This project helps improve the quality and safety of Rhodiola rosea products—a medicinal plant grown across Alaska. By creating a better way to measure the plant’s beneficial compounds, the project supports farmers and product makers in delivering consistent, high-quality supplements. The new testing method will also lay the groundwork for a future lab service at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to support Alaska’s growing Rhodiola industry.

Growing food in the Arctic is challenging due to extreme cold, permafrost, and high energy costs. Mole Farms are underground, AI-powered greenhouses that use autonomous digging robots to create insulated growing spaces below the surface, where temperatures are more stable. Inside, crops grow using hydroponic and aeroponic systems that need 90% less water than traditional farming. These self-expanding farms adapt to permafrost shifts and monitor conditions automatically, reducing the need for human labor. Mole Farms offer a sustainable, local solution to food insecurity in Arctic communities, lowering costs and environmental impact.

Our idea is simply to convert our food level electronic quality/degradation reader (a CQR3.0) into a non-lethal research device for use in fisheries by University of Alaska, Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game , NOAA and tribal organizations. The entire data throughput from measure to analysis dashboard exists and we need to 1. design, develop and manufacture biosensors (electrodes), 2) slightly change the hardware CQR to accept new biosensors, 3) add a research form to our existing app and 4) test it with NOAA, ADFG, University of Alaska and tribal organizations such as the Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association (YDFDA).

Permawall™ Ground Cooling Technology is a mechanical system that keeps frozen soil structures—like coastal embankments and retaining walls—stable and intact. Unlike passive methods, it actively controls subsurface temperatures year-round, preventing thawing that can lead to erosion or collapse. Adaptable and modular, Permawall™ uses proven cooling and control systems to respond to seasonal and long-term temperature changes. By maintaining frozen ground conditions, it helps protect critical infrastructure in Arctic and permafrost regions, even as the climate warms.

Stellar Minds is a scholarship program that supports Arctic youth by combining academic learning with mental wellness. Students earn points toward scholarships by completing online courses focused on study skills, mental health, and traditional knowledge. The platform works offline and includes culturally relevant content, making it accessible in remote communities. By addressing barriers like internet access, mental health support, and financial need, Stellar Minds helps young people thrive while honoring the strengths of northern cultures.

This idea is a durable, zippered tarp bag designed to cover and protect items in sleds, wheelbarrows, or wagons. Originally inspired by winter camping with snowmachines, it replaces the hassle of ropes with a quick-access zipper, saving time and exposure to the cold—especially in the dark. The bag keeps gear secure, prevents items from falling out, and includes features like a tough plastic bottom for sliding on ice, exterior pouches, luminous tape for visibility, and an optional zipper lock for added security. It’s a simple, practical upgrade for anyone hauling supplies outdoors.

CRISPR is a powerful tool that edits DNA to protect against viruses, and this idea extends that ability to fight cancer. Just as CRISPR detects and destroys viral DNA by using a protein to cut it, the concept proposes using this system to target and destroy cancer cells. By introducing CRISPR to dormant cancer cells, it would copy their RNA, then remove the mutations and fusions that allow cancer to grow and spread. This approach could potentially identify and eliminate cancer cells before they cause significant harm, much like how the system defends against other diseases.

LungNet is an AI-powered deep learning model designed to rapidly and accurately analyze lung cancer scans. Using a convolutional neural network (CNN), LungNet can classify images in just 2.2 seconds, streamlining the detection process and relieving radiologists from extensive manual review. With 95% accuracy after just 100 training cycles, LungNet far exceeds expectations, reducing computational costs and making it accessible for hospitals with limited resources. By improving early detection, LungNet helps doctors make faster, more informed decisions, potentially increasing survival rates by identifying cancer at earlier, treatable stages.

Family friendly kitchen has a mission to cook and serve “fast food” that’s healthy and cheaper than traditional fast food restaurants. The chef would offer cooking classes to k-12 students once a week. The food prepped will be used for the community.

The Ball-D-Safe is a crocheted sports ball that you can play with inside your house free of worry. I LOVE to crochet. And I also love sports. I play basketball and volleyball. So you may be wondering how is this safe. The ball-B-safe is a light weight ball around the shape of a volleyball/basketball. It is like a balloon But not as slow. Well one day I was crocheting and I just made a random ball and I was really bored so I started to play with it. Then I realized that it can be bumped, set and served. So I started to play with it a BUNCH. But the only problem was it has a lot of holes so I made another one. And it worked so good. Overall this is a ball made of yarn that is safe.