Hrönn Greipsdóttir, CEO of The New Business Venture Fund Kría, Magnús Ingi Óskarsson from KLAK, and Ragnheiður H. Magnúsdóttir from Nordic Ignite took part in a Startup Landið workshop in Borgarnes on 2 October. During the workshop, they participated in a series of speed meetings with the teams taking part in the seven-week business accelerator.
Startup Landið
Startup Landið is a business accelerator for entrepreneurs and innovative projects in rural Iceland. A total of 14 diverse projects from across the country were selected to participate this year. The accelerator is specifically designed to strengthen economic activity, value creation and innovation in rural communities.
Startup Landið provides entrepreneurs and small businesses outside the capital area with the tools, training and expert support they need to take their ideas to the next level. Over the course of the programme, participants take part in intensive workshops, receive guidance from experienced mentors, and work on developing their business models, financing strategies and marketing.The accelerator began on 24 September and runs until early November. During this period, workshops are held at selected locations around the country, where the teams work on areas including business model development, financing and marketing their projects.
This year’s participants reflect the diversity of Icelandic innovation, ranging from food production and sustainability initiatives to health and well-being projects, technology, tourism and service solutions.
The projects participating in Startup Landið 2026 are:
- Ullarkögglar: Embracing the principles of the circular economy by producing organic fertiliser from Icelandic wool that would otherwise go to waste. (South Iceland)
- Korngrís Bjór: An innovative brewing project aiming to produce beer made exclusively from Icelandic barley. (South Iceland)
- Hólmur Heilsa og Steinunn Saunagus: Developing a health and sauna experience designed to promote well-being and strengthen tourism in the region. (Reykjanes)
- Kraftý Café: An innovative café and experience concept aimed at strengthening community and cultural life. (Reykjanes)
- Byrjum / Fjarheilbrigðistorg: A centralised digital platform bringing together remote healthcare and welfare services from specialists to ensure equal access for people living in rural areas. (Westfjords)
- Valkyrju Ævintýri: Developing year-round tourism and experiences in the Westfjords. (Westfjords)
- Snigill – smár snigill – stórt prótein: Snail farming that opens up new, sustainable opportunities for food production and protein farming in Iceland. (West Iceland)
- Sif's Hair Atelier: Specialised, natural and luxurious hair solutions designed to boost the confidence of women experiencing hair loss. (West Iceland)
- Okkar norður ehf.: A collaborative marketing model for businesses and institutions that uses digital communication to increase the visibility of the region. (Northwest Iceland)
- BlómAría: An innovative local project in the field of floriculture and design. (Northeast Iceland)
- Dálæti: The design and production of uniquely Icelandic jewellery and products that evoke nostalgia and joy. (East Iceland)
- Fjarðarhjól ehf.: Cycling and adventure tourism that makes use of the natural environment and landscape of the Eastfjords. (East Iceland)
- Syðra Holt ehf.: An organic café, workshop and production kitchen for farm products in Svarfaðardalur. (Northeast Iceland)
- AllergyID: A technology solution and app that makes it easier for people with food intolerances and allergies to find suitable food products and services. (Northeast Iceland)
