Arctic Innovation Competition awards over $45,000 for creative ideas

 

A durable storage tote for expeditions took the top prize in the 2024 Arctic Innovation Competition’s main division.

The competition awarded more than $45,000 in cash prizes and scholarships on Saturday, April 20, at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel.

More than 70 competitors from across North America participated in Alaska’s original idea contest, submitting novel startup business, product, app or service concepts.

The UAF College of Business and Security Management hosts the competition, and Usibelli Coal Mine is the presenting sponsor.

Finn Oestgaard won the top prize and $15,000 in the main division (ages 18 and above) with his idea, FINN — Redefining Rigid Gear Storage. The tote is specialized for gear storage and outdoor excursions in the Arctic and other places with extreme weather. Oestgaard also received two $2,000 kicker awards in the competition’s sustainable and Arctic categories.

“They’re super tough, you can jump on them,” Oestgaard said as he sprang onto his prototype. “Potential users are endless: mining, oil, gas, guiding companies and more. It seamlessly integrates with platforms used in remote, rural areas, including snowmachines, four-wheelers, boats and airplanes.”

In the junior division (ages 13-18), Danika Dawley, a returning AIC competitor from North Pole High School, took first place with Ear Buddies and received a $1,000 prize. The light fabric shield protects earbuds from the wind, reducing feedback while listening to music and running. 

Grail and Revy Conley won first place and the fan favorite award in the cub division (ages 12 and younger), winning $600. They proposed wire-mesh sleeves for tires as a cheap and efficient way to improve traction on icy roads.

“There’s a problem,” Grail said. “Driving in winter is hazardous and snow tires are too expensive. SipingSleeves will help provide traction for all people in Arctic communities.”  

In the youth divisions, sponsored by Kinross Alaska, Alaska529 donated eight $2,000 scholarships to all placing competitors, a randomly drawn youth who submitted an idea and one teacher who encouraged students to participate.

Additional sponsors include GCI, the Alaska Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, Design Alaska and Northrim Bank.

For a complete list of winners, visit the AIC website. The full event was livestreamed and is available to watch on YouTube. AIC submissions for 2025 will be accepted in the fall.

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