The Global Wellness Summit has announced that its first-ever “Shark Tank of Wellness” competition has already attracted more than 70 entries from 17 countries; submissions continue until August 1, 2016. In addition, the Summit revealed its panel of judges, the “Wellness Sharks.”

“The enthusiasm for ‘Shark Tank of Wellness’ has been incredible and illustrates that ‘wellness innovation’ is truly a global phenomenon,” said Susie Ellis, GWS chair and CEO. “This radical re-think of our traditional Student Challenge has been embraced not only by student participants, but also by the sponsors who will also be the judges — or rather, our 'Wellness Sharks'.”

The six Wellness Sharks will engage students in a lively discussion/debate during the 10th Anniversary Global Wellness Summit to determine the viability of their new wellness concepts, which can span any aspect of the wellness spectrum – from technology to architecture to spa design.

Wellness Sharks represent leading wellness companies/industries and come from all over the world. The Wellness Sharks for the inaugural competition include:

• Simon Casson, regional vice president & general manager, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (UAE)
• Tracey Chappell, senior vice president, Global Spa Solutions, ESPA (UK)
• Jane Iredale, president and founder, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics (USA)
• Sheila McCann, general manager, Chiva-Som International Health Resort (Thailand)
• Frank Pitsikalis, founder & CEO, ResortSuite (Canada)
• Frank Strobel, director, international sales, Klafs GmbH & Co. (Germany)

The top three “Shark Tank of Wellness” finalists will be hosted at the Summit in Austria, along with their professors, and present on the main stage in front of an audience of more than 450 delegates from more than 50 countries for US$10,000 in prize money (1st prize $5,000; 2nd prize $3,000; 3rd prize $2,000).

Individuals and teams are eligible to submit their innovative idea through August 1, 2016, which must include a 1-2 minute video. Full rules and regulations can be found on the Global Wellness Summit website.

There is no fee to enter. In addition to the prize money, all three finalists will receive access to the three-day conference, including all general sessions, industry forums and gala social events. In addition, airfare and hotel accommodations will also be covered for one student and one professor per team.

The Global Wellness Summit will take place 17-19 October in Tyrol, Austria.