Arctic Innovation Competition
Accepting submissions for 2026!
The AIC submission deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. AKST. Bring your ideas to life and submit today!
Click here to submit your ideaABOUT AIC
All Ages
AIC welcomes competitors of all ages to enter ideas. Entries will be divided into three divisions:
- Main Division (ages 18 and older)
- JR Division (ages 13-17 years old)
- Cub Division (ages 12 and younger)
2025 Main Division winners, Ryan Tinsley (left) and Stacey Fritz show off their $15,000 check with Usibelli Coal Mine and UAF officials at the AIC Finals & Usibelli Award Ceremony.
Win up to $15,000
Top placing ideas will be awarded the following cash prizes:
Main Division
1st Place - $15,000
2nd Place - $6,000
3rd Place - $3,500
4th Place - $2,500
JR Division
1st Place - $1,000
2nd Place - $500
3rd Place - $400
Cub Division
1st Place - $500
2nd Place - $300
3rd Place - $200
Additional prizes include four Kicker ($2,000 each) prizes, honorable mentions, Fan Favorite, and Alaska 529 awards ($2,000 each).
How Ideas Are Scored
1. Utility
Who does your idea help and how does it help them?
2. Novelty
How is your idea original?
3. Feasibility
How would you make your idea a reality?
4. Value
How will this idea be profitable?
AIC 2025
Photos from AIC 2025 will be posted soon!
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Usibelli Coal Mine.
