Arctic Innovation Competition finals scheduled Saturday
October 14, 2014
Andrea Miller
907-474-5942
10/14/2014
The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management will award more than $25,000 in cash prizes Saturday, Oct.18 after the final round of presentations in the 2014 Arctic Innovation Competition.
The competition, in its sixth year, launched a new Cub division for ages 12 and under. Also new this year are $2,000 prize incentives for the best arctic-related idea and best idea submitted by an Alaska university student. Entrants were asked to propose new, feasible and potentially profitable ideas for solving real-life problems and challenges.
The semi-final presentations begin in the UAF Wood Center Ballroom at 11:30 a.m. and the AIC Jr. (ages 13-17) and Cub (ages 12 and under) division presentations will start at 2 p.m. The main division final four presentations will begin at 3 p.m., followed by the BP Award Ceremony and Reception at 4 p.m.
A panel of judges will choose the winners in each division. Cash prizes for the main division include a grand prize of $10,000, $5,000 for second place, $2,000 for third place, $1,000 for fourth place and 16 awards of $100 each. Competitors from AIC Jr. and Cub divisions, sponsored by Kinross Ft. Knox, will share $2,150 in cash prizes.
AIC Cub division semifinalists include Maggie Druckenmiller, who designed magnetic buttons to assist disabled people, and Amanda Elliot traveling with her family from Florida, whose anti-graffiti app allows an easy and fast way to report graffiti to the authorities.
“I entered the AIC because I have many big ideas and inventions brewing in my mind,” says Kayla Tyree, an 11 year-old who is traveling from Anchorage to compete. “My invention is a solution to a problem. I am excited that I might win a cash prize.”
Intriguing entries in the main division include: Magnetic Drum Shoe, Drone Control System and Arctic Lithium Energy System submitted by 2011 AIC finalist Father Joshua Resnick.
The public is invited to attend; all attendees will be eligible to win an Alaska Airlines ticket.
ON THE WEB: www.arcticinno.com
CONTACT: Tammy Tragis-McCook, 907-474-7042, tammy.tragis@alaska.edu
AM/10-14-14-/083-15