During this first-of-its-kind industry event, start-ups and students will take the main stage at G2E to pitch their greatest innovations in gaming and hospitality to a live audience and two of the most dynamic investors in the business world. Innovation Incubator at G2E debuts on Thursday, October 11 at 9:00 a.m. PT.
At Innovation Incubator at G2E, four finalists, chosen by a panel of gaming industry experts, will present their concepts to John and Eckert, followed by a fast-paced Q&A where the headlining guests will examine the potential business opportunity of each presentation.
All students and budding entrepreneurs are invited to submit their business ideas for a chance to present to Daymond John and Cindy Eckert at Innovation Incubator at G2E by visiting www.globalgamingexpo.com/innovation-incubator.
"The gaming industry was built by entrepreneurs with innovation in their DNA. At G2E, we embrace and spotlight gaming innovation on the show floor, delivering a powerful platform to drive the industry forward," said Allie Barth, vice president of industry relations of the American Gaming Association (AGA). "Innovation Incubator at G2E is about giving all innovators – whether from gaming, hospitality or academia – the opportunity to bring their ideas to the forefront during one of gaming’s largest events of the year."
The winning presentation, dubbed the Shark’s Choice, will be awarded a cash prize, as well as a complimentary booth at G2E 2019 to showcase their technology. The audience will vote for a second prize, the Customer’s Choice, which will also receive a complimentary booth at G2E 2019.
Throughout the remainder of the day at G2E, six runner-up presentations will earn their own dedicated time at AGA’s Innovation Lab (Booth #5833). The Innovation Lab is a centralized hub in the expo hall for TED-talk-style education. Innovation Lab sessions will address Big Data & Analytics and New Terrain & Emerging Markets (e.g. esports) respectively on Tuesday and Wednesday.
John Daymond is an American businessman, investor, television personality, author, and motivational speaker. He is best known as the founder, president, and CEO of FUBU, and appears as an investor on the ABC reality television series Shark Tank. Based in New York City, John is the founder of The Shark Group.
Cindy Eckert (formerly Whitehead) is an American entrepreneur who built and sold two pharmaceutical companies, notably Sprout Pharmaceuticals, creator of “female Viagra,” for more than $1B. She subsequently founded The Pink Ceiling which invests in companies founded by, or delivering products for, women. The Pink Ceiling’s incubator - dubbed The Pinkubator - is based in Raleigh, NC.