Competition Theme

The Alaska Marketplace is an initiative that recognizes, celebrates, and nurtures true grassroots innovators in becoming successful entrepreneurs who will help shape the future of Alaska as a great state with a formidable economy. To ensure a proposal's best chance of success in rural Alaska, all Innovative Ideas must fall within the theme of Innovations for Thriving Communities described below.

Innovations for Thriving Communities
Innovations for Thriving Communities is a broad theme that pays tribute to dynamic world we all live in. Innovative Idea Applications will only be considered if they fall under the theme and the sub-themes described below. This theme is intended to encompass the myriad different ways that Alaskans can find success in our changing world.

Sub-themes that may be incorporated into an Alaska Marketplace Idea Application include the following:

• Affordable Energy - Innovative ways to implement affordable, renewable & alternative energy sources.
• Practical Use of New Technology - Practical use of new technology to create village enterprises, such as use of cell phones or digital media.
• Innovative Ideas to Reduce the Cost of Living - Such as cooperatives or various sharing arrangements that have very practical results and can be replicated in other communities and possibly scaled up.
• Investing in People - Innovative ideas to encourage life-long learning and enable people to thrive in a rapidly changing world, full of hope and optimism.
• Rural Housing of the Future - Incorporating energy efficiencies and new cost-effective designs in innovative ways which celebrate traditional cultures and promotes community pride.