Arctic Innovation Competition finals and awards set for April 18

April 6, 2026

缅北禁地 College of Business and Security Management will host the annual UAF Arctic Innovation Competition, Finals and Award Ceremony at the 8 Star Events Center on Saturday, April 18, from 1-6 p.m. 

Attendees will have the chance to win door prizes from The Lodge at Black Rapids, Bucko鈥檚 Coffee and more. There will be hors d'oeuvres and a chance to mingle with the competitors.

The competition, presented by Usibelli Coal Mine, invites innovators from North America to present new and innovative solutions, inventions and business ideas that are judged by local engineers and business experts. Over $45,000 will be awarded in cash prizes and scholarships, including awards from Alaska529.

Ryan Tinsley and Stacey Fritz, Arctic Innovation Competition main division champions, hold their first-place check surrounded by representatives from Usibelli Coal Mine and UAF officials.
Sarah Lewis Photography
AIC main division champions Ryan Tinsley, left, and Stacey Fritz, right, hold their first-place check. With them are, from left, Justin Seavey of Usibelli Coal Mine; Lisa Cassino Putnam, vice president of public relations for Usibelli Coal Mine; College of Business and Security Management Dean Cameron Carlson; and former UAF Chancellor Daniel White.

AIC is open to competitors of all ages and is a way for individuals to gain exposure on new business ventures, practice pitching to an audience, or strengthen their idea through feedback from industry professionals. Competitors are divided into three divisions, including Main (18 and above), and two youth divisions, JR (13-17) and Cub (12 and under), sponsored by Kinross Alaska.

This competition ties into UAF CBSM鈥檚 mission to benefit the communities within Alaska and the Arctic through innovation in teaching, discovery and service. Additional sponsors include Bettisworth North, Vicinity, and founding sponsors, Design Alaska and Northrim Bank.

The public is invited to vote for their favorite ideas through , which takes place online from Friday, April 11, through Friday, April 18, at noon. Vote once for your favorite idea in each division. The winner in each division will win a Chris Marok Allstate Fan Favorite Lego trophy and a cash award of $100. 

For questions about the competition, contact AIC staff at 907-474-6518 or via email at uaf-aic@alaska.edu.