td class=\"rcol\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lcol\" align=\"right\"><\/td>\n<td class=\"mcol\" bgcolor=\"#cc007a\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/images\/sbio-timeline-wh-circle.png\" alt=\"Timeline Circle image\" width=\"20\" vspace=\"15\" \/><\/td>\n<td class=\"rcol\"><strong>April 25, 2017\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\nPublic vote winner announced and confirmed to pitch at the finals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lcol\" align=\"right\"><strong>April 26 &#8211; May 22, 2017<\/strong><br \/>\n11 finalists are<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sustainablebrands.com\/news_and_views\/startups\/neesha_tambe\/startups_poised_make_scalable_sustainable_impacts_2015_sbio_sem\" target=\"_blank\"> interviewed<\/a> for the Sustainable Brands website and presented to the News &amp; Views \u00a0community.<\/td>\n<td class=\"mcol\" bgcolor=\"#cc007a\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/images\/sbio-timeline-wh-circle.png\" alt=\"Timeline Circle image\" width=\"20\" vspace=\"15\" \/><\/td>\n<td class=\"rcol\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lcol\" align=\"right\"><\/td>\n<td class=\"mcol\" bgcolor=\"#cc007a\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/images\/sbio-timeline-wh-circle.png\" alt=\"Timeline Circle image\" width=\"20\" vspace=\"15\" \/><\/td>\n<td class=\"rcol\"><strong>May 23, 2017<\/strong><br \/>\nThe pitch! The 11 semi-finalists will pitch their ideas to our esteemed panel of judges. Four finalists will be chosen to present at the conference on the following day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lcol\" align=\"right\"><strong>May 24, 2017<\/strong><br \/>\nThe finals! The top 4 pitch in front of the full SB audience on the main stage. A live vote will be held to pick a &#8216;People&#8217;s Choice Winner&#8217; and the judges will determine the overall &#8216;SB&#8217;17 Innovation Open Winner&#8217;. Finals are available to the global SB community via livestream and post-event in the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sustainablebrands.com\/digital_learning\/event_video\/startups\/sb_innovation_open_15_finals\" title=\"SB Library\" target=\"_blank\">SB Library<\/a>.<\/td>\n<td class=\"mcol\" bgcolor=\"#cc007a\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/images\/sbio-timeline-wh-circle.png\" alt=\"Timeline Circle image\" width=\"20\" vspace=\"15\" \/><\/td>\n<td class=\"rcol\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p><!--\n\n\n<tr>\n\n\n<td class=\"lcol\" align=\"right\"><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n<td class=\"mcol\"><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n<td class=\"rcol\"><\/td>\n\n\n<\/tr>\n\n--><br \/>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"red\">The Prizes<\/h2>\n<h3>11 Semi-Finalists<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>An All-Event conference pass to SB&#8217;17 Detroit<\/li>\n<li>An Activation Hub staff pass (does not include access to conference program)<\/li>\n<li>Table space for 4\u00a0days in the Activation Hub<\/li>\n<li>Pitch to the entire SB&#8217;17 Detroit conference attendee and Activation Hub audience, filled with influential brand representatives and thought leaders<\/li>\n<li>Promotion leading up to the conference through <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sustainablebrands.com\/news_and_views\">SB News &amp; Views<\/a><\/li>\n<li>One on one time with our expert panel of judges<\/li>\n<li>4 days worth of networking opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Company description published in conference event guide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>4 Finalists<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Present on the plenary mainstage in front of entire SB&#8217;17 Detroit\u00a0attending community<\/li>\n<li>This presentation is broadcast around the world via Livestream and archived\u00a0in the <a title=\"SB Library\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sustainablebrands.com\/library\">SB Library<\/a> to extend its reach and longevity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Overall Winner<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Golden SB ticket to grant access to all <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sustainablebrands.com\/events\" title=\"SB Conferences\" target=\"_blank\">SB Conferences<\/a>\u00a0for the next 3 years.<\/li>\n<li>3-hour consultation session from Whirlpool internal teams to strengthen the winner&#8217;s business case\/model.<\/li>\n<li>Ford Motor Company is pleased to reward SBIO winners with 3 hour consultation from Ford experts to further strengthen the business case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"red\">The Judges<\/h2>\n<p><!--- Start of the Judges Section ---><\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\" style=\"border: none;\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<div style=\"float: left; margin: 10px 20px 10px 8px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/headshots\/Dimitar+Vlahov.jpg\" alt=\"Dimitar Vlahov\" width=\"71\" height=\"71\"\/><\/div>\n<div style=\"float: right; margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#dimitar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\"><img src=\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/buttons\/plus-icon40x40.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Dimitar Vlahov<br \/>\nDirector, Content Development<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sustainablebrands.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sustainable Brands<\/a> <\/div>\n<div id=\"dimitar\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">Dimitar is the Director of Content Development at Sustainable Brands. He joined the Sustainable Brands team after earning a Master&#8217;s degree in Management Science &amp; Engineering \u2013 focused on sustainable business \u2013 from Stanford University. Before Stanford, Dimitar worked in international development at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and also in economic consulting at Charles River Associates and NERA. Born and raised in Bulgaria, Dimitar left his home country for the first time about a decade ago to go to college in the U.S. He has since turned into something of an international man of mystery, thriving on global friendships, global food and global thoughts.