Arctic Innovation Competition
Congratulations to the 2026 champions!
The AIC finals and awards ceremony was on Saturday, April 19 awarding more than $45,000 in cash prizes and Alaska 529 educational savings funds.
Click here to view the AIC winnersABOUT 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)
2026 Cub Division winners display their award checks alongside representatives from Usibelli Coal Mine and AIC sponsors during the AIC Finals & Usibelli Coal Mine Award Ceremony.
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?
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).
2026 AIC Video
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Usibelli Coal Mine.
