The 2021 Yukon Innovation Prize supports innovation for recovery 

Yukon University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) and Government of Yukon have launched this year’s Yukon Innovation Prize (YIP).  The theme for the 2021 prize is “innovation for recovery” in response to the global pandemic and its impact on the territory. 

The Yukon Innovation Prize has recognized and supported innovative solutions to address local challenges since 2015. YIP prize winners have the opportunity to further develop their ideas for the benefit of the territory, Yukoners and the rest of Canada.  

“Yukoners have experienced the effects of COVID19 on their economy, health, and society; innovation can play a central role in recovering from this.” said Eoin Sheridan, Project Innovation Officer, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Yukon University. “The Yukon Innovation Prize supports Yukoners who are exploring ways to improve our lives and this year we are looking for ways that innovation can help us recover from this global pandemic and associated economic downturn.”  

There is a total of seven prizes to be won: a grand prize of $30,000 and six additional prizes of $6,500. The winners will have the opportunity to work with I&E following the competition to receive wrap-around business supports for their innovative ideas.    

"Every year the Yukon Innovation Prize showcases the territory’s top innovators and the 2021 edition promises to be no exception,” said Ranj Pillai, Minister of Economic Development, Government of Yukon. “This year’s theme of recovery during the pandemic puts a new importance on the work of the applicants. I wish them all the best of luck and I look forward to seeing their creative solutions." 

Applicants are asked to submit their creative solutions that address newly emerged challenges created by the global pandemic. Adjudicators will accept ideas that address direct or indirect challenges - particularly focused on health, society and the economy. Innovations  
related to COVID-19 precautions or testing, supply-chain instability, increased construction material costs, scheduling uncertainty, decreased tourism, remote working solutions, job market recovery or occupancy to space ratios, are examples of what would be considered relevant to this year’s theme.  

Any Yukon-based resident, organization, or business can apply before 23:59 YST on February 21, 2021. The application form and the contest details can be found on the YukonU website and the winners will be announced in March.