$100,000 Yukon Innovation Prize to support food security

February 17, 2016

Cold Climate Innovation (CCI) of the Yukon Research Centre (YRC) and Government of Yukon’s Economic Development have launched the second annual Yukon Innovation Prize (YIP). Yukoners can win up to $70,000 for their innovative ideas on food security and agriculture.

Innovators are invited to compete for one of four $10,000 prizes which they can then use to further develop their idea and provide evidence of its technical and economic viability. These four finalists will then submit their refined plans to compete for the grand prize of $60,000, to be used to bring their innovative idea towards commercialization.

“We have designed this prize to support local innovative ideas that will improve the lives of Northerners,” said Stephen Mooney, Director, Cold Climate Innovation, Yukon Research Centre. “Yukon has been built on the spirit of innovation and we want to support this culture to continue to build a vibrant northern economy”.

Applicants will be asked to address the technical and economic viability of their idea and the benefits it can bring to Yukon and its communities by completing a Project Charter application.

“We are pleased to support innovative ideas for agriculture and food security solutions,” Economic Development Minister Stacey Hassard said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase Yukon innovation to northern markets, improve the lives of Yukoners, and offer alternatives to people across the North.”

The 2015 Prize was awarded to Adam Greetham in the theme of building technology. Greetham’s radon mitigation system has since been modified with the intent of commercialization.

The contest runs from Wednesday, February 17th to midnight on Sunday, March 20th. It is open to any Yukon-based resident or organization. The four finalists will be selected by March 31st.

Interested parties can attend an information session on Wednesday, February 24th at noon in the North Boardroom at the Yukon Research Centre at Yukon College.

While the YIP focuses on a thematic area each year, CCI welcomes innovative ideas year-round.

There are seven key programs that operate under YRC at Yukon College: Biodiversity Monitoring, Cold Climate Innovation, Northern Climate ExChange, NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Mine Life Cycle, Resources and Sustainable Development in the Arctic, Science Adventures, and Technology Innovation.