Above: The Cub competing team, Lego Nerds, taking third place for their idea, Art for the Visually Impaired take a moment to have fun at the AIC photo booth. Photo by Beyond the Box.
On April 20th, the Westmark Hotel was abuzz with excitement as the UAF College of Business and Security Management hosted the annual UAF Arctic Innovation Competition (AIC). Thirteen top competitors demonstrated the transformative power of innovation throughout the day. AIC attracts competitors of all ages and showcases a diverse array of innovations, including inventions, designs, apps, and start-ups.
AIC features several divisions, including the main division for adults (ages 18+), JR (ages 13 to 17), and Cubs (ages 12 and younger). Over $45,000 in cash prizes and Alaska 529 scholarships were awarded to the top winners across all divisions, showcasing the competition's and community’s commitment to supporting innovative endeavors.
Returning Youth Competitors
Notably, many of the AIC competitors hailed from younger demographics, highlighting a growing trend of youth involvement in innovation. These aspiring innovators, some of whom had previously competed, brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the competition, proving that age is no barrier to creativity. Not only has AIC fostered innovation in the younger demographics but it has created a growing enthusiasm in those competitors. Although AIC’s rules state competitors must sit a competition year following any top prize wins, our youth competitors use that time to continue innovating. This year the following youth returned to AIC:
- Grail and Revelation "Revy" Conley, captured first place in the Cub Division after presenting Get A Grip! Last year, Revy presented his idea, Waste to Wonder, winning an honorable mention and the Fan Favorite at the finals.
- Denali Walrath from Nome, a Cub competitor who placed second with her brother Dylan in the AIC 2021 for the Easy Stop Sled and she took first place in the AIC 2023 for the Animal Alert, was a featured guest speaker.
- Danika Dawley who placed first in AIC with her idea Back-Up Buoy, brought home the top prize in the JR Division again this year for her idea Ear Buddies, a better earbud system for windy conditions.
Main Division Winners
Anchorage resident Finn Oestgaard emerged as the main division winner with his modernistic concept, FINN - Redefining Rigid Gear Storage. His concept is a specialized tote, designed for extreme weather conditions while maintaining durability and versatility. AIC judges were captivated by his pitch while being able to envision FINN as a revolutionary product for fellow Alaskans and outdoor enthusiasts. Oestgaard's innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirit earned him not only the $15,000 grand prize, but also two $2,000 kicker awards - one for the best Arctic idea and another for the best sustainable idea.
Winning the UAF Arctic Innovation Competition is a major validation of my idea, offering significant support beyond my friends and family. The experience boosted my confidence in my idea's potential and its journey. It's been a challenging road, and receiving these awards is a huge morale boost. Seeing the creativity of young adults and kiddos, and their confidence in presenting ideas, is truly inspiring. AIC establishes a foundation of skillsets they’ll need in the future. - Finn Oestgaard
Left: Finn Oestgaard watches presentations in the crowd as he rests his feet on the prototype for his award-winning tote. Photo by Philipp Moosmayer.
AIC showcased a wide range of concepts and proposals addressing climate challenges, transportation solutions, and everyday Alaska winter challenges. Among them, Daniel and Amber Reichardt, along with UAF graduate student Thimira Asurapmudalige, received recognition for Alaska Tank Sensor, a wireless sensor for home heating fuel and water tanks. Their innovative solution provides real-time monitoring and automatic alert notifications, ensuring homeowners never run out of essential fluids. This team of returning competitors placed third collecting $3,500 and also received an additional $2,000 as the winners of the Alaska student kicker prize.
JR Division Success
In the JR division, Danika Dawley, returning North Pole High School student, impressed the judges with her invention, Ear Buddies. The concept of a fabric shield for earbuds that effectively reduces wind feedback enhances the listening experience during outdoor activities. Dawley's ingenuity earned her first place and a $1,000 cash prize and $2,000 for her Alaska 529 account, which may be used at at nearly any accredited college, university, vocational, trade, or graduate institution in the U.S.
Cub Division Champions
Brothers Grail and Revy Conley stole the spotlight in the cub division, for youth 12 and under, with their innovative solution for winter-driving challenges. Their concept, Get a Grip!, features cost-effective wire-mesh tire sleeves designed to improve traction and make the roads safer to drive on. This duo also won the division fan favorite award and $2000 for their Alaska 529 account, an educational tax-free savings plan
Below: The Conley brothers proudly showing off their multiple winnings. Photo by Sarah Lewis, Sarah Lewis Photography.
Below: Grail and Revy Conley on stage receiving their big checks from CBSM Dean Cameron Carlson, Soumitra Sakhalkar, Kinross Alaska's Joshua Mattacchione, and Alaska 529's Shea Bredlie.
AIC continues to serve as a platform for innovators to turn their ideas into reality while making a positive impact on society. With each presentation, participants demonstrate not only their creativity but also their dedication, perseverance, and courage to pursue their dreams. As we celebrate the achievements of this year's winners, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and innovation sparked by Alaska's original idea contest.
Want to discover more about AIC 2024?
- View the fabulous photos.
- See the complete list of 2024 winners.
- Review the event program.
- This nifty web page showcases the idea summaries and videos from competitors.
- Relive the moment by watching the live-stream recording.