Arctic Innovation Competition finals scheduled Oct. 21
October 18, 2017
The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management will award $30,000 in cash prizes Saturday, Oct. 21, after the final round of presentations in the 2017 Arctic Innovation Competition.
The competition, presented by Usibelli Coal Mine, is now in its ninth 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, live music and guest Shalane Frost, the 2016 AIC second prize and Fan Favorite winner, sharing her winning experience. Frost will give an update on her idea for The NoseHat, a malleable nose and cheek cover for use during outdoor recreation in winter.
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, $3,000 for third place, $1,000 for fourth place and 11 awards of $100 each. Competitors from the junior and cub divisions, sponsored by Kinross Fort Knox, will share $3,800 in cash prizes. Other sponsors include Northrim Bank, Robinson and Ward, Brad Feld and Amy Batchelor.
Junior division finalists include Ethan Weston, a 14-year-old from Fort Wainwright, whose team will present the Electronic Sidewalk. The sidewalk uses recycled rubber to generate energy when stepped on.
“I am excited to share this idea and see how people react to it,” Weston said. “With the prize money, we may be able to build a prototype and invest the rest in developing the idea.”
Intriguing entries in the main division include Restangles, Arctic Armor Spill Recovery, Your Kitchen Startup, Jaw Logic and Zipr Shift Klos — Modern Sustainable Closure.
The public is invited to attend. All attendees will be eligible to win a pair of Ravn Alaska tickets, along with other door prizes.
ON THE WEB: www.arcticinno.com