Arctic-born AI startup Arcnito leads a field of nine innovators tackling Alaska’s challenges
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – October 13, 2025 – Alaska just proved it’s not waiting for innovation to arrive; it’s creating it. The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Alaska Anchorage, in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and PREDICTif Solutions, hosted the state’s first-ever virtual AI Pitch Showcase on October 1 as part of Alaska Entrepreneurship Week, and the results were electric.
Nine entrepreneurs stepped up to solve problems that matter to Alaskans. Pitches included solutions like keeping rural communities connected; making Alaska’s wilderness safer; reducing food waste; and transforming how families experience the state. These weren’t Silicon Valley pitches transplanted north. These were Alaska solutions, built by Alaskans, for Alaska’s future.
Lorenzo Chu of Arcnito took home first place. Born on Alaska’s Arctic Slope in Utqiaġvik—the “Top of the World”—Arcnito is the region’s first AI startup, building a Community Calendar and Resource Navigator that help Tribal communities find events, services, and benefits in one simple hub. As the winner, he was awarded up to $50,000 in professional services from AWS and hands-on mentorship from PREDICTif Solutions, an AWS Advanced Tier Partner that specializes in turning AI ideas into real-world impact.
Cody Rice of Alaska Intelligence (AI) claimed second, and Lee Brown of Safe Wild secured third.
Industry leaders with both Alaska-focused insight and national technical experience judged the competition:
- Carlos Machuca, AI Program Director, Alaska SBDC
- Markus Shriner, Partner Territory Manager, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Jack Hood, Solutions Architect, PREDICTif Solutions
All finalists contributed innovative ideas and demonstrated the depth of talent in Alaska’s AI and entrepreneurship community. “What we saw on October 1st was more than just great pitches, it was proof that Alaska’s entrepreneurial spirit is adapting to meet our communities’ needs in bold new ways,” said Gretchen Fauske, Alaska SBDC Director of Strategy and Special Programs. “These entrepreneurs are building tools that will make life better for Alaskans across every region of our state. We can’t wait to see the participants grow, and how their solutions will strengthen our communities.”
“Watching these founders transform obstacles into opportunities is a testament to what happens when builders are given a platform,” said Jack Hood, Solutions Architect for PREDICTif Solutions. “The teams in this competition presented solutions built for Alaska’s unique challenges while demonstrating grit, resourcefulness, and the technical skill needed to make innovation real.”
“These entrepreneurs have vision,” Fauske added, “and with validation, technical expertise, and connections to partners, they can scale. The work Carlos Machuca and his team are pioneering through the AI Resource Program is just the beginning of what’s possible for Alaska.”
Alaska SBDC’s AI Resource Program
The Alaska SBDC’s AI Resource Program is built on a simple belief: Alaska shouldn’t just adopt emerging technologies, we should lead in shaping how they serve our communities. Through partnerships with industry leaders like AWS and PREDICTif Solutions, the program provides:
- Technical support for AI R&D and implementation
- Direct access to expert partners and world-class platforms
- Education tailored to Alaska businesses
- Real connections to investors, mentors, and innovation networks
By investing in these partnerships and programs, the Alaska SBDC is ensuring our entrepreneurs have everything they need to build stronger, more resilient, and more innovative communities from Ketchikan to Utqiaġvik.
Next Up: Healthcare Innovation Takes Center Stage
The momentum continues in March for the third annual Alaska SBDC Summit on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Anchorage; a full day dedicated to AI, e-commerce, and healthcare innovation. Alaska SBDC will host a live, in-person AI Pitch Showcase focused exclusively on healthcare solutions in continued partnership with AWS and PREDICTif Solutions.
“The solutions entrepreneurs develop for Alaska’s rural and remote communities could transform healthcare delivery not just in Alaska, but across the nation,” said Fauske. “AI has enormous potential to improve how we deliver care across distance, and we’re going to showcase the innovators making that happen right here in our state.”
Application details for the healthcare-focused pitch competition will be announced in the coming months.
For more information about the 2026 SBDC Summit, visit sbdcsummit.com
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About the Alaska SBDC, Amazon Web Services, & PREDICTif Solutions:
The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network and its programs, housed within the University of Alaska Anchorage, are funded by a $777,777 grant from the US Small Business Administration which is matched by $777,777 of non-federal funds. Alaska SBDC delivers expert advising, practical training, and targeted resources to equip Alaskan businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools they need for long-term success while driving economic growth across Alaska.
AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a global leader in cloud computing and AI innovation. PREDICTif Solutions is an AWS Advanced Tier Partner with 17+ years of experience in AI/ML, Generative AI, Data Analytics, and AWS cloud solutions.
Media Contact:
Harley Hedlund
Director of Marketing & Communications
(907) 786-7276