CBSM Staff Have Fun In the Photobooth. Amber pictured center first row. Credit: Beyond the Box
Amber Bratlie is a Business Administration major and a CBSM Student Marketing Assistant.
On April 19, competitors in this year’s Arctic Innovation Competition from across Alaska and the Lower 48 gathered at the 8 Star Events Center in Fairbanks. They traveled from as far away as Nome, Washington, and Florida to share their ideas.
With nearly 150 entries submitted this year, the most the competition has seen in six years, only 16 made it to the finals. From my perspective, working at AIC for the first time, I can safely say they all “wowed” the crowd.
Finalists in the Main Division (ages 18+), Junior Division (ages 13–17) and Cub Division (ages 12 and under) all pitched their ideas and answered questions from a panel of judges. Each idea was different, but they all had one thing in common: someone took a chance on sharing a solution that mattered to them.
I spent the day helping in the AIC activity room, sponsored by the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Meeting some of the younger competitors, I watched them play, problem-solve, and talk with UAF faculty. I noticed that these kids weren’t just here for fun. They were curious and passionate about their projects.
Nirbhuy presenting on stage his Idea on Mariculture Farming Site Assessment and Selection Tool. Credit: Sarah Lewis Photography
One standout was Nirbhuy, a fourth grader from Washington who presented a project called the “Mariculture Farming Site Assessment and Selection Tool.” His goal was to help ocean farmers better understand where to grow sea crops. After witnessing his in-depth conversation with Brian Crandall from UAF CFOS, I realized that he knows his stuff.
“Coming to Alaska is such a lifetime event. I’m glad Nirbhuy made it to the finals. This is such a great opportunity to have.” - Arun Veeramany, mother of Nirbhuy.
Left to right: Lisa Cassino Putnam (Usibelli Coal Mine), Dr. Cameron Carlson (CBSM Dean), Izzy and Ruby Meurlot, Shea Bredlie (Alaska 529), Daniel M. White (UAF Chancellor) pose for the camera with their prizes. Credits: Sarah Lewis Photography
Then there were the Meurlott sisters, Izzy and Ruby, who each made it to the finals with their individual creative projects. Izzy pitched “Pop Up Pet Therapy,” and Ruby presented “The Family Friendly Kitchen.”
When I spoke with them in the activity room, Izzy was locked in on a magnetic puzzle challenge, while Ruby moved between stations, full of energy. Their mom mentioned they’re related to an engineer, and you could tell. They brought thoughtfulness and originality to everything they did.
(L) Denali holding her inventions Ball B-Safe and Frazzled Frozen Free . Credits: Leif
Finally, I want to mention Denali Walrath, a familiar face at AIC. She has competed in this event multiple times and even returned last year to help coach other competitors.
This year, she reached the finals with two projects. Her idea, “Frazzled Frozen Free,” inspired by her hair freezing on the walk to school after swim practice, won first place in the Cub Division. Her second project, Ball B Safe, earned an Honorable Mention. As she moves on from the Cub Division, we’re excited to see what she brings to the JR Division.
At UAF, not all education happens in the classroom. What I learned from AIC is that innovation can come from a middle schooler, a scientist or a student with a passion project. This competition is more than prizes and pitches. It offers examples of creativity, confidence, and the willingness to share an idea out loud. Whether you were on stage or in the audience, it was impossible to leave without feeling inspired.
Credits:
By Amber Bratlie. Edited by Theresa Bakker.