Arctic Innovation Competition finals scheduled Oct. 20
October 16, 2018
The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management will award $30,000 in cash prizes Saturday, Oct. 20, after the final round of presentations in the 2018 Arctic Innovation Competition.
The competition, presented by Usibelli Coal Mine, is now in its 10th year. Competitors propose new, feasible and potentially profitable ideas for solving real-life problems and challenges.
The main division semifinal presentations begin at the Wedgewood Resort at 10 a.m., and the junior (ages 13 to 17) and cub (ages 12 and younger) division presentations will start at 1:30 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.
The day includes fan-favorite voting and guests. Piper Foster Wilder, whose 60Hertz company won the 2017 AIC grand prize, and Billy Koitzsch, whose HydroHeater won the 2011 AIC grand prize, will give updates on their ideas and share their experiences at AIC.
A panel of judges will choose the winners in each division. Cash awards in the main division will be $10,000 for the grand prize, $5,000 for second place, $3,000 for third place, $1,000 for fourth place and $100 each for 12 additional awards. Competitors from the junior and cub divisions, sponsored by Kinross Fort Knox, will share $3,800 in cash prizes. Other event sponsors include Northrim Bank, Robinson & Ward PC, Design Alaska and Fairbanks Economic Development Corp.
Main division finalists include Joshua Resnick, who has participated in two previous AICs and placed third in 2011. This year, he and his team will present Parallel Drones. These unique drones increase flight time and carry a heavier payload, allowing them to make rural deliveries, conduct wildlife tracking and help fight wildfires.
“I love this competition,” Resnick said. “Although it’d be great to win the grand prize, I really enjoy seeing the creative ideas people bring to the table and asking questions.”
Intriguing entries in the main division include Hoodillow, Smart Grip Roller, Frostlink Permafrost Thaw Detector and Quick Bites software. See the complete list of finalists.
The public is invited to attend. All attendees will be eligible to win one of many door prizes.
ON THE WEB: www.arcticinno.com
CONTACT: Andrea Miller, acmiller3@alaska.edu, 907-474-5942.