The University in the Innovation Sprint
No one present in Húsavík at the end of March could miss the whirlwind of ideas stirred up during the innovation sprint KRUBBUR. KRUBBI is a two-day competition focused on developing solution ideas related to tourism and the image of Húsavík. Companies and institutions in the area presented real-life challenges for participants to develop solutions to.
The University and SSNE (Association of Municipalities in Northeast Iceland) partnered with Hraðið, the innovation center in Húsavík that organizes the event. Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir, rector of the University, gave an opening address at the start of the sprint. Svava Björk, innovation project manager at the University of Akureyri, also played a key role by helping organize the sprint, coaching teams, and serving on the judging panel.
At the same time, Áslaug, Óli Halldórsson (Director of the Þekkingarnet Þingeyinga), and Stefán Pétur Sólveigarson (Project Manager of Hraðið) signed a cooperation agreement. Hraðið operates as a part of Þekkingarnetið (a Knowledge Network) and is primarily located at STÉTTIN, a community of institutions, companies, and individuals in Húsavík working in innovation, research, development, and knowledge-based activities. The agreement emphasizes the shared use of facilities, housing, and knowledge in the field of innovation to benefit entrepreneurs and researchers.
Northern Lights Path Takes the Prize
Participants in KRUBBI received training in innovation thinking, support in team formation and idea development, and motivation to take initiative. They worked in teams, using inspiration and data to develop ideas for new solutions. Fifteen teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges, marking the end of the KRUBBI journey and the beginning of turning these projects into reality.
The winners of the competition were Eva Björk Káradóttir and Kamil Dąbrowski with their idea Norðurljósaslóðin (“Northern Lights Path”). The concept focuses on outdoor experiences during the darkest time of the year, where local natural gems are illuminated with special lighting reminiscent of the northern lights. Their prize included a one-year membership to Hraðið and generous gift cards for accommodation and recreational activities in and around Húsavík.
Congratulations to the winners, all participants, and organizers on a successful event and these fantastic projects. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Knowledge Network and Hraðið.