Innovation Centre

University Association of South Iceland

The purpose of the Innovation Centre is to support and strengthen entrepreneurship in South Iceland. It aims to increase entrepreneurs’ knowledge and understanding of innovation, product development and marketing, helping to develop more well-defined and viable projects in the region.

This also helps entrepreneurs become better prepared to secure funding, whether through competitive funding programmes, seed funds or other sources of finance. The aim is to support the development of new products and services in South Iceland and contribute to the creation of new jobs in the region.

The Innovation Centre is operated by the University Association of South Iceland. Entrepreneurial mentoring and support is provided in collaboration with advisors from the Association of Local Authorities in South Iceland (SASS), FabLab Selfoss and Atorka, as well as mentors from the South Iceland community.

The Innovation Centre provides entrepreneurs with a dedicated workspace at the University Association of South Iceland, along with professional guidance tailored to the individual needs of each entrepreneur. Several entrepreneurs can use the Centre at the same time, creating opportunities for valuable peer support and collaboration. If you believe your project could benefit from this environment, we encourage you to find out more about the Innovation Centre.

Further information

The Innovation Centre is open every day from 07:00 to midnight.

For further information:

Who can use the Innovation Centre?

Anyone interested in developing or testing an idea for a product or service may apply for workspace at the Innovation Centre, subject to availability.

What facilities and services are available?

The Innovation Centre provides office space in a room with four workstations. Each workstation includes an internet connection, monitor, keyboard, mouse and office chair. Entrepreneurs bring their own computers.
Access to FabLab Selfoss at Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurlands is also available by arrangement with the FabLab manager. Workstations at the Innovation Centre may be shared by two users. Lockable storage cabinets are available for personal belongings and documents that users wish to keep on site.
Users also have access to a staff kitchen, although they provide their own coffee, food and other refreshments. Meeting rooms equipped for video conferencing are also available.

While using the Innovation Centre, entrepreneurs have access to advisors from the University Association of South Iceland, who can support them in developing their ideas and projects according to their individual needs. Advisors can also assist with applications for project funding, for example through the South Iceland Development Fund, Rannís funding programmes and other funding opportunities.

How do I apply for a place?

Staff from the University Association of South Iceland meet with applicants to discuss their needs, the type of workspace required and the proposed duration of their stay before an agreement is finalised.

An agreement is then made between the entrepreneur and the University Association of South Iceland, specifying the duration of the arrangement, the areas of innovation, product development or marketing the entrepreneur intends to work on, and the type of advisory support they may require.

How long can I use the facilities?

An initial agreement is made specifying how long the entrepreneur wishes to use the Innovation Centre and its advisory services.
The initial period is a minimum of one month and a maximum of six months. At the end of this period, the need for continued support is reviewed, and the agreement may be extended for up to a total of 12 months.

How much does it cost?

Fees are kept to a minimum.
A refundable ISK 2,000 key-card deposit is charged and returned when the access card is handed back.
The monthly fee for workspace at the Innovation Centre and access to advisory services ranges from ISK 10,000 to ISK 15,000 per month, depending on the length of the agreement.