About

Snjallræði is a 16-week growth space (incubator) that supports powerful teams that are passionate about solutions to contemporary challenges and support the United Nations' global goals. There may be solutions related to healthcare, welfare technology, improved education systems and equality issues. Snjallræði was founded by Höfði Peace Center in 2018 and has been run six times since the beginning. The growth space is in collaboration with MITdesignX and is the focus of workshops where experts from MIT come to the country and share their knowledge. Participants get access to education and training from national and foreign experts in the field of social issues and innovation and meetings with experienced mentors.

Eleven teams were chosen to take part in the Snjallræði incubator in 2024. Over the course of 16 weeks, these teams achieved substantial progress, guided by experienced group of mentors.

Their projects spanned a wide array of issues, tackling diverse social challenges that impact individuals of all ages. This included initiatives aimed at supporting immigrants and individuals with mental health disorders, as well as projects dedicated to environmental issues and the challenges of climate change.

Snjallræði is a collaborative project of the following parties

How does Snjallræði work?

Snjallræði is a compact university accelerator that runs from September through December. Participants work systematically on developing their idea using the MIT DesignX methodology, guided by experts and mentors from the university community and industry.

The accelerator is built around four workshops, held in both Reykjavík and North Iceland. Between workshops, teams meet online for group work and mentor sessions to get support in moving their projects forward.

The accelerator concludes with a final event on December 10, where teams present their projects and the progress they've made to guests from the university community, industry, and the innovation ecosystem.

  1. Understanding

    September 11–12

    The first step is to understand the problem. Teams dive into user needs, the challenge they want to solve, and the context the idea springs from.

  2. Solution

    September 25–26

    Next the focus shifts to the solution itself. Teams develop the idea further, test assumptions, and explore how to create real value for users and society. This workshop takes place in connection with Hönnunarþing (Design Days) in Húsavík.

  3. Vision

    October 16–17

    In the third workshop, teams look further ahead. Where can the project go, who are the potential users and partners, and how can the idea grow and create impact?

  4. Execution

    November 20–21

    In the final phase of the accelerator, the focus is on making the idea executable. Teams work on next steps, the business model, funding, and how the project can continue developing after Snjallræði.

Important dates

August 20
Info session at Reykjavík University
August 24
Online info session
August 27
Application deadline
Around September 4
Teams notified of acceptance
September 11
Accelerator begins
December 10
Final event

The next step is yours.

Apply