Good Turnout for Iðunn's Industry Days

This was the largest educational event held by Iðunn Education Centre to date. Nearly thirty speakers shared their knowledge and introduced new technology and tools that support innovation in industry. Recordings of the lectures and the programme will be made available to all members shortly.

At Industry Days, members had the opportunity to learn about the latest knowledge in industry from Icelandic professionals and companies actively engaged in innovation. International speakers provided excellent insight into development and innovation in industry. We had a valuable opportunity to learn from the experience of our Swedish counterparts, as Tore Karlsson, Director of Education, and Simon Dahlgren from Skellefteå VUX gave a presentation titled: Skellefteå VUX/Northvolt - From “Sleepy town to the new “Klondike”, where they discussed the challenges that arose when the giant company Northvolt set up its headquarters in the small town of Skellefteå in rural Sweden. Gert Nielsen from the University of Copenhagen discussed the challenges associated with artificial intelligence, Ulbe Jelluma from PrintPower talked about fun ways to innovate in the printing and media industries to meet crises in industry. Graham Williams discussed a new method for vibration measurement, and Elliot Smith, an expert in electric and hybrid cars, gave a lecture on the challenges of electrification for workshops.

Innovation at the closing party with national team chefs

Industry Days concluded with a well-attended party in Vatnagarðar, where a special pop-up restaurant and wine bar were opened in the building. Guests got to experience innovation in cooking, as one of the biggest challenges of the future is to offer protein that does not negatively impact the climate and nature. Chris McClure from Loka Food introduced fish made from plant proteins in collaboration with nature chef Hinrik Carl Ellertsson. National team chef Ólöf Ólafsdóttir, Hugi Rafn Stefánsson, and Björn V. Aðalbjörnsson showcased their skills and demonstrated masterful techniques in dessert preparation using 3D-printed dessert moulds. It's safe to say the desserts were a hit, providing a unique culinary experience. Gísli Grímsson, one of the founders of Rætur&Vín, opened a small wine bar next to the pop-up restaurant and introduced natural wines without any additives, which have enjoyed great popularity in recent years.

A thriving industrial area

Guests could also learn about the social innovation project, A Thriving Industrial Area, in the backyard of Iðunn Education Centre, which is located by Sæbraut. The project aims to improve the air and quality of life for those who live and work in Vatnagarðar and is carried out in collaboration with master landscape gardeners from the Horticultural School. Trees, shrubs, and flowers have been planted that are in harmony with the existing ecosystem and vegetation. In the backyard stands an Icelandic greenhouse from Bambahús, which are recycled from 1000-litre IBC tanks, commonly called Bambar. The house will be located by the walking and cycling path along Sæbraut, and experimental cultivation related to the centre's educational activities will take place there.

Recordings of lectures

We sincerely thank our members for their participation and would like to inform those who couldn't join us this year that recordings of the lectures and the programme will be available on the website bransadagar.is shortly.