UAA students, Anchorage community partners awarded for innovative solutions

The University of Alaska President’s Innovation Challenge brought university students together with community partners to solve top-of-mind issues in Anchorage. A judging panel of community leaders awarded three teams for their innovative solutions addressing locally submitted problems.

Team Early Childhood took home the $5,000 first prize. They pitched a kid-friendly cafe that would combine a unique play area with healthy food options. Their prize includes help from the University’s Center for Economic Development to implement the idea.

The University of Alaska’s goal is to extend the challenge to the Fairbanks and the Southeast campuses next year.