Next 50 Announces Innovation Video Contest

What ideas do you have about the technological possibilities that will shape our future? Are you ready to reveal your innovation vision for the Next 50 years? The Next 50 invites you to submit an inspirational short video, maximum length of two minutes, on innovation in the next 50 years. Prizes will be given for the top five submissions. Deadline is Sep. 1, 2012.

So much of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair was about future innovation, and as we celebrate the Fair’s 50th anniversary at Seattle Center, we are focusing once again on the place and importance of innovation in our region. September, the fifth month of the six-month anniversary celebration, highlights Commerce and the Innovation Economy. Through summits, community gatherings, top speakers, panel discussions, workshops, films and showcases, the month explores the future of worker skills development, entrepreneurship, commerce infrastructure and local-global connections.

The Next 50 Innovation Video Contest seeks to capture the excitement and anticipation of future possibilities so prevalent in 1962. Suggested video topics include creative thought, scientific discoveries, entrepreneurs and business solutions. Contestants may highlight the advances that currently shape the way we live, work and play; or they may introduce new technological paradigms for approaching future opportunities.

Acceptable video submissions will be screened for public voting live and online during Commerce and Innovation Economy Month. The creator of the winning video receives $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Seattle for two. Four runners-up will receive prizes of $1,000. A panel of subject matter and technical experts will serve as the final arbiters, judging video submissions on content, creativity, quality, imagination, entertainment and popularity. For contest information and rules, visit www.N50Contest.org.

The video contest is sponsored by the Washington Economic Development Commission—a 24 member commission is charged with formulating the long term economic development strategy for the state. The current strategy sets out an ambitious goal to make Washington the most creative, fertile and attractive investment environment for innovation in the world by 2020.

The Next Fifty continues through Oct. 21 with events, attractions and family activities focusing on Arts, Culture and Design, History, Global Health, Learning, Commerce and the Innovation Economy, and Civic Action. For more information on The Next Fifty and Seattle Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.