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\" style=\"border: none;\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<div style=\"float: left; margin: 10px 20px 10px 8px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/sbevents.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/sb16sd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/02191049\/AriaFinger.png\" alt=\"Aria Finger\" width=\"71\" height=\"71\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"float: right; margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#aria-finger\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\"><img src=\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/buttons\/plus-icon40x40.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Aria Finger<br \/>\nCEO<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dosomething.org\/us\">DoSomething.Org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"aria-finger\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p>As CEO and Chief Old Person of DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change in the world, Aria Finger uses her expertise on all things young people and tech to lead a diverse, impact-driven team. She has been an instrumental part of scaling DoSomething.org from less than 100,000 members to over 5 million members in 131 countries today. Starting at DoSomething.org as an associate 10 years ago, Aria created their Teens for Jeans campaign which has clothed over 5 million homeless teenagers to date.<\/p>\n<p>With her cause-related marketing experience, Finger has spearheaded partnerships with top brands including Johnson &amp; Johnson, H&amp;M, Sprint and American Express.<\/p>\n<p>In 2013, she founded and became President of TMI, a strategic consultancy that uses DoSomething.org&#8217;s 20+ years of experience to help clients reach young people and fuel positive impact in the world.<\/p>\n<p>Aria graduated magna cum laude in economics and political science from Washington University in St. Louis, and completed the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Aria currently serves on the board of the NYC-based not-for-profit Care for the Homeless, was one of the first ten World Economic Forum Global Shapers and is an adjunct professor at New York University. She has been highlighted in the New York Times, Fast Company and was named to the 2012 Crain&#8217;s New York Business list of &#8220;40 Under Forty&#8221; and featured on the cover. In 2016, she was selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.<\/p>\n<p>When she is not running DoSomething.org or desperately trying to improve her Spanish, Aria can be found reading The New Jim Crow for the thousandth time, or relearning her ABCs with the newest addition to the DS family, her adorable son Luke.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\" style=\"border: none;\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<div style=\"float: left; margin: 10px 20px 10px 8px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/sb17det\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Geoff-Kendall.jpg\" alt=\"Geoff Kendall\" width=\"71\" height=\"71\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"float: right; margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#geoff-kendall\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\"><img src=\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/buttons\/plus-icon40x40.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Geoff Kendall<br \/>\nCEO &amp; Co-Founder<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/futurefitbusiness.org\/\">Future Fit Foundation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"geoff-kendall\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p>Geoff is CEO of the Future-Fit Foundation, which is leading the creation of a new open source benchmark to help business leaders and investors assess the true future-fitness of companies.<\/p>\n<p>Geoff holds a PhD in artificial intelligence, spent four years as Development Director at think-tank and consultancy SustainAbility, and co-founded and sold two software start-ups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\" style=\"border: none;\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<div style=\"float: left; margin: 10px 20px 10px 8px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/sbevents.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com\/sb16sd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/20153912\/Geof-Rochester.jpg\" alt=\"Geof Rochester\" width=\"71\" height=\"71\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"float: right; margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#geof-rochester\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\"><img src=\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/buttons\/plus-icon40x40.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Geof Rochester<br \/>\nManaging Director<br \/>\n<a>The Nature Conservancy<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"geof-rochester\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p>Geof Rochester is currently, Managing Director, in essence acting as Chief Visibility Officer and spokesperson for The Nature Conservancy. The Conservancy&#8217;s mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Prior to this new role he had functioned as TNC&#8217;s Chief Marketing Officer since 2010. As CMO he was responsible for steering the organization&#8217;s marketing, membership and brand strategies. Since coming to TNC Geof has pushed the organization to broaden support for the environment by going after mega brand partners and unusual collaborations. Some of these have included Macys, Subway, Harley Davidson, Univision, Globo. TNC has been recognized for its Marketing prowess winning several awards over the years, including \u2013 DMA nonprofit of the year 2012, Shorty Award Best of Social Media in the Charity Category, 2013 (finalist) and also Harris Poll Equitrend Environmental Non-Profit Brand of the Year (2013).<\/p>\n<p>Before coming to The Nature Conservancy, Geof served as the EVP for Marketing at World Wrestling Entertainment. Prior to that, he served as SVP for Marketing at Showtime Networks. He held senior marketing positions at Comcast Communications, Radisson Hotels International and Proctor and Gamble. A graduate of Georgetown University, Geof received his M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He was born in Barbados, but has lived most of his life in the United States. He also serves on the following boards: Georgetown University Alumni Senate, the board of ecoAmerica (a climate change think tank), and on the Alumni Board of Wharton&#8217;s Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership.