Support for Fab Lab Reykjavík secured
Officials signed a cooperation agreement this week to operate the digital fabrication lab Fab Lab Reykjavík, whose mission is to support innovation and product development among the general public, educational institutions, and the business community.
Fab Lab Reykjavík is marking its 10th anniversary, and Reykjavík City has supported the lab since its founding in 2014. "The Fab Lab has been invaluable to the innovation community, to Breiðholt, and to Reykjavík as a city of opportunity — and we are proud to be its backer. The remarkably diverse and important work carried out there supports the growth and development of ideas. From teaching and education at all levels to special projects tied to the intellectual property industry, the creative sectors, and the technology landscape," Mayor Einar Þorsteinsson said on the
occasion.
The signing took place at the Breiðholt Comprehensive Secondary School. Mayor Einar Þorsteinsson signed on behalf of Reykjavík City; Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, minister of higher education, industry and innovation, and Ásmundur Einar Daðason, minister of education and children, signed for the government; and Principal Guðrún Hrefna Guðmundsdóttir signed for the Breiðholt Comprehensive Secondary School.
The newly signed agreement runs for three years through the end of 2026. Reykjavík City's contribution covers the salaries of two lab staff members.
Reykjavík City's support for Fab Lab Reykjavík aligns with its Economic & Innovation Policy and a broader effort to foster a strong innovation environment where forward-thinking businesses can thrive. As a city and a community, we face many challenges calling for new solutions, which is why we want to strengthen the city's innovation infrastructure — helping good ideas grow into the businesses and solutions of tomorrow that deliver real results for residents.
Beyond their cooperation on the Fab Lab's operations, Reykjavík City and Fab Lab are working together on GreenIn Cities, a new European Horizon project focused on co-creation and developing green spaces alongside residents. Reykjavík's involvement centers on developing green spaces in Breiðholt in close collaboration with the Breiðholt Comprehensive Secondary School and neighborhood residents.