GO CAPS launches ‘Shark Tank’ simulator

The Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies yesterday started its first Innovation Accelerator program designed to be reminiscent of “Shark Tank.”

Springfield-area junior and senior high school students will pitch and develop ideas to improve businesses, the community and society through technology or systems improvements. On March 3, the GO CAPS accelerator will end with a “Shark Tank” style pitch before area businesspeople, according to a news release. On the “Shark Tank” TV show, entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas before a panel of investors.

The concept is based on CoxHealth’s Innovation Accelerator, where employees present ideas to improve the health care system.

“CoxHealth’s Innovation Accelerator creates an environment within our system that spurs, fosters and promotes innovation. We believe good employees are engaged in their company’s improvement and advancement and are empowered to be creative in solving problems,” said Scott Rogers, system director of performance integration and innovation at CoxHealth, in the release. “The GO CAPS students will be going out into a world that expects these same skills when they graduate high school or college.

“Putting them into a setting where innovation, creativity and change are rewarded will further prepare them for the real world.”

The GO CAPS event is being held through March 3 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s office, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, said spokesman Jeremy Elwood.

The GO CAPS program is a partnership between the chamber, Springfield Public Schools and 14 other southwest Missouri school districts, CoxHealth, Mercy, SRC Holdings, The eFactory and several other area businesses. Through the program, students can receive hands-on learning opportunities at more than 100 businesses each year, according to the release.

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