Why Reykjavík Science City?
In the middle of the North Atlantic is quite possibly the perfect place to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and engineers. We are a small nation that has managed to thrive in extremes. Throughout our history, we’ve made the most of limited resources and solved problems by improvising the best we could with what we had.
Experience has led to strengths that have enabled us to specialize. We are collaborative and creative thinkers in science, academia, business, and creative industries, solving tomorrow’s challenges through sustainable Green-tech, Blue-tech, and life sciences.
Society
Those who follow many of the global indexes recognize how consistently high Iceland ranks in them. Iceland consistently ranks at the top of the United Nations’ Human Development Index, is first in the Global Gender Gap Report, and is LGBTQ+ friendly. Iceland has a low crime rate, with violent crimes being practically non-existent, and ranks at the top of the IEP’s Global Peace Index. In fact, Icelandic police do not carry guns. Children often play outside unsupervised from an early age, returning only when their dinner or curfew time arrives.
Sectors
Iceland’s abundance of geothermal and hydro energy, rich fishing grounds, and experimental setting for drug discovery were factors in its trajectory of developing advanced Green-tech, Blue-tech, and life sciences sectors.
Opportunities
For researchers
For researchers in Reykjavík Science City, there is fertile local and international cooperation. Iceland participates in numerous cooperative European programs, including Horizon Europe and the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
For students
Reykjavik Science City has two world-class universities within a 5 km (3 miles) radius, educating the next generation of environmentalists, scientists, and engineers in renewable energy, environmental studies, and environmental engineering.
For investors
Iceland offers numerous opportunities for foreign investors where an advanced economy and educated workforce combine with low corporate taxes.
UI Science Park
The Science Park aims to promote the public good and collaboration with companies, research institutions, and other universities to strengthen ties and support value creation.