Programme for the 2026 Design Conference

Landsvirkjun

Landsvirkjun - The National Power Company of Iceland - places great emphasis on innovation to utilise renewable energy in an efficient and sustainable way. The company develops new solutions in the fields of energy production, data analysis and energy utilisation, which support the green transition and increased value creation in Icelandic society.

Arnhildur Pálmadóttir - Lavaforming

s. ap arkitektar is an architectural practice that focuses on transformation in its projects. The practice's projects span a wide range, from building design to development and research projects where the future of architecture is redefined without limits. Lavaforming is an interdisciplinary research and development project at the intersection of architecture, design, science and technology. The project is a futuristic narrative and a technology roadmap that uses a fictional future to shape research and development in the present. The project is about society a hundred years from now, where Icelanders have learned to control lava flows and use molten lava as a building material for structures, infrastructure, and entire cities. Just as steam power transformed Icelandic society in the 20th century, the utilisation of lava has become the foundation for sustainable construction, reducing the energy-intensive and destructive production of building materials and utilising a local energy resource.

Búi Bjarmar

Búi Bjarmar Aðalsteinsson approaches design as a tool for creating positive social impact, not just as a way to develop products. In his work, he emphasises collaboration, sustainability and people's connection with their environment, where design is used to foster participation, skills and social well-being.

Orchid

Orchid is an innovation and collaboration platform that supports the development of new ideas and businesses in the South of Iceland, particularly in the fields of food production, biotechnology and the sustainable use of natural resources. Orkidea connects entrepreneurs, businesses, investors and research institutions to promote value creation and innovation based on green energy and renewable resources.

GeoSilica

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.

Fida Abu Libdeh

Fida Abu Libdeh is the founder and CEO of GeoSilica Iceland. She is an energy and environmental engineer with an MBA degree and leads the development of innovations that sustainably utilise Icelandic geothermal resources to produce valuable minerals and high-quality health products.

Kolofon

Kolofon is a design studio specialising in brand and information design, and visual communication. The studio works with companies and organisations to create a cohesive identity that reflects their core and strengthens the public's perception of the brand. Kolofon is founded on the belief that good design is not only beautiful but also clear, accessible and purposeful. The studio's projects combine creative ideation, meticulous craftsmanship and strong expertise in information design, where complex messages are presented in a simple and understandable way. Kolofon's projects range from identity strategy, brand design, logo design and the development of a visual language, to signage systems, digital media, reports, layout, data visualisation and environmental design. The aim is always the same – to create design that makes the world a little more beautiful and a little more understandable.

Lars Johansson

Lars Johansson is a cleantech investor through E8, North America's largest angel investor 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.

Svava Björk, HI and Smart Solutions

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.

MýSköpun

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

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.

Otto Eliasson

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.

GeoSea

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.

Alor

Linda Fanney Valgeirsdóttir is the CEO and co-founder of Alor, an innovative company working to promote distributed energy production in Iceland by implementing solutions in 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 Thing, Linda will share her vision on how design and innovation can support the development of more distributed energy production.

LIFE Icewater

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.

Tengja

Tengja transforms excess heat from geothermal wastewater into a warm and inviting public space.

The concept is based on a circular design, rethinking how to utilise the energy flows already present in cities to enhance and improve public spaces.

We connect residents and visitors with modular, heated urban furniture that provides accessible warmth and clearly demonstrates how urban design can support active travel and more liveable cities in cold climates.

 

Hugdetta

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.  

Iceland University of the Arts

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.

Húsavík Öl

Húsavík Öl is an Icelandic craft brewery in Húsavík that produces a diverse range of beers with a focus 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.

Drift

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.

National grid

National grid Operates and develops the electricity transmission system in Iceland, ensuring that electricity is delivered safely and reliably throughout the country. The company focuses on innovation and technological solutions to strengthen the energy system, support the energy transition, and meet the growing demand for electricity in a sustainable way.

HS Orka - Automatic volcanic eruption warning system

An automatic volcanic eruption warning system, developed by HS Orka's resource management. The system's software reads data sent every minute from a pressure and temperature gauge located at a depth of 850 metres in borehole 12 in Svartsengi. The software then analyses the data and, if the pressure signal indicates that magma is on the move, an automatic warning message is sent to the Icelandic Meteorological Institute. The alert system has proven crucial in informing the Met Office and the Civil Protection Service of an impending eruption, and it is used by them when making decisions about evacuations.

Opening of the Energy Centre

The Húsavík Power Company is responsible for the distribution and sale of hot and cold water, and electricity, in Húsavík and the surrounding areas. The company emphasises reliable service, the sustainable use of resources, and the development of infrastructure that supports growth and quality of life in the community.

Árbakki - Eco Industrial Park

The project manager for the industrial development at Bakki will present a vision for the area's development. In addition, several companies that are considering locating at Bakki will present their projects and outline the next steps.

Restaurants in Húsavík

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.

Energy Karaoke

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.

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Design Thing is a festival of design, innovation and energy, held in Húsavík on 25-26 September 2026.
Save the date, it will be fun and educational.

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Fosshotel Húsavík

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Programme and priorities of recent years

Design Thing

The focus of 2025 was food and innovation in food, food and packaging design.
The focus in 2025 was innovation, design and food.

This was the Festival 2024. The theme was Music.
The theme for 2024 was music.

The theme of the 2023 Parliament was product design.
The theme of 2023 was product design.