\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\" style=\"border: none;\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<div style=\"float: left; margin: 10px 20px 10px 8px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/headshots\/Sandy-Skees-headshot2.jpg\" alt=\"sandy-skees\" width=\"71\" height=\"71\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"float: right; margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#sandy-skees\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\"><img src=\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/buttons\/plus-icon40x40.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Sandy Skees<br \/>\nRegional Director<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsigroup.com\/en-US\/professional-services\/environmental-health-safety\/\">BSI<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"sandy-skees\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p>Sandy Skees is Regional Director at BSI  She leads the sustainability practice as well as managing the growth of BSI&#8217;s Northern California region, delivering a range of consulting services and program implementation ranging from sustainability and corporate social responsibility, worker safety, business continuity planning, and EHS services. Prior to BSI, Sandy served as Managing Director for Fenton Communications West Coast, accelerating progress through social change communications. Her work with corporations, nonprofits, and NGOs was focused in consumer products, recycling and waste, renewable energy, supply chain and LGBT issues, She brings over 25 years&#8217; experience in leading professional service firms, corporate and communications strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Skees previously ran her own firm Communications4Good, where she served early stage and Fortune 500 companies. While a partner at Porter Novelli, she managed the global HP account team in 20 cities\/10 countries around the world and created programs, processes and predictive integration points as a framework for ensuring global implementation of cutting edge communications techniques. She sits on numerous boards including 100 Women Who Care, Sustainable Brands, Mini Mermaid Running Club, was appointed to a four year team on the Santa Cruz County&#8217;s Human Services Commission, and is a seasoned speaker on brand, messaging and sustainability strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\" style=\"border: none;\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<div style=\"float: left; margin: 10px 20px 10px 8px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/headshots\/Colton-Babladelis-headshot2.jpg\" alt=\"colton-babladelis\" width=\"71\" height=\"71\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"float: right; margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#colton-babladelis\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\"><img src=\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/buttons\/plus-icon40x40.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Colton Babladelis<br \/>\nStudent\/Alumni Affairs Coordinator<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/erb.umich.edu\/\">Erb Institute University of Michigan<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"colton-babladelis\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p>Colton works at the nexus of business, sustainability, and education at the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise. He has collaborated with the Zell Lurie Institute at University of Michigan to judge and coach the Impact Track of their annual Michigan Business Challenge, and has been a judge for the Roddenberry Prize. He is also the author of a book of poetry, &#8220;Grains of Sand&#8221; published by Winter Goose Publishing. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\" style=\"border: none;\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<div style=\"float: left; margin: 10px 20px 10px 8px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/headshots\/john-cangary-headshot2.jpg\" alt=\"john-cangany\" width=\"71\" height=\"71\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"float: right; margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#john-cangany\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\"><img src=\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/buttons\/plus-icon40x40.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>John Cangany<br \/>\nCSR Communications Manager<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/corporate.ford.com\/homepage.html\">Ford Motor Company<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"john-cangany\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\nJohn leads corporate social responsibility (CSR) communications for Ford Motor Company, Interbrand&#8217;s 2014 Best Global Green Brand.<\/p>\n<p>In this role, he is responsible for communicating Ford&#8217;s corporate responsibility efforts to all external audiences, including media, NGO partners, and consumers.  Additionally, John supports Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford in his vision to develop sustainable and innovative mobility solutions around the globe that make people&#8217;s lives better.<\/p>\n<p>Prior to working at Ford Motor Company, John spent nearly a decade in Washington, DC. He led APCO Worldwide&#8217;s digital and creative practice group. While at APCO, John led strategy development and communications campaigns focused on energy, the environment, health, technology and transportation for some the world&#8217;s largest companies. John is passionate about sustainability and technology, and how online  communication and digital communities shape world events.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\" style=\"border: none;\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<div style=\"float: left; margin: 10px 20px 10px 8px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/headshots\/Colette+Mathews.png\" alt=\"colette-matthews\" width=\"71\" height=\"71\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"float: right; margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#colette-matthews\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\"><img src=\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/sbweb\/buttons\/plus-icon40x40.