Innovation 360 at IASP Reykjavik

Space research and clean energy in Iceland’s unique environment, and the fight against climate change were top of the agenda at IASP European Division event, which took place from 3-5 May in Reykjavik, Iceland, organised by the University of Iceland Science Park.

Bringing together practitioners, researchers and experts from across Europe and beyond, it was held at Gróska business growth center. Reykjavik’s melting pot of innovation, Gróska provides space for companies of all sizes to develop new ideas in a location that encourages collaboration with universities in technological development, research, and innovation.

With welcome speeches from Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, the Mayor of Reykjavik, IASP CEO Ebba Lund and IASP European Division president Salvatore Majorana, the first day of the programme focused on international collaboration to address societal challenges, success factors and a future vision for science parks, and a look at the University of Iceland Science Park as a networking point for innovation, before moving on to space research. With a speaker from NASA appearing via video link, the session included insights from a geologist and a vulcanologist into Iceland’s unique natural environment and how it can stand in as an analogue site for planetary exploration.

They weren’t the only ones making use of Iceland’s geology: an expert in geothermal energy shared innovations from the volcano research the Mt Krafla magma testbed, alongside explorations of the path to commercial fusion energy, magma and nuclear force.

Science park managers from Finland, Germany, Spain and Iceland discussed first-hand experiences and real life stories of sustainability in their parks, while Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Iceland’s Minister of higher education, science and innovation shared insights on attracting international talent and positioning the country as a leading example on geothermal and renewable resources. Local green companies also had the chance to showcase their work: Carbfix who turn atmospheric CO2 into stone in under 2 years, and Running Tide, an ocean health company that is rebalancing the carbon cycle by moving fast carbon back to slow through innovative carbon buoys.

Reinforcing Iceland’s status as a world leader in clean energy sources, there were also technical tours to two geothermal power stations. And after all that knowledge sharing, what better than a dip in one of the country’s famous geothermal lagoons to unwind – delegates had the choice of world-renowned blue lagoon, or the ocean-facing sky lagoon to continue their networking in a truly unique environment!

Hrolfur Jonsson, CEO of University of Iceland Science Park, commented: “We have received very positive feedback from the participants, the program was very interesting and everything went well. It has been great to share local stories of innovation with our colleagues from Europe and elsewhere. We have also learned a lot and strengthened our international relationships. And gained confidence in the importance of Science Parks and the many opportunities to support innovation.”

And we already know where IASP European Division members will be meeting next year: Glasgow, UK, will be the destination, hosted by Glasgow City Innovation District! Keep an eye on the IASP website for details.