YukonU Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Mercedes' story is one of inspiration, tradition and love for her heritage.

This feature is part of a series featuring 4 rural entrepreneurs in the Yukon.

Stay tuned for more stories in the coming weeks!

Lukas Kobler is the young Yukon-born innovator behind BioRocket: a new method of rocket propulsion using renewable fuel.

“I always wanted to be on the cutting edge of technology,” he said.

“I think innovation through the lens of commercialization is the way to achieve that while providing useful advancements for society.”

Lukas was one of the first Summer Biz School students in 2021 to build his own 3D printing business.

Later, he accessed YukonU I&E’s Innovation Fund to build components for a BioRocket test facility, while completing his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, and a minor in aerospace engineering.

With rocket launches becoming more frequent, Lukas and the BioRocket team members at University of Calgary are on a mission to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“The Innovation Fund is absolutely central to what our team does. Without it, our project would not be possible. The Innovation Fund offers a level of control and non-dilutive funding to your innovation at a very early stage,” Lukas said.

“I think people should take advantage of the unique opportunity of the Innovation Fund," he added. "If there is value in your idea, and you’re passionate and have a vision for it, I think it’s absolutely the opportunity for you.”

What's your bold idea?

Apply to Innovation Fund today and make it a reality!

YukonU.ca/Innovation-Fund

“Some people find uncertainty terrifying – for me it’s fun. I learn, and I continue to learn. I’m excited to find the next question or challenge that shows up on my radar.”

Meet Samuel Temidayo Osinubi (M.A., Ph.D) – but you can call him Dayo – an educator, researcher and innovator who is passionate about thinking outside the box – and sometimes reimagining the box entirely.

He customizes his gear, gadgets and clothing for optimal efficiency and enjoyment in all his pursuits.

While completing a post-doctoral fellowship in South Africa, Dayo began a quest for a better way to capture photos of birds, especially when the birds are flying. He worked with a technician at the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town to design SharpShooter, the first prototype for a shoulder-mounted camera gadget to stabilize his photography.

When Dayo brought his prototype to YukonU I&E, the Innovation Fund and Wrap Around Services provided structured timelines, and advisors to help refine his direction. “I&E has helped with very specific resources that have helped me to learn and grow; and provided a network and community," Dayo said.

With his focus on ornithology and climate change, Dayo has taught Yukon Wildlife Sounds I: An Introduction to Bioacoustics through YukonU Continuing Studies, and is currently supporting the University of Gaston Berger in Senegal to develop a Master's program in ornithology. He has lent his expertise to national parks, Bird Life International and NGO’s, and even lectures on expedition cruise ships.

Are you a business owner or passionate photographer ready to collaborate on the SharpShooter prototype?

Connect with Samuel Temidayo Osinubi on LinkedIn.

Inspired to build your innovative idea?

Apply to YukonU.ca/innovation-fund

Photo by Archbould Photography.

Ready for some serious holiday crafting? Join participant Erin Holm, who will host a one-afternoon-only Den Designs Holiday Wood-Print Workshop!

Sign up for Sunday, December 14 from 1–3:30pm in Erin's rural Carcross woodshop.

Learn more below!

YukonU I&E x YukonU Biological Sciences = unleashing northern growing potential.

Step inside Replic8 Technologies Lab with YukonU Biological Sciences student Sean Barnaby, a citizen of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations who plans to study medicine.

🌱 Sean is growing his skills at Replic8’s mobile plant tissue culture service and laboratory, where a single plant cutting the size of your fingertip can multiply to 1,000's!

🫐 He’s testing propagation of local haskap and raspberry varieties for favourable qualities like flavour and hardiness in cold temps.

🚚 During the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains were interrupted, and the low supplies caused issues for northern growers.

💡Joshua Callahan, Replic8 Co-Founder, witnessed the critical need for a low-cost, sustainable method to propagate plants in the North—a missing piece to food security.

Replic8 was a runner-up for the 2020 Yukon Innovation Prize.

Joshua, resident of Marsh Lake Community, also successfully applied for YukonU I&E's to de-risk and design the first lab.

🥼Funding fuelled testing the jello-like recipes in which to grow plant cuttings from local growers.

The first lab was built inside a shipping container, drastically reducing the cost, materials, and water typically required for a traditional lab.

“We're breaking down barriers, disrupting the space, and really just trying to help those who are in the plant business to succeed,” shared Joshua.

Joshua is looking ahead to propagating trees, and potentially supporting remediation projects.

Sean is excited about the potential to bring more labs and training to rural community members interested in propagating traditional plants.

Replic8 is “providing predictability, scale and certainty to anyone who's in the plant business. If you need help growing plants, getting starter materials in the thousands, we're here to help,” Joshua said.

Learn more & connect:
replic8tech.com

Apply: YukonU.ca/innovationfund

Email: [email protected]

Photography: Archbould Photography