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Colette C.  Matthews, Ph.D.<br \/>\nGlobal Innovation Director<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/corporate.ford.com\/homepage.html\">Whirlpool Corp.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"colette-matthews\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\nColette is an experienced marketing and product development professional with over a decade of experience in both the CPG and Durable goods industry. In her current role,  Colette oversees all aspects of consumer-centric disruptive innovation, Open Innovation and Trends &#038; Foresight at the world&#8217;s leading manufacturer of major home appliances.<\/p>\n<p>In her previous role previous roles at Whirlpool, Colette has led both the Connectivity &#038; Smart Home, as well as,  Consumer Insights &#038; Strategy teams where she was instrumental in helping shape brand positioning, consumer understanding and build innovation roadmaps within Whirlpool Corporation to drive product and brand leadership. <\/p>\n<p>She kicked off her career at Procter &#038; Gamble with product development roles in both the Global Beauty (China and developing markets) and Health Care business units. Later she accepted a position at Newell Rubbermaid, Beauty &#038; Style Business Unit, where she helped drive consumer driven innovation with assignments in both Brand Management and Consumer Insights. Matthews has led the development and\/or worked on a broad array of brands, including Olay, Old Spice, Goody, Solano, the entire portfolio of Whirlpool Corp. brands.<br \/>\nColette  holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Bachelors of Biochemistry from North Carolina State.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--- End of the Judges Section ---><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"red\">How to Win<\/h2>\n<p>JUDGES SELECTED FINALISTS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:<\/p>\n<h3>Creativity<\/h3>\n<p>Innovative design<br \/>\nSocial and environmental impact &#8211; specifically coupled with identified impact metrics (for example, &#8220;our business innovation helps customers lower their carbon footprint by XX% compared to the product we&#8217;re disrupting&#8221;, or &#8220;our innovation will help customers increase savings by XX% and keep their money local, leading to more stable local economies.&#8221;)<\/p>\n<h3>Team quality<\/h3>\n<p>Particularly as it relates to demonstrated track record and understanding of systemic issues of sustainability<\/p>\n<h3>Economic scalability<\/h3>\n<p>Growth and impact potential<\/p>\n<h3>Above and Beyond<\/h3>\n<p>Bonus points for disruptive innovation. The idea has approached the issue from a new perspective and is offering a solution that will truly shift the market as we know it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<!--\n\n<p align=\"center\"><a class=\"btn btn-lg btn-secondary\" href=\"\/sb17det\/innovation-open\/vote\" target=\"_blank\">VOTE NOW<\/a><\/p>\n\n--><br \/>\n<!--\n\n\n<div class=\"sharebox row\">\n\n\n<div class=\"col-md-8 sharebox-title\" style=\"margin-top: 25px;\">Share the SBIO with Your Network<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"col-md-4\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"col-md-4\"><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n--><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"red\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h4 class=\"panel-title\"><a href=\"#q1\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">How much does it cost to enter?<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"q1\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">It is free! It is important to note, Sustainable Brands takes\u00a0no fees or equity from the startups. \u00a0Thanks to Target and our other sponsors, applying and participating in the SB Innovation Open\u00a0is 100% free.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h4 class=\"panel-title\"><a href=\"#q2\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">What do you consider a &#8220;startup&#8221;?<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"q2\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p>This new venture showcase is focused on identifying and promoting innovative new consumer brands, AND ventures that support existing corporations in achieving their sustainable brand innovation goals. We are looking for companies in their:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Post-Launch Phase: The venture is operational and has some early operating metrics and\/or proven Beta\/prototype to share. In investment terms we are considering &#8220;Late Stage&#8221; and &#8220;Series A&#8221; funded companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h4 class=\"panel-title\"><a href=\"#q9\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">How do I apply?<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"q9\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p>You can apply via the &#8216;Apply Now&#8217; button above or completing an entry form here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/beta.younoodle.com\/competition\/sustainable_brands_2017\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/beta.younoodle.com\/competition\/sustainable_brands_2017<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You will need to include the following to complete an application into the competition:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>30-120 second video describing your company mission, your product, and the impact you are hoping to achieve. \u00a0See example of 2016 entrants: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rwPgs5pXb34\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Grubbly Farms\">Grubbly Farms<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/141922156\" title=\"Conscious Period\" target=\"_blank\">Conscious Period<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/144302744\" title=\"ReGrained\" target=\"_blank\">ReGrained<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/160318578\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Kizazi\">Kizazi<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NkCxjT8DYmY\" title=\"Soofa\">Soofa<\/a><\/li>\n<li>elevator pitch<\/li>\n<li>website<\/li>\n<li>commitment to sustainability<\/li>\n<li>specific\u00a0metrics into your business model and plan [NOTE: these metrics are\u00a0confidential to SB judges only, not accessible to public vote]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h4 class=\"panel-title\"><a href=\"#q3\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">Do I have to attend all 4 days of the conference?