Landsvirkjun is the nation's energy company. They generate electricity from renewable energy sources: water, heat and wind.
Landsvirkjun plays a key role in the energy transition in Iceland and contributes to a carbon-neutral world. They are working towards a green future through innovation and the development of new opportunities.
Kolofon Led the rebranding of Landsvirkjun in 2020, a look that has since continued to evolve in a good collaboration between the design agency and the energy company.
Energy is a key element in Landsvirkjun's entire visual identity. In the lecture, we will review the creation and development of the identity and how we have sought to weave energy as a common thread through Landsvirkjun's diverse materials.
Colour usage, typography, sound and motion are only part of what is needed to maintain a strong identity over many years. Alongside this, continuous development, new ideas and, not least, energetic collaboration are required.
In the lecture, we will see examples of the construction, collaboration and development over the years.
Kolofon is a design studio specialising in brand and information design, and visual communication.
How do you build an international innovation community from a place as small as the Faroe Islands?
TONIK began with inspiration from the Nordic startup scene, but grew into something distinctly Faroese.
In this talk, Sóley Heradóttir Hammer and Súsanna Laursen share how TONIK was shaped as more than a conference: a meeting point for technology, entrepreneurship, art, culture, food, place and human connection.
Rather than trying to replicate the scale of larger international conferences, TONIK turned the characteristics of the Faroe Islands into part of the design. Smallness creates proximity. Place shapes the experience. And unexpected encounters can become some of the most valuable moments.
They will share what inspired TONIK, what changed along the way, and what they have learned about designing energy, atmosphere and meaningful connections in a small island community.
A talk about place-based innovation, creative collaboration, and the power of building something that could only happen where you are.
And because TONIK is better experienced than explained, one participant will leave with a ticket to TONIK 2027 in the Faroe Islands.
And don't miss Saturday night, when Faroese Maria Fagranes brings another side of that energy to Húsavík.
Looking forward to it!
Tonic is an international innovation and entrepreneurship festival held in the Faroe Islands. It brings together entrepreneurs, companies, investors and people from the innovation community to share experiences, create new connections and develop ideas. The programme includes lectures, workshops, talks and a variety of events, with a focus on collaboration, innovation and future opportunities.
Snjallræði is an accelerator run in partnership with MIT DesignX and is based on their methodology. Its unique feature is that design thinking is woven into the innovation process, enabling critical questions to be asked and combining the best of the action-oriented business world and the research-focused academic community.
How do we connect people to something as invisible as energy? Come and Be a Multiplier with Madditt & Beta. They are offering a conversation about energy literacy and how to bridge the gap between energy companies and society. Let's promise to spark a flame and connect different elements.
Margrét Hugadóttir, science communicator, and Elísabet Jónsdóttir, graphic designer, work together at the intersection of design, culture and science communication. They design exhibitions and events that spark curiosity and ignite creativity. At the core of their work are interdisciplinary collaboration, active dialogue with the community and design thinking.
Studio Madditt & Beta.
Designing Things at Every Scale
From Nanometres to Megawatt-hours
In his talk, Lars will discuss how innovations in battery technology are reshaping the world and, at the same time, transforming all fields of design.
Lars Johansson is a cleantech investor through E8, North America's largest angel investment network dedicated exclusively to this sector. In addition to being an active investor, Lars has supported E8's work by serving on the organisation's board from 2007 to 2022, including several years as chairman.
Rarik plays a key role in value creation across a large part of the country. The company's mission is to increase value creation and the quality of life for its customers through the safe delivery of renewable energy and socially responsible operations. Rarik prioritises the strengthening of communities, whilst supporting the energy transition and a dynamic business sector.
MýSköpun is an Icelandic biotechnology company that focuses on the development and scale-up of industrial microalgae production. The company was founded with the aim of utilising Iceland's unique natural advantages to sustainably produce microalgae-based food supplements.
Orkusalan is a progressive Icelandic energy company that produces and sells electricity and offers charging solutions for electric vehicles. The company has been a pioneer in developing smart energy solutions for homes and businesses, including Orkuleiðir, which allows households to choose electricity tariffs that suit their needs. Orkusalan shows that energy can be both simple and fun.
We are used to thinking of geothermal energy as heat and electricity. But what if geothermal energy can also become a design product?
In the lecture, examines Fida Abu Libdeh, Founder and Managing Director GeoSilica, what happens when geothermal energy, innovation and design meet.
At GeoSilica, the geothermal water is given a new lease of life. Through innovation and deep-tech, valuable minerals are extracted from the water and transformed into products that reach consumers.
But good technology on its own is not enough. Design helps us to tell the story, create an experience and turn complex technology into something that people understand, connect with and want to use.
So perhaps the question isn't just: How much energy can we get from geothermal heat? Rather What else can we design from geothermal energy?
