2019 Yukon Innovation Prize finalists selected

WHITEHORSE—Four ideas from Yukon innovators have been shortlisted for the 2019 Yukon Innovation Prize. This year’s theme is clean technology. Each finalist will receive $10,000 to further develop their idea and compete for the $60,000 grand prize. 

• Cody Reaume and Thomas Jacquin’s project proposes the development of an intelligent device to monitor and control Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) units in homes.

• Sabrina Clarke’s Yukon Wigglers project proposes the supply of ready-to-use vermicomposting kits that will be made almost completely from local materials.  

• Shane Wolffe’s project proposes using solar air heating to improve ventilation rates, reduce heating costs, and combat other indoor air-quality issues, including household mold.  

• Michael Gerasimoff’s project proposes repurposing the principle of ‘static cling’ to remove harmful particles from the smoke emitted from wood-burning appliances. 

A selection committee comprised of economic development professionals, entrepreneurs, and Yukon College staff reviewed 30 proposals to select four ideas with high market and commercialization potential. 

All four finalists will spend the next two months further developing their idea to provide evidence of its economic viability. Then they will submit their refined proposals to compete for the grand prize of $60,000 and the opportunity to bring their idea towards fruition. 

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 innovation and support Yukon innovators. 

The grand prize winner will be announced in June. 

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