10 teams to pitch their innovative ideas to make our kids healthier for $25,000 in prizes
DENVER - Tues., May 3, 2016 - The Colorado Innovation Network (COIN) and LiveWell Colorado today announced the ten finalists for the nation's first-ever statewide innovation challenge Imagine Colorado, setting the stage for the teams to compete at the Ideas Showcase finale event on May 17, 2016 for $25,000 in prizes.
"We asked all Coloradans of all ages how they would connect Colorado's youth to a healthier lifestyle, and they answered with enthusiasm," said Governor John Hickenlooper. "We believe in the power of the collective wisdom of Coloradans to address tough challenges in our communities, and we look forward to seeing just how these incredible ideas to make our kids healthier can become reality."
Over 75 teams from 19 Colorado counties submitted videos on how to connect our state's youth to a healthier lifestyle. The ideas addressed issues such as Colorado's growing childhood obesity rate and food desert challenges, and included unique ways to encourage physical activity and provide all Coloradans access to our Rocky Mountains.
Imagine Colorado Finalists (includes link to video submissions):
Adult Smart Fit Girls (Larimer County)
Adult Athmar Parkour (Arapahoe County)
Adult Colorado Real Food Days (Denver County)
Adult Pocket Playgrounds (Arapahoe County)
Adult Leap Adventurers (El Paso County)
Youth Project:GROW (Jefferson County)
Youth Running Minds (Denver County)
Youth Say ShFat That! to Sugar and Junk Food (Arapahoe County)
Youth Social Media Outdoor Youth App (Denver County)
Youth Junior Chef (Pitken County)
The 10 finalists will pitch their ideas in front of a panel of local celebrity judges, including Colorado Chief Innovation Officer Erik Mitisek and Colorado Rapids Player Dillon Powers, at the Ideas Showcase finale event on May 17 from 4-8 p.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. A live audience will vote to determine who will win the $25,000 in cash prizes, and Gov. John Hickenlooper will be in attendance to present the awards. All Coloradans are invited to attend this family-friendly event and can register at https://imaginecolorado.eventbrite.com.
Imagine Colorado is a first-of-its-kind statewide open innovation challenge. Used throughout the world by business, government and higher education institutions, innovation challenges shine a spotlight on a problem or opportunity and ask communities to provide ideas that can help build a better tomorrow.
Finalists were chosen through an online community voting process, as well as through a panel of experts. In addition to the prize money, Unreasonable Institute will provide each of the five adult finalists the opportunity to interview for the 2016 Unreasonable Institute accelerator program focused on early childhood. Winning ideas will be distributed to statewide partners and the Colorado community so that appropriate champions can stimulate further action.
Imagine Colorado is presented by the COIN and LiveWell Colorado and is produced in partnership with The Colorado Health Foundation, Gary Community Investments, Unreasonable Institute, SkipsoLabs, Entravision and Comcast. It is also supported by more than 75 engagement partners from throughout the state.
For more information, please visit www.imagineco.us.
About The Colorado Innovation Network (COIN)
COIN is a public-private partnership launched by Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2011 and is the leading global platform for innovative networks. COIN provides access to convene, connect and foster circles of exchange around ideas, talent, capital and the entrepreneurial spirit to strengthen economic development and diversity with the mission to make Colorado the most innovative state in the nation. COIN has a robust and highly engaged statewide network of innovation leaders in education, industry, startups, government and research. Visit Learn more at www.coloradoinnovationnetwork.com.
About LiveWell Colorado
LiveWell Colorado is a statewide organization committed to reducing obesity and other chronic health conditions by promoting healthy eating and active living. LiveWell reaches more than one million Coloradans through partnerships with communities, the private sector, local governments and school districts. In addition to educating and inspiring people to make healthy choices, LiveWell Colorado focuses on policy, environmental and lifestyle changes that remove barriers and increase access to healthy behaviors. LiveWell Colorado aims to provide every Coloradan with access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity in their communities and where they work. Learn more at www.livewellcolorado.org.
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Contact:
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