Got a Big Idea for the North? Nominations Are Now Open for the Arctic Inspiration Prize

2025InnovationArctic Inspiration Prize

Got a Big Idea for the North? Nominations Are Now Open for the Arctic Inspiration Prize

For over a decade, the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) has been helping Northerners turn bold, community-driven ideas into lasting change. It’s the largest annual prize of its kind in Canada, awarding up to $ 3 million each year to projects that strengthen language, culture, health, education, the environment, and the economy across the North.

The Arctic Inspiration Prize is about celebrating Northern vision, leadership, and innovation. Past winners have shown what’s possible when communities take the lead:

a $1 million initiative in the Yukon to reclaim First Nations midwifery and reproductive health care through a culturally rooted birth centre;

land-based learning programs in the Northwest Territories that give Indigenous youth entrepreneurship skills while connecting them to Elders and the land;

Inuit-led harvesting camps in Nunavik that tackle food insecurity while reviving traditional practices;

and youth-led clean energy projects that combine technical skills with Dene knowledge to address climate change.

These are long-term, community-driven solutions that create ripple effects for years to come.

Key Dates to Remember

Every Arctic Inspiration Prize journey starts with an idea, a team, and a shared commitment to making a difference. This year’s timeline is:

September 2, 2025 – Nominations open

October 20, 2025 – Letters of Intent / Inspiration Proposals due (optional)

January 19, 2026 – Nominations close

May 2026 – Winners celebrated at the AIP Ceremony in Whitehorse, Yukon

Opportunities for Every Stage and Size of Project

There are three prize categories, offering opportunities for projects of all sizes — from the $1 million prize for an exceptional team, to prizes of up to $500,000, to Youth Prizes of up to $100,000.

Need help with your nomination?

Webinars and guidance from regional managers are available to help with the application process. Youth also have access to extra support through Infuse by Small Economy Works, a free program that breaks the process into manageable steps, offers coaching and mentorship from past laureates, and even provides micro-grants along the way.

Your Turn to Make a Difference

Whether your vision is to create a community arts space, preserve language and culture, improve health and wellbeing, or address environmental challenges, this is your chance to make it real.

More details, nomination guides, and inspiring stories from past winners are available now on the Arctic Inspiration Prize website

Your idea could be next — and the North is ready to celebrate it.

The Rideau Hall Foundation is proud to serve as the southern operational support partner of the Arctic Inspiration Prize.

Got a Big Idea for the North? Nominations Are Now Open for the Arctic Inspiration Prize