<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"q3\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">All semi-finalists are given table\u00a0space at our Activation Hub which runs May 22-25, 2017, so we recommend taking advantage of the 4 days. We are awarding semi-finalists an Activation Hub\u00a0Staff Pass so that you can man your space\u00a0with one team member and have another be your pitch expert and attend the conference programming. \u00a0The semi-finals are on day 2 of the conference and the 4 finalists selected will pitch again on day 3. \u00a0So it&#8217;s possible that the person on your team who will pitch could still compete but only be present for those two days, leaving unattended space in the Activation Hub.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h4 class=\"panel-title\"><a href=\"#q4\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">Can I bring my whole team?<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"q4\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">We offer one full conference pass to each semi-finalist startup, one Activation Hub\u00a0Staff Pass and can provide at-cost passes to any additional team mates should you wish to bring them.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h4 class=\"panel-title\"><a href=\"#q5\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">Will I miss all of the speaker sessions by being at the expo?<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"q5\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">No. The Activation Hub is open Monday 6:30-9pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from\u00a012-7pm, \u00a0and Thursday 12-3pm. \u00a0While you are required to be present in your space in the Activation Hub during peak hours (12:30-2pm lunch, 5:30-7pm reception), we encourage you to take advantage of the morning plenary sessions. \u00a0If you do take advantage of the Activation Hub Staff pass then you can leave one team member with the table space while the other explores the afternoon content.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h4 class=\"panel-title\"><a href=\"#q7\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">Can NGO&#8217;s or Non-profits apply?<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"q7\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">Not for this competition although we encourage you to find out more about non-profits participating in the Activation Hub. For this competition we&#8217;re looking for businesses who can successfully balance People, Planet AND Profit.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h4 class=\"panel-title\"><a href=\"#q8\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">Do you cover travel and accommodation expenses?<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"q8\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">Not at this time. We are convinced that the networking, introductions, leading-edge speakers &amp; publicity generated by taking part make any expense a worthwhile investment. We will however offer any discounts when\/if available to us.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h4 class=\"panel-title\"><a href=\"#q10\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">What about my intellectual property?<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"q10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p>You, the applicant, are solely responsible for your intellectual property rights, trademarks, copyrights, etc. If you think you have intellectual property rights, we recommend you consult an attorney before you apply for the competition. Applicants are expected to submit a compelling presentation without disclosing critical intellectual property. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that applying for the SBIO could result in disclosure of your intellectual property if such information is included in your application.<\/p>\n<p>SB wants you to know that there are always certain risks involved in competitions of this nature. SB is not in a position to protect or advise you on your intellectual property rights, SB cannot and does not take any responsibility for doing so. Please be aware that SB does not require non-disclosure agreements or other confidentiality obligations from anyone involved in the SB Innovation Open.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CO-SPONSORED BY: TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER: The SB Innovation Open is a business plan competition for mission-driven startups and entrepreneurs held every year at our flagship event. In its 6th year, the competition will provide an opportunity for next generation brands to showcase their innovative solutions to today&#8217;s pressing environmental, social and economic challenges, as well as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"sbio.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/conferences\/sb17det\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/539"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/conferences\/sb17det\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/conferences\/sb17det\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/conferences\/sb17det\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/conferences\/sb17det\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=539"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/conferences\/sb17det\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/539\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2535,"href":"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/conferences\/sb17det\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/539\/revisions\/2535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/events.sustainablebrands.com\/conferences\/sb17det\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=539"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}