Closing Ceremony of Snjallræði – Iceland’s First University Accelerator

The teams participating in the university accelerator Snjallræði presented the outcomes of their work at the Snjallræði Harvest Festival, held on Thursday, 11 December at Nauthóll. The event was moderated by Svava Björk Ólafsdóttir, Innovation Project Manager at the University of Akureyri, and was opened by the Mayor of Reykjavík, Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir.

Heiða Björg emphasised the importance of developing projects that create social value. She cited examples of initiatives that originated within Snjallræði and have since become part of the city’s infrastructure.

Oddur Sturluson, Project Manager of Snjallræði, introduced the programme to guests, after which the participating teams delivered their final presentations. A panel discussion followed, featuring Þórey Einarsdóttir, Managing Director of the University of Iceland Science Park; Þorsteinn Kári Jónsson, Head of Sustainability at JBT Marel; and Einar Mäntylä, Innovation Advisor at Orkidea.

At the conclusion of the event, Ásgeir Jónsson, lecturer at the School of Business and Economics at Reykjavík University and one of Snjallræði’s coaches, presented recognitions to the teams. In addition to Ásgeir, Svava Björk Ólafsdóttir and Oddur Sturluson have served as coaches in Snjallræði this year.

Positive Impact on Society, the Environment, and the Economy

Over the past four months, the teams have worked with great dedication to develop and refine project ideas that aim to have a positive impact on society, the environment, and the economy. This year, a total of nine teams participated in Snjallræði.

We are proud to support impactful, idea-driven projects that are still at an early stage. Collaboration among participants, combined with guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, fosters a vibrant platform for innovation in its early stages. The diversity of the projects clearly demonstrates the strength and potential of social innovation.

Says Oddur Sturluson, Project Manager of Snjallræði.

The teams this year

Charbo
With Charbo, the intention is to transform organic waste into safe and nutritious fertiliser to improve Icelandic soil, stimulate plant growth, and reduce the need for imported fertiliser. The team consists of Sigrún Emelía Karlsdóttir and Liam O'Malley.

Gleipnir Lífsmiðja
Gleipnir Lífsmiðja is a biotechnology company that harnesses the genetic potential of yeast and uses design biology to create revolutionary solutions in drug development. The team consists of Guðjón Ólafsson and Henný Adolfsdóttir.

Tón-tyngi
Tón-tyngi is a platform for an electronic song bank, with lyrics, sheet music, audio files and teaching materials, which would be accessible to a wide group of users of professionals, parents and teachers. The team consists of Helga Rut Guðmundsdóttir, Aleksandra Kozimala, Adam J. Switala and Natalia Duarte Jeremías.

E-Lísa
E-Lísa is a new approach in geothermal energy that increases output, reduces risk, and extends the lifespan of geothermal wells. E-Lísa is about increasing energy productivity in a safe and cost-effective way — in both conventional geothermal systems and ultra-hot geothermal systems. Guðjón Helgi Eggertsson runs the project.

Immigrant Inclusion
Immigrant Inclusion focuses on the inclusion of people of foreign origin with an emphasis on civic and democratic participation. The project is led by Magnea Marinósdóttir.

Araxni
Araxni is focused on producing strong and environmentally friendly spider silk for use in the healthcare and technology sectors. The team consists of Mikael Norðquist og Heiðrún Inga Guðmundsdóttir.

GeoMerge
GeoMerge focuses on developing innovative solutions for managing geothermal reservoirs and technologies that enhance the performance and sustainability of geothermal areas. The team consists of Agata Rostran Largaespada, Ximena Guardia Muguruza and Guðjón Helgi Eggertsson.

Vera
Vera develops solutions that bridge gaps in services and communication, empowering individuals in vulnerable situations and helping to make the healthcare and welfare systems more efficient and humane. The team consists of Sigríður Kristínu Hrafnkelsdóttir, Hildur Harðardóttir and Birna Björnsdóttir.

CO2 conversion
CO2 conversion involves the intelligent design and discovery of materials to capture CO₂ and convert it into an environmentally friendly fuel under environmentally friendly conditions using electrocatalysis. The team consists of Younes Abghoui, Mohammad Awais and Mohammad Reza Khaniha.

Lengi býr að fyrstu gerð
Lengi býr að fyrstu gerð is about designing school menus with nutritious food, cooked from scratch, intended to introduce children to different ingredients and reduce food waste. The team consists of Kristín Petrín Pétursdóttir and Fannýja Kristín H. Maríudóttir.