Entrepreneurs up to 40 years of age can participate. The business idea or startup must not be older than five years. While applicants can be from any country, their project must demonstrate clear relevance to the Arctic region. Both early-stage ideas and established startups are welcome to apply.
The competition particularly encourages projects within bioeconomy, clean energy, health and welfare, ocean industries, smart society solutions, creative industries, tourism, and green transition initiatives.
The award's history includes CapiPro from Norway (2024), Norwegian Eagle AI from Norway (2023), Wai Genetics from Norway (2022), Arctic Biotech Oath from USA (2020), 60 Hertz from USA (2019), and The Growcer from Canada (2018).
The deadline for applications is February 5, 2024.
Contest background
The idea of the contest came after the High North Dialogue conference in 2017 when the prominent investor Scott Minerd of Guggenheim Partners received the High North Hero Award, in recognition of his efforts to highlight the economic potential of the Arctic by promoting long-term investment in the region. Scott Minerd donated the award money to support young entrepreneurs and their business ideas. Accordingly, Nord University Business School in cooperation with Bodø Science Park launched the High North Young Entrepreneur contest for young entrepreneurs and start-ups from all over the world.
Award Winner Selection
The international jury of experts in business and innovation will evaluate your application. Three best applicants will be invited to present their ideas at the at the contest final session in Bodø, Norway during the High North Dialogue conference in March 26-27 2025. Travel costs in connection to travel to Bodø will be covered for the selected finalists.
During the final session in Bodø, three entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas to compete for first place. The High North Dialogue conference participants will vote for the best project in real-time, and the winner will be announced at the conference dinner the same day. The prize for the winning idea is a check for 50 000 Norwegian crones. All finalists will receive diplomas for participation.