Universities join forces for Snjallræði

The country's first joint university accelerator

Snjallræði is a university accelerator for social innovation, where entrepreneurial teams, research teams, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs get the chance to work purposefully on solutions, products, or projects that could matter for the future. The accelerator is aimed especially at scientists, students, and staff at the universities, but is also open to anyone passionate about strong ideas with social value.

What sets Snjallræði apart lies not least in the strong collaboration between the university community, industry, and the international innovation environment. Snjallræði is Iceland's first joint university accelerator and a collaborative project between the University of Iceland, Reykjavík University, and the University of Akureyri.

A collaboration that strengthens ideas

The collaboration between the three universities creates a strong platform for projects arising from studies, research, expertise, and entrepreneurship. Here, different perspectives, experience, and networks come together to help teams sharpen their ideas, test assumptions, and find a realistic way forward.

The accelerator is run in collaboration with MIT DesignX and is based on its methodology. This includes an emphasis on design thinking, startup design, critical questioning, and purposeful development of ideas from problem to solution. Participants get access to teaching and training from domestic and international experts in social issues and innovation, as well as meetings with experienced mentors.

For teams with an idea that matters

Snjallræði is not only for projects that are already far along. The accelerator also suits teams with an idea at an early stage, research with potential for practical application, a startup in formation, or a solution that needs clearer direction, networks, and support to grow.

Applicants must apply as a team. Teams can be made up of students, university staff, researchers, entrepreneurs, experts, or others who complement each other and want to work together to develop an idea further.

Clearer direction and stronger next steps

Participants go through a focused process working with understanding the problem, shaping solutions, users, social impact, execution, storytelling, and next steps. The goal is for teams to come out of the accelerator with a clearer vision, stronger foundations, and better preparation to move their projects forward.

Open for applications from across the country

Special emphasis is placed on encouraging teams from all over the country to apply. Social challenges differ by location, field, and group, and good ideas emerge in many places. Snjallræði wants to reach people who want to use their knowledge, experience, and creative drive to develop solutions that matter.

The application deadline closes on August 27 at 23:59.

APPLY HERE