FAQs

Still having trouble submitting your idea?

Download the Idea Submission Form in PDF format.

You can print this form, fill out, and drop it off in person at:

1790 Tanana Loop

Bunnell Building, Suite 201

Fairbanks, AK 99775

(Office closes at 5:00 p.m.)

You can also fax the form to (907) 474-5219.

We must receive all idea submission forms no later than Friday, March 3, 2023.

Who is eligible to enter the Arctic Innovation Competition?

Anyone who has innovative ideas and is eager to share with others can join the competition. More information can be found an the Eligibility Page.

Is this an idea contest or invention contest?

This is an idea contest but inventions are also welcome.

What kind of innovative idea can I submit?

Ideas should solve a problem, resolve an unmet need, or improve on an existing product.

How do I protect my intellectual property?

The Office of Intellectual Property and Commercialization services are only available to UA faculty, staff, and students, though we're happy to chat with community members and direct them to other available resources. The Office of Intellectual Property and Commercialization is the stop for any student, staff, or faculty interested in moving their ideas and innovations into beneficial applications with societal impacts. We provide support and answer questions on the process for patenting and licensing inventions. We also provide services to help you further innovate and test ideas or inventions through Alaska Center ICE. Please direct any questions to uaf-oipc@alaska.edu or call us at (907) 474-2605, we are here to serve you!

How can I be assured my idea won't be stolen?

The UAF Arctic Innovation Competition honors the confidentiality of all participants’ concepts. Submissions will not be released or copied for any purposes other than reviewing by vetted AIC panelists. The judges also recognize the sensitivity of the materials being presented. Moreover, all participants, reviewers, judges, and committee members are informed that the following is prohibited: Utilizing for commercial gain any material provided to the University of Alaska Fairbanks specifically and restrictively for educational purposes without prior permission of the provider. As members of the Arctic Innovation Competition, all participants, judges, and committee members should consider themselves bound by this code.

Any data or information discussed or divulged in public sessions by entrants should be considered information that could possibly enter the public realm, and entrants should not assume any right of confidentiality in any data or information discussed, divulged, or presented in these sessions.

What is the deadline for submission and when is the final competition?

The deadline for submission is at 11:59 pm on Friday, March 3, 2023. The final competition will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023; additional details about this event will be released when they are available.

Can I modify my idea after submission?

Yes, you can continue editing your submission after you have submitted it, up until the competition deadline (see above).

How many ideas can I submit?

There is no limitation on the number of ideas you can submit.

How many team members are allowed?

There is no limit on the number of team members. However, only four team members can present at the final competition.

Is there any registration fee or other extra fee to enter the competition?

There is no cost for registration or to submit an idea. You will responsible for your own travel costs if you are selected to present at the final competition. However, a limited number of travel grants will be available, based on need.

Do I have to be present for the final competition?

If you are selected to be finalist you are responsible to present at the final competition, which will be held at the Wedgewood Resort in Fairbanks, Alaska on Saturday, April 22, 2023. A limited number of travel grants will be available, based on need.