GeoSilica develops and manufactures natural health products from valuable minerals, sustainably sourced from Icelandic geothermal water. Through research, innovation and high-tech solutions, the company transforms an underutilised resource into high-quality products that support health and well-being and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
What is energy? We talk every day about energy and lack of energy, energy shortages and energy security, hydropower, potential energy, thermal energy, electricity, chemical energy, kinetic energy, mental energy, good energy and bad energy. What does this actually mean? Does energy just come and go? Can energy be wasted? Will there always be energy?
Otto Eliasson is a physicist and the Managing Director of Eimur, who has focused on connecting research, innovation and sustainability to create real opportunities for society and industry. In his role at Eimur, he has supported the development of projects in the areas of energy transition, the circular economy, and green job creation, using a solution-oriented and forward-looking approach.
The energy transition is not just about large-scale power stations, but also about solutions closer to the people who use the energy. Linda Fanney Valgeirsdóttir, Executive Director and Co-founder Alor, reviews the opportunities in solar energy and energy storage in a distributed energy system. She shares the experience of Alor's solar energy projects in Iceland and describes how used electric vehicle batteries can be repurposed for energy storage.
The article also focuses on the development in our neighbouring countries, where roofs, walls and glass generate electricity while at the same time blending in with the design of buildings and the environment.
Alor is an innovative company working to promote distributed energy generation in Iceland by implementing solutions in the fields of solar energy, energy storage, and smart energy utilisation. Alor's aim is to enable businesses, farmers, and public bodies to produce their own energy, increase energy security, and actively participate in the energy transition. At the Design Conference, Linda will share her vision on how design and innovation can support the development of more distributed energy generation.
LIFE Icewater is a major collaborative project aimed at improving water protection and water management in Iceland. The project increases knowledge of the country's water resources, supports new solutions to improve water quality, and strengthens cooperation between municipalities, institutions and companies on the sustainable use of water.
At the turn of the century, Húsavík had become a laboratory for the multi-use of geothermal energy. The same water was to generate electricity, heat homes, power industry and be used in fish farming. To get the most value from every litre.
But the people of Húsavík went a step further. Warm waste water from the power station sparked the idea of importing crocodiles from the United States, partly to utilise waste from the fishing industry.
The crocodiles never came, but the story shows what can happen when you ask: what more can we make from what we have?
GeoSea utilises a unique blend of geothermal water and sea to create an experience based on nature, well-being and sustainability. The company has developed a destination that combines innovation in tourism with the responsible use of local resources, thereby strengthening employment and tourism in Húsavík.
Tengja – turning excess geothermal heat into warm public spaces.
Tumi, Janek and Max from Tengja explain how their vision came to life and what challenges they want to tackle with their geothermally heated objects in the future.
The talk will be accompanied by a short 'behind the scenes' documentary.
Jumps, micro-flows and the sharing economy as an example of behavioural design
The energy transition isn't just about replacing petrol cars with electric ones. It's also about reducing the number of vehicles and using them more efficiently.
Kristín Hrefna Halldórsdóttir, Managing Director Hopp Reykjavik, shows how electric scooters, car-sharing and the sharing economy can change travel habits, free up urban space and make the private car less of a default choice.
Using examples from Hopp and research on the impact of car-sharing, she asks the big question: Do we really need to own everything we use?
Come and see the energy transition go from the power grid to the street.
The vision for Bakka – Bergþór Bjarnason, Mayor of Norðurþing
Bergþór will review the vision for the Bakka Industrial Area and discuss how the area could develop if the main projects currently under consideration are realised.
Data centre on Bakka
The developers of the data centre project at Bakka will announce their plans.
Bakkavík – Víkingur Gunnarsson, Managing Director
Viking will report on Bakkawick's plans for land-based farming at Bakka and provide an update on the project's status.
Heidelberg – Thorsteinn Víglundsson
Heidelberg is considering starting work on a tailings dam at Bakka, with the aim of using the product in concrete production to thereby reduce the carbon footprint of concrete. Thorsteinn will give an update on the project and its status.
Hugdetta is a design company based in North Iceland. The company was founded by the couple and product designers Róshildur Jónsdóttir and Snæbjörn Þór Stefánsson. Hugdetta draws inspiration from Icelandic culture, nature and daily life, bridging the gap between traditional Icelandic design and a contemporary approach.
Húsavík Öl is an Icelandic craft brewery in Húsavík that produces a diverse range of beers with an emphasis on quality, local character and creative innovation. The company utilises Icelandic ingredients as much as possible and promotes diversity in Icelandic beer culture with new and exciting products.
Gagarin is an Icelandic design studio specialising in interactive experience design and communication. The studio works at the intersection of design, technology and storytelling, creating exhibitions and experiences where visitors are active participants. Gagarín has worked on a wide range of projects for museums, exhibitions and cultural institutions both in Iceland and abroad.
