2018 Yukon Innovation Prize finalists selected

WHITEHORSE—Four ideas from Yukon innovators have been shortlisted for the 2018 Yukon Innovation Prize. The theme this year is social entrepreneurship. The finalists will each receive $10,000 to further develop their idea and compete for the grand prize of $60,000.

• Kelly Milner
  Proposed an initiative to develop a sustainable business strategy for the marketing and sales of Yukon wild fur and fur products.
• Whitehorse Community Thrift Store Steering Committee
  Proposed the creation of a space that provides access to quality, used items, promotes waste reduction and educates on patterns of consumption and disposal.
• Youth of Today Society
  Proposed youth-led initiatives aimed at building dialogue, eliminating gaps, promoting inclusiveness – all in the spirit of reconciliation through the expansion of Shakat Journal.
• Lumel Studios
  Proposed the creation of a mobile glass-blowing studio to grow connections between Yukon communities and hot glass; providing workshops and demonstrations for people in communities.

A selection committee comprised of economic development professionals, social entrepreneurs and Yukon College staff reviewed 29 proposals to select four ideas with high market and commercialization potential in the area of social entrepreneurship. Three submissions came from Yukon communities beyond Whitehorse and 55 per cent of submissions were from women.

In order to win the grand prize of $60,000, the four finalists will spend the next two months further developing their idea and must provide evidence of its societal impact, sustainability, and economic viability. The finalists then submit their refined proposals to compete for the opportunity to bring their idea towards fruition.

“Our concept has already garnered a lot of local community support. With the initial backing of the Community Development Fund, hours upon hours of volunteer commitment to date, and now becoming a Yukon Innovation Prize finalist, we believe that we will be able to create and sustain something much more than a groovy thrift store,” said Shonagh McCrindle, Whitehorse Community Thrift Store Steering Committee member.

McCrindle added, “This $10,000 award will allow us to seek out the platinum model and engage in greater innovation and community involvement. Be radical: Repair, Reuse, Redesign, Reimagine.”

The Yukon Innovation Prize was created in 2014 by Cold Climate Innovation at Yukon College and Government of Yukon’s Department of Economic Development to invigorate and support Yukon innovators.

The grand prize winner will be announced in June.

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