Innovator wins $60k Yukon Innovation prize

Whitehorse – Cold Climate Innovation (CCI) of the Yukon Research Centre, and Government of Yukon’s Economic Development have chosen a winner for the Yukon Innovation Prize (YIP). Adam Greetham of GroundTrax Environmental Inc. has won $60,000 to further develop an efficient radon mitigation system.

Greetham’s innovation manages radon mitigation in northern homes and buildings through a centralized control system; reducing the health risks of radon in a user friendly, and energy efficient manner. This unique system will now be moved towards commercialization with benefits to both the local economy and the environment.

“This prize has given innovators like myself confidence to move forward while providing me with a team of support and guidance that has been invaluable”, said Adam Greetham, Owner, Groundtrax. “I am thrilled to have won this prize as it provides the financial support needed to make this a reality for a small-business owner like myself”, said Greetham.

Launched in February of this year, the YIP attracted 27 submissions that were evaluated by their market and commercialization potential in the building technology, construction, and manufacturing industries. In April, four finalists were each given $10,000 to further develop their idea and compete for the grand prize of $60,000.

“Cold Climate Innovation is here to discover and support innovative ideas that benefit the local economy and environment with strong potential to become commercialized”, said Stephen Mooney, Director, Cold Climate Innovation. “This radon mitigation control system is a unique product that has great market potential not only in the north but globally”, said Mooney.

Greetham and his team used the original $10,000 to develop a working prototype, develop a radon industry network in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, and established a market analysis. He will now use the $60,000 to test his product, and review intellectual property rights with the intent of obtaining a patent.

“We are proud to support the Yukon Innovation Prize, and to encourage developing projects that contribute to the growth of Yukon’s economy,” said Minister of Economic Development Stacey Hassard. “There were some very impressive entries in this year’s competition, proving that Yukon is a leader in northern innovation.”

Greetham, like the many others who entered the contest, is no stranger to innovation; he has many ideas and looks forward to the next Yukon Innovation Prize. “I plan on winning next year too”.

For more information on the Yukon Innovation Prize, please visit our website.