The Iceland University of the Arts has collaborated with Hraðið to foster creative thinking, innovation, and the connection between the arts, business and society. Through the collaboration, students and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to develop ideas, work on real-world projects and create new value through a cross-disciplinary approach.
Maria Fagranes is a Faroese DJ based in Copenhagen, bringing together her Nordic roots and a deep connection to music, energy and the dance floor.
What began as a passion for electronic music has evolved into a growing DJ career, taking her from Copenhagen's electronic scene to festivals and events across the Nordics. She has played at venues including Culture Box and Module, Untamed Jungle at Poolen, and Summarfestivalurin – the largest music festival in the Faroe Islands.
For Maria, DJing is ultimately about creating connection through music. Her sets are built as journeys, guided by emotion, energy and the atmosphere in the room – moving between moments of intensity, release and complete immersion on the dance floor.
Playing in Iceland marks a natural meeting point between her Faroese roots and her evolving journey as a Nordic electronic artist.
Entrepreneurship isn't always a straight path from an idea to success. Sometimes it's more like a muddle. 😅
Drift EA Offers an afternoon of entertaining stories from entrepreneurs, where mistakes, blunders, unexpected twists and valuable lessons are allowed to take centre stage. Because it is often in the chaos that the best ideas are born.
⚡ Is there energy between us?
Once the fumbling is over, there's nothing for it but to get together, have a chat and see what happens.
Informal networking for people who are curious, creative, building something, want to build something – or just want to meet interesting people.
🍻 Beer will be available while stocks last.
Drift EA is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the North of Iceland, supporting individuals and teams to develop their ideas into real projects and businesses. Drift EA provides access to advice, funding, networking and workspace, with the aim of fostering innovation and job creation in the region.
In this presentation, Ragnheiður H. Magnúsdóttir, investor and advisor, talking about what happens when we stop waiting for the perfect idea and instead start to test, ask, connect and act.
How do we find the opportunities that are right in front of us? How do we move from 'it would be nice to…' to actually doing something about it? And why is the first step often much more important than the idea itself?
A talk for people who have an idea in their head – and also for those who think they don't.
HS Orka is the country's largest privately-owned energy producer and is growing rapidly. Innovation has always been a core part of the company's operations, and the development of the HS Orka Resource Park is a testament to this. The focus is on creating opportunities by fully utilising the resource streams generated by geothermal production, in harmony with nature and in good standing with the community.
Orkey produces biodiesel and chemical products from waste. The production is based in Akureyri, where waste is transformed into valuable products. Orkey's products have a zero carbon footprint and are environmentally friendly substitutes for conventional diesel and organic solvents. Orkey both develops new products and participates in product development with others. The raw materials can be of various kinds and, as part of this, Orkey indirectly participates in the ICEWATER project through Gefn, Orkey's parent company.
At Design Thing, the town's restaurants will offer special energy-related dishes inspired by the region's natural resources, innovation and energy culture. In this way, the food will become part of the conference experience and demonstrates how creative thinking can connect cuisine, sustainability and energy.
At the Design Thing, there will be silent karaoke, where participants sing along to music heard through wireless headphones. The event creates a fun and unconventional atmosphere where guests can enjoy music and singing in their own way without disturbing their surroundings.
Are you craving connection? Let's create power couples!
The first-year students on the MA Design and New Environments course at LHÍ invite you to a matchmaking event at Húsavík Öl on Friday, 25th September at 20:30. The aim is to share knowledge and generate positive energy between designers and companies for future collaborations.
Get ready for sparks to fly!
A dance piece for fireworks and people
When art becomes reality
Fire flower presents a new work by Sigga Soffía, You Are the Dancer, where the boundaries between the audience and the artwork disappear. Guests step into GeoSea and the energy of the group drives the flow of the piece, which is based on a script for people and fireworks.
The sky is the stage. GeoSea is the theatre. You are the dancer.
Please note, tickets for this event must be booked with GeoSea.
Four hands. Two therapists. Multiplied energy.
You lie down on the bench and allow yourself to let go and enjoy the journey. No distractions from the hustle and bustle of the day or from the media.
Unique energy massage will be available during the Design Conference. Bookings on the spot.
Helga Björg and Ingibjörg They met when they studied massage together from 2006 to 2009. Right from that time, they felt how their energy was reflected in one another. Their first treatment together was during that time. Between 2017 and 2019, they worked together at Deplar Farm Luxury Resort in the fjords, and it was then that they picked up this thread, which has since continued to grow and flourish. They both teach on the remedial massage course at the Húsavík College of Further Education and teach holistic massage together there. Helga Björg works as the Service Manager for the Húsavík Sea Baths, and Ingibjörg teaches sports at the Akureyri College. In addition, they both give massages on a part-time basis to keep their skills up.
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The focus of 2025 was food and innovation
This was the Festival 2024. The theme was Music.
The theme of 2023 was product design.