Iceland Innovation Week 2026 – Reykjavík, Iceland
Overview
Iceland Innovation Week 2026 is an expansive festival that transforms the city of Reykjavík into a vibrant hub for the Nordic tech and startup ecosystem. Designed to increase the visibility of Icelandic innovation, the event brings together founders, investors, and public institutions for a series of curated sessions and side events. Unlike traditional conferences, this festival utilizes the entire city as its stage, fostering a unique atmosphere where nature and technology intersect.
The 2026 program places a significant focus on resilience and sustainability, with key themes including Defense and Dual-Use Tech, Life Sciences, and Climate Innovation. Attendees will explore how small-nation agility can solve global challenges through deep-tech applications and ethical AI frameworks. The event is renowned for its diverse activity list, which ranges from high-level panel discussions and company visits to cultural side events like an icy ocean dip, reflecting the authentic Icelandic spirit.
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Buy on AmazonA major highlight of the week is the Silicon Vikings Pitch Competition, where local and international founders compete for the title of pitching champion. The festival serves as a critical “market window” to the world, helping startups overcome scaling hurdles by connecting them with global venture capital. By integrating industry-specific tracks with community-driven networking, Iceland Innovation Week creates a fertile ground for knowledge sharing and the birth of new business opportunities in the North.
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Event Highlights
- Fermented Shark Tank: A unique and daring pitch competition where startups present their ideas to a panel of judges after participating in a traditional Icelandic culinary challenge.
- Ok, Bye Climate Summit: A specialized summit that blends hard science with performance art, focusing on actionable solutions for a post-carbon economy and climate adaptation.
- Investor Day: An exclusive program tailored for VCs and angel investors that includes private roundtables and curated networking experiences set in the Icelandic nature.
- City-Wide Side Events: A series of informal gatherings, from happy hours to company open houses, located in various venues across downtown Reykjavík to encourage organic connections.
Why Attend
Attending Iceland Innovation Week 2026 is a vital opportunity for founders looking to bridge the gap between early-stage development and global scaling. The event is ideal for entrepreneurs who value unconventional networking and want to gain direct access to the Nordic investor community in a collaborative, low-pressure environment. The festival provides a rare chance to showcase innovations in sectors like biotech and green energy to a global audience while learning from the resilience of the Icelandic market.
For investors and corporate partners, the benefit lies in discovering high-potential startups that are often overlooked in larger tech hubs. It is ideal for those seeking to diversify their portfolios with sustainable and deep-tech solutions rooted in ethical frameworks. Attendees will leave with a deep understanding of the North Atlantic innovation landscape, fortified by a network of international leaders who prioritize long-term value and impactful technology.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: 28-29 April, 2026
- Event Duration: Two days of official programming with a full week of surrounding side events
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Passes are available through the official festival website via the Fienta registration platform.
- Admission Type: Tiered passes including Startup, General, Investor, Student, and VIP options.
- Ticket Pricing: Tickets range from approximately $84 for students to $1,050 for premium startup pitching packages.
- Special Seating Options: Access to the Startup Zone and reserved meeting rooms are provided for specific pass holders via the event app.
- VIP Options: Leaders and VIP passes include all-day catering in the Level-up Lounge, exclusive evening events, and fast-track entry.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Reykjavík, Iceland
- Venue Name: Austurbæjarbíó
- Google Maps Address: Snorrabraut 37, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
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Contact Information
- Email: info@innovationweek.is
- Official Website: https://www.innovationweek.is/
- Social Media Links:
- http://www.instagram.com/icelandinnovationweek
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/iceland-innovation-week
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Keflavík International Airport is located approximately 50 kilometers from the city center.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: There are no trains in Iceland; the BSI Bus Terminal serves as the central transport hub.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The Strætó bus network operates throughout the city, with major stops at Lækjartorg and Harpa near the main venues.
- Parking Availability: Public parking is available at the Vesturgata multi-story car park and various street parking zones in the downtown area.
- Directions by Car: Accessible via Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) which connects the airport directly to the heart of the capital.
What is this event?
Iceland Innovation Week 2026 is a city-wide festival that celebrates and showcases the innovation ecosystem of the North Atlantic. The event brings together startups, investors, and large corporations to share knowledge and foster international business growth.
It functions as a multi-sensory experience where technology meets Icelandic culture through workshops and showcases. The summit aims to make the Icelandic startup scene more accessible to the global market through high-level networking.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular because it breaks the mold of traditional tech conferences by incorporating unique cultural elements like the icy ocean dip and shark tank pitches. It is recognized for its intimate yet high-impact atmosphere that allows for genuine relationship building.
Attendees are drawn to the festival’s focus on sustainability and its ability to attract top-tier Nordic investors and founders. Its popularity stems from being a vibrant marketing window for one of the world’s most creative and resilient small nations.
Attendee Experiences
- The atmosphere in the city during the week is electric and unlike any other tech event I have attended.
- I made more meaningful connections during the side events than I have at much larger global conferences.
- The mix of science and art at the climate summit was truly inspiring and gave me a fresh perspective on innovation.
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FAQ's
Is the event entirely held at a single conference center?
The festival is designed to be a city-wide takeover with events held at various locations throughout downtown Reykjavík. While Kolaportid serves as the main hub for keynotes and booths, many workshops and social gatherings take place in local galleries, offices, and theaters.
What is the security protocol regarding ID requirements for ticket holders?
Certain venues used during the week, such as those within the banking or government sectors, require attendees to undergo security screening. Because of this, you must provide your passport or national ID number during the registration process to ensure a seamless entry to all sites.
How does the 1:1 matchmaking work for international investors?
Investors gain access to a dedicated digital platform that allows them to screen startups based on industry, funding stage, and performance data. You can then request 15-minute meetings that take place in designated lounges or private meeting areas provided at the main festival venue.
Are there specific events tailored for students or early-stage founders?
The festival offers a Student Pass that grants access to the main program at a reduced rate to encourage the next generation of innovators. Additionally, Founders Day features specialized workshops that focus on the practical skills needed for fundraising, marketing, and navigating legal hurdles.
What kind of clothing should I pack for an April event in Iceland?
The weather in Iceland during late April can be highly unpredictable and often changes very rapidly throughout the day. It is recommended to dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes, especially if you plan on attending any of the outdoor side events.
