2016 Winners Announced

Twelve finalists from around Northwest BC displayed their innovations and competed for thousands of dollars in cash prizes at SNCIRE's third annual 2016 Northwest Innovation Challenge in Terrace last week. And the winners are....

Thrive North Commercialization Prize $2,500
Awarded to the innovation considered to have the best potential for commercialization. Sponsored by Futurpreneur Canada as part of the ThriveNorth Initiative. 
55north Hopyard Trial (now 'Hazelton Hops') - Laurie Gallant and Bill Crosson of New Hazelton

Mountain Prize $1,200 - Best Innovation
Awarded on strength of innovation, regional relevancy, impact, appeal of display, enthusiasm and potential for commercialization.
Sponsored by Spectra Energy and Prince Rupert LNG.

Heat Recovery and Control System in a Standalone Biomass Gasification CHP (Combined Heat & Power) System - John Egenolf of Smithers 

Tree Prize $800 – Runner-Up Innovation
Awarded on strength of innovation, regional relevancy, impact, appeal of display, enthusiasm and potential for commercialization. 
Sponsored by Spectra Energy and Prince Rupert LNG.
Quadracycle - Norman Wagner, Jarrod Fregin, Cole Sankey and Ken-Li Peerless of Haida Gwaii 

CityWest Regional Relevance Prize $1,000
Awarded for the innovation that best addresses the needs and opportunities of Northern B.C., the innovation that is most clearly "of the North, for the North”. Sponsored by CityWest.
Skeena Chinampa - Hans Seidemann of Prince Rupert 

Bio-Product Prize $1,000
Awarded for the most innovative use of a bio-product. Sponsored by Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, SNCIRE and Central Mountain Air/Hawkair.
Microbial Film Power Generation - Aaliyah Mahboubi of Prince Rupert 

People’s Choice Award $500
Voted on and chosen by anonymous public ballot. Sponsored by Bulkley Valley Development Association (BVEDA).
Centre pin float reel - Anika Juergensen of Terrace
 

Door Prize - 20 minute Helicopter Flight
Sponsored by Canadian Helicopters.
Finalist Jarrod Fregin of Haida Gwaii

$250 was also awarded to each finalist before the event to create a display for the Northwest Innovation Challenge. Sponsored by Rotary Clubs of Terrace and Prince Rupert, Stanted, McElhanney, Lakelse Financial, EventHostBC, the Wolfe family and SNCIRE.

The Northwest Innovation Challenge is an annual event that aims to celebrate and support innovation and innovators in Northwest BC.

Photos on SNCIRE's facebook page!