Innovation with Industry
Innovation and Collaboration at Reykjavik University
Reykjavik University (RU) is a hub for innovation, emphasizing collaboration with industry to create long-term value for businesses and society. By combining cutting-edge academic research with practical applications, RU fosters a dynamic environment for entrepreneurship, technological advancements, and interdisciplinary innovation.
Key Areas of Industry Collaboration
- Joint Research Projects: Partnering with industry to co-develop innovative solutions.
- Program Development: Designing new academic programs tailored to industry needs.
- Sponsorship: Supporting academic positions, student projects, and research initiatives.
- Innovation Accelerators: Facilitating student-driven projects and startup ventures.
RU also provides guidance on agreements involving intellectual property (IP), ensuring transparency and ease of implementation in licensing or commercialization processes.
Collaboration Structure
There are many things to consider when drafting collaboration agreements, especially intellectual property rights and ownership, and ensuring that the use of the results of the collaboration is transparent and easy to understand. We provide assistance with licensing new technology, which is a difficult process, and try to answer all the questions that may arise.
Contact US
Contact us if you would like to learn more about the possibilities for your company to collaborate with us on innovation in research and education.
Innovation Highlights
RU integrates innovation into every aspect of its activities, from research to student projects. Recent initiatives include:
- Spin-Off Companies: Supporting startups that transform university research into real-world applications. Examples include:
- Videntifier Technologies: Advanced multimedia search technology for law enforcement and beyond.
- FiRe (Finger Rehabilitation): Developing prosthetic arms using neural signals and electrical stimulation.
- 3Z Pharmaceuticals: Utilizing zebrafish for faster, more humane drug development.
- Student-Driven Initiatives:
Supportive Environment for Innovation
RU creates a nurturing environment for innovation through research centers, idea accelerators, and strong ties with global networks such as ASTP-PROTON and AUTM. These connections support technology transfer and collaboration with international universities and industries.
Technology Transfer and Licensing
RU emphasizes the practical application of research through technology transfer, offering companies access to intellectual property (IP) developed at the university. This includes licensing agreements for patents or direct acquisition of IP rights.
Examples of Industry Partnerships
- Iceland Geothermal: Harnessing Iceland’s geothermal potential to drive economic growth and innovation.
- Icelandic Gaming Industry (IGI): Advancing gaming education and research.
- Tourism Cluster: Enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Icelandic tourism.
- FinTech Cluster: Promoting innovation in financial technology.
Contact for Industry Collaboration
If your company is interested in exploring collaboration opportunities with Reykjavik University, including licensing technology or joint projects, please contact atvinnulif@ru.is.
RU continues to lead in fostering innovation, bridging academia and industry to create solutions that address global challenges and contribute to Iceland’s economic and technological advancement.
Seres Innovation Center at Reykjavik University
The Seres Innovation Center is a dedicated space where students can share a work environment, nurture entrepreneurial thinking, collaborate on team projects, and advance the growth of new businesses and ideas.
Who Is the Innovation Center For?
Do you have an idea you want to bring to life but need a productive workspace and a supportive community of like-minded individuals? Then the Innovation Center is for you.
Who Runs the Innovation Center?
The center is managed by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee of the Reykjavik University Student Association (SFHR). This committee, composed of students from various fields such as engineering, business, and computer science, also collaborates on the management of Gulleggið, Iceland’s largest entrepreneurial competition, in partnership with Klak - Icelandic Startups.
How to Apply
The Seres Innovation Center provides excellent facilities with stunning views of Nauthólsvík, offering an inspiring space to refine and execute business ideas. Applications are reviewed three times a year: January, May, and August.
While applications are open to everyone, priority is given to RU students and alumni. Applicants can expect to be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey and apply to the Seres Innovation Center today!
Auðna Tæknitorg
Auðna Tæknitorg – Advancing Innovation and Technology Transfer
Auðna Tæknitorg handles technology transfer for Reykjavik University and other Icelandic universities. Its mission is to ensure that scientific research generates societal impact, enhances value creation, and improves the competitiveness of the nation.
Key activities of Auðna Tæknitorg include:
- Intellectual Property Management: Protecting and managing intellectual property rights for institutions and their staff.
- Business Development: Supporting the commercialization of scientific projects.
- Startup Support: Advising on the establishment of spin-off companies and promoting them to industry and investors in collaboration with researchers.
Find Auðna Tæknitorg on:
Innovation Accelerators
Reykjavik University is a key supporter of Snjallræði, an accelerator program focused on social innovation. Additionally, RU backs KLAK and serves as the main sponsor of Gulleggið, Iceland’s largest and longest-running entrepreneurship competition.
RU is actively involved in shaping these initiatives, with representatives on the steering committees for Snjallræði and Gulleggið, as well as participation in the judging panels for Gulleggið.
Through these efforts, RU and Auðna Tæknitorg continue to drive innovation, support entrepreneurship, and contribute to societal progress.
Snjallræði – Incubator for Social Innovation
Snjallræði is a 16-week incubator program designed to support dynamic teams passionate about solving contemporary challenges while promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The incubator fosters innovation aimed at addressing societal issues and provides a vital platform for social startups.
Focus Areas
Snjallræði emphasizes sustainability in innovation, helping early-stage startups develop solutions that directly support one or more of the SDGs. The program guides participants from initial ideas to actionable solutions.
Origins and Structure
Founded by Höfði Peace Centre in 2018, Snjallræði has successfully run three cohorts since its inception. Managed by KLAK in collaboration with MITdesignX, the program centers on workshops featuring experts from MIT who share their knowledge and experience.
Program Highlights
Participants benefit from:
- Education and training from local and international experts in social innovation.
- Workshops on societal challenges and innovative solutions.
- Mentorship from experienced professionals.
Snjallræði provides an unparalleled environment for social entrepreneurs to develop impactful ideas and create sustainable solutions for the future.