The largest course taught at Reykjavik University is Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which students from most departments take over three weeks at the end of their first or second year of study. The award ceremony took place at RU on Friday, May 16th.

The winning team this year is Viro, with a project focused on developing virtual reality (VR) technology for paramedic response training. Their solution aims to replace current training methods, which are often time-consuming and unrealistic, with immersive and accessible VR simulations. It also enhances access to educational materials for ongoing and continued education.

The team was composed of Daníel Unnar Ólafsson, Ingólfur Freyr Guðnason, and Tinna María Þorleifsdóttir, students of computer science; Samúel Þórir Grétarsson, a student of energy and mechanical engineering; and Þóra Þórðardóttir, a law student. The idea was sparked when one of the team members recently accepted a summer job within the police.

Originally, the concept was to allow users to virtually experience arriving at an accident scene, helping them prepare for real-life emergency situations. After consulting with professionals who regularly respond to such incidents, the team realised that this solution could play a key role in the future of training first responders, such as paramedics.

Since it is challenging to prepare individuals in advance for such roles, and progress in this area has been limited, the team sees a strong opportunity to leverage modern technological advancements. The group has not yet decided on the next steps for Viro but is currently exploring the opportunities available and has received positive feedback.

Second place was secured by the team Búhald for their solution, Allt búið á einum stað, a platform offering a centralised digital resource for farmers, aiming to streamline farm management and operations.

The team was composed of law student Haraldur Johannessen, along with computer science students Manwin Georg Edselsson, Orri Ársælsson, Stefán Örn Gíslason, and Tómas Karl Róbertsson.

Third place was awarded to the team behind the project House of Njörður, developing a non-whey fish-based protein powder. The team includes computer science students Daniel Z. El Deen K. Al Hennaw, Hólmsteinn Orri Egilsson, and Telma Ósk Þórhallsdóttir; energy and mechanical engineering student Ragnar Frandsen; and law student Viktoria Kristín Arnardóttir.