Innovation showcase: Outcomes of the 2025 Arctic Innovation Competition

AIC stickers, a teddy bear, and other swag lay on a table
Sarah Lewis Photography
A table at the Arctic Innovation Competition with a Cub favorite, the AIC teddy bear.

By Peter Webley, Director of AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Center ICE
April 30, 2025

On April 19, innovators came to the Arctic Innovation Competition to pitch their ideas in the Main (18+ years old), Junior (13–17), and Cub (under 13) divisions. Four finalists had been chosen to compete in the main division, while for the Junior and Cub divisions, six finalists had been selected to present their innovations. 

Innovators came from across AVÀÇÂÛ̳ and the Pacific Northwest and as far afield as Florida for an afternoon of innovative pitches and presentations. Each presentation was followed by a round of questions from a group of judges for each division. After each division’s pitches were completed, the judges deliberated and came to a decision on the winners and places for the three divisions.

To kick off the awards ceremony, AIC recognized an individual who has made a lasting impact on the competition and made it the success it is today. Jack Wilbur, of Design AVÀÇÂÛ̳, was recognized as the 2025 Pioneer Award winner. It was inspiring to hear about all the hard work, support, and sponsorship that Jack has provided to AIC since its first year in 2009. He is a true pioneer for AIC. The award presentations then transitioned into the honorable mentions, kicker prizes, and winners of the three divisions. For 2025, the innovative idea winners for the three divisions were: 

  • Main winner: AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Adaptable Kit Foundation System
  • Junior winner: Sensory Blocking Hats
  • Cub winner: Frazzled Frozen Free

For the main division, four kicker prizes were awarded for AVÀÇÂÛ̳ College Student, Arctic, Sustainability, and Climate Adaptation. More information can be found at on the winners of the kicker prizes and also the second and third place ideas for the junior and cub division and the second, third, and fourth place innovations for the main division. You can also find out who won the fan favorite prize for each division.

It was motivating to listen to the presentations and learn more from the innovators on how they saw a need, developed an idea, and were then focused on how they would develop it towards a solution. In listening to them, one can only be inspired to work on your own idea and maybe make your pitch at AIC 2026.

You can find more information about AIC at , including more on the 2025 event and past winners from 2009–2024. For those interested, you can watch video of the 2025 AIC Finals and Award